How Will I Versus We Perform? An Investigation of Future Outlooks and Self-Construals

Previous theory and research suggests that people generate predictions to prepare for an uncertain future,often basing predictions on task-relevant information like prior performance. four studies test the hypothesis that preparation via prediction occurs more readily when interdependent (vs. independent) self-construals are salient. this hypothesis was supported when examining chronic tendencies to generate negative predictions (study 1) and spontaneous predictions in response to task-relevant information (studies 2,3,and 4),as well as when self-construals were measured (studies 1,2,and 4) and primed (study 3). moreover,performance prediction occurs in conjunction with increases in task persistence,but only for individuals with interdependent self-construals. individuals with independent self-construals tend toward preparation via prediction only when preparation is urgent. discussion centers on the applicability of within-cultural differences in self-construal on cross-cultural investigations,and implications for future research on predictive judgments. © 2014 by the society for personality and social psychology,inc.