Implications of Self-Construal for Affect and Well Being: An Indian Experience

The present study was conceptualized with a view to understand the differential effects of self-construal on positive and negative affect, life satisfaction, domain satisfaction and psychological wellbeing in Indian adults. Following a cross-sectional developmental strategy, a sample of 593 adults from three developmental stages namely young adults, adults, and middle adults was drawn from northern part of India. Based on Q1 and Q3 for both independent and interdependent dimensions of self-construal, two groups were formed. Mean scores of the two groups on all measures were compared by administering independent samples t test. Comparison of extreme two groups revealed that high independent and low interdependent self-construal group displayed higher positive affect, life satisfaction, resource satisfaction, hope, psychological wellbeing and better social an emotional health. In contrast, high interdependent self-construal group reported better spiritual health. The two groups did not differ on negative affect, resource relevance, and domain satisfaction, physical and emotional health. Research findings have been discussed in light of existing theories and explanations.