Relational mobility explains the cross-cultural difference in self-disclosure

Abstract

Cross-cultural difference exists in self-disclosure, whereby Westerners are found to have higher self-disclosure than Asians. This phenomenon is traditionally attributed to reasons such as relational mobility, collectivism-individualism, value system and gender-role ideologies. However, no study had suggested rejection sensitivity as a possible reason to explain cross-cultural difference in self-disclosure. Past research also showed that Asians are higher in rejection sensitivity and hence display lower self-disclosure than Westerners. This is due to the higher tendency to think that rejection is likely to occur and hence making them feel more anxious during social interactions. This study investigated the role of rejection sensitivity in the cross-cultural difference in self-disclosure. Participants filled up the Self-Disclosure Index (SDI), Rejection Sensitivity Questionnaire (RSQ) and an open ended questionnaire on self-disclosure online. No significant difference was found in the self-disclosure tendency as well as rejection sensitivity between Asian and Western participants. Rejection sensitivity was not significantly correlated with self-disclosure. However, more Asian participants than Westerner participants indicated that the main reason they choose not to self-disclose to a close friend was the perceived likelihood that rejection will occur. This could mean that the likelihood of rejection may be more important in Asian culture in terms of choosing not to self-disclose.