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Collectivistic and individualistic value orientation, coping style, and trauma symptoms following life adversities among adults in Singapore
Author(s)
Date Issued
2010
Citation
Tang, S. W. (11-16 Jul 2010). Collectivistic and individualistic value orientation, coping style, and trauma symptoms following life adversities among adults in Singapore. 27th International Congress of Applied Psychology, Melbourne, Australia.
Type
Conference Paper
Abstract
Studies on Western samples have found that individuals who place more emphasis on individualism tend to use more direct coping strategies, which are in turn related to better adjustment following life adversities. The present study aimed to determine associations between individualistic and collectivistic value orientation, coping style, and trauma symptoms among adults residing in a multi-cultural and
non-Western country of Singapore. It also investigated the influence of the interplay between value orientation and coping style on trauma and depression symptoms. A community sample of 947 adults in Singapore who had experienced various life adversities were recruited. Participants were invited to complete anonymous questionnaire consisting of psychological scales on life adversities, cultural
and value orientation, coping style, and trauma and depression symptoms. Bivariate correlations
were conducted to delineate associations between variables. Hierarchical regression analyses were also performed to investigate whether coping style moderated the association between value orientation and trauma symptoms. Results of bivariate correlations indicated that trauma and depression symptoms
were associated with experiences of life adversities at a younger age, female gender, being single, without employment, individualistic value orientation, and negative coping style. After controlling for demographic characteristics and age of life adversities, intrusive symptoms were best predicted by negative coping. Significant individualistic orientation x negative coping 2-way interaction effects were found for arousal and avoidance symptoms. In particular, the association between individualism and
arousal and/avoidance symptoms were found among participants with high levels but not low
levels of negative coping. For depression symptoms, a significant collectivistic orientation x positive coping 2-way interaction was found. Among participants with low collectivism, depression symptoms were related to low levels of positive coping. Among participants with high collectivism, depression symptoms were related to high levels of positive coping. Prevailing literature may not accurately reflect associations among value orientation, coping, and adjustment of individuals from non-Western countries with varying degrees of collectivism and individualism.
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