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Imagining the future: A cross-cultural perspective on possible selves
Clare J Rathbone1, Sinué Salgado2, Melisa Akan3
1Oxford Brookes University, Department of Psychology, Social Work and Public Health, Oxford, United Kingdom.
Consciousness and Cognition
|March 22, 2016
Summary
Culture significantly influences how young adults envision their future selves. This cross-cultural study found differences in the content and characteristics of possible selves across Turkey, Serbia, and the UK.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Understanding 'possible selves' is crucial for future cognition.
- Cultural variations may impact the formation and content of future self-images.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of culture on the qualitative and quantitative aspects of possible selves.
- To explore cross-cultural differences in future self-concept generation.
Main Methods:
- Young adults from Turkey, Serbia, and the UK generated possible selves.
- Possible selves were rated for vividness, positivity, imagery perspective, rehearsal, and social involvement.
- Self-generated images were coded into categories (e.g., job, parenthood).
Main Results:
- Significant cross-cultural differences were observed in the types of possible selves and their ratings.
- Specific possible selves were more common, vivid, and dated later than abstract ones across cultures.
- Cultural variations influenced vividness, positivity, and rehearsal ratings.
Conclusions:
- Cultural life scripts shape future cognitions and the nature of possible selves.
- Future self-representation is influenced by cultural norms and values.
- Culture plays a key role in the development of future-oriented thinking.
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