Developmental Trajectories of Chinese Adolescents' Group-Oriented Values: The Effect of Unsociability and Shyness

Zheng Kejun; Li Yan; Liang Lichan; Chen Xinyin; Bian Yufang

doi:10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.202304024

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Journal of Psychological Science ›› 2023, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (4) : 952-959. DOI: 10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.202304024

Research on Social Psychological Service in the New Era

Developmental Trajectories of Chinese Adolescents' Group-Oriented Values: The Effect of Unsociability and Shyness

Zheng Kejun¹, Li Yan¹, Liang Lichan¹, Chen Xinyin², Bian Yufang^1,3,4

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Abstract

Group-oriented cultures are more likely to define individual identity in terms of the relationship between group members, and to emphasize cooperation and interdependence rather than competition and independence. Self-oriented culture is more inclined to believe that individuals have relatively independent identities, to advocate competition and individual initiative, and to emphasize individual differences. Traditional China is a typical country with group-oriented culture. Chinese culture emphasizes group attachment and puts collective goals and interests above individual goals. Group-oriented values are the reflection of group-oriented culture in terms of values. It refers to the value orientation that attaches importance to group goals and achievements, emphasizeing the connection between individuals and groups. Most previous studies have focused on the regional difference, cross-generational change, and the overall changes in the national level during social changes. However, less is known about the developmental trajectories of cultural values of early adolescents in the changing Chinese society.
According to the theory of social change and human development, as a society changes from Gemeinschaft to Gesellschaft, the emphasis on cooperation and interdependence shifts correspondingly to that on autonomy and independence. From the perspective of life-span development, values are a dynamic process of change. When adolescents enter puberty, they are more likely to be in such environments as schools and work context, which emphasize individual independence and increase the demand for competition among individuals. However, to our knowledge, there is no empirical research on the development of Chinese adolescents' group-oriented values. Accordingly, a longitudinal study was conducted to examine the developmental trajectories of group-oriented values across Chinese early adolescents.
In the present study, participants were 1,039 Chinese adolescents (53.9% boys) between 11 and 15 years old (M_T1 = 12.37 years old, SD = .58 years old). Data were collected in three waves, each one year apart. Measures at all three time points included self-reports of group-oriented values, and peer nominations of social withdrawal (shyness, unsociability). Latent growth model was used to examine: (1) Initial levels and changes in group-oriented values over time; and (2) The prediction of both initial levels and changes in group-oriented values from gender, shyness and unsociability.
Results showed that (1) The group-oriented values of adolescents decreased linearly, and there was significant individual difference in the initial level, but no significant individual difference in the speed of change. There was no significant correlation between the initial level and the speed of change. (2) The initial level of group-oriented values of girls was significantly higher than that of boys, but there was no significant gender difference in the rate of change. (3) The higher level of unsociability promoted the decline of group-oriented values at a specific time point, while shyness had no significant predictive effect on the development of group-oriented values.
Our findings indicate that the developmental trajectories of group-oriented values are affected by unsociability at different developmental stages. A better understanding of the causes of change in group-oriented values across the puberty can shape good cultural values of early adolescents.

Key words

group-oriented values / unsociability / shyness / liner latent growth model / gender difference / adolescence

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Zheng Kejun, Li Yan, Liang Lichan, Chen Xinyin, Bian Yufang. Developmental Trajectories of Chinese Adolescents' Group-Oriented Values: The Effect of Unsociability and Shyness[J]. Journal of Psychological Science. 2023, 46(4): 952-959 https://doi.org/10.16719/j.cnki.1671-6981.202304024

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