The Role of Cognitive Discrepancy Between Perception of National Character and Personality in the Functioning and Adaptation of 46 Countries
An Exploratory Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 7738673 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Daniel David (0000-0002-9081-423X, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania), Oana David (0000-0001-8706-1778, Babeș-Bolyai University, corresponding author), Silviu Andrei Matu (Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania), Silviu-Andrei Matu (0000-0002-4152-1684, Babeș-Bolyai University), Oana Alexandra David (Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania), Antonio Terracciano (0000-0001-5799-8885, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA) |
| Year | 2017 |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue | 4 |
| Pages | 412-430 |
| Publication date | 2017-10-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Cross-Cultural Research (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1069-3971 • E-ISSN: 1552-3578 |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.1177/1069397116686732 |
| OpenAlex | W2572228058 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 24 |
The role of distorted cognitions in human functioning/adaptation is well-established at the individual level. We argue that the discrepancy between perceived national character and the actual national character (i.e., personality traits) is a form of distorted cognition at the group/country level and thus could have a negative impact on the functioning/adaptation of a given country. In this study, we computed this discrepancy score (the perceived national character minus the actual national character) and correlated it to indicators of functioning/adaptation in 46 countries. Results showed that the overestimation of national character (a higher score on the discrepancy measure) is associated with lower life satisfaction, lower autonomy, lower human development, and lower peacefulness at the country level. These results were maintained even after controlling for the effect of economic development, indexed as gross national income. Distorted cognitions related to national character shared by citizens are not only a scientific curiosity, but they might also have more practical implications for the country’s positioning on the global stage. These findings set the ground for a new topic of research investigating the role of such cognitive distortions
Adaptation (eye · Autonomy · Big Five personality traits · Character (mathematics · Cognition · Curiosity · Developmental psychology · Life satisfaction · Perception · Personality · Political science · Emotional Intelligence and Performance · Leadership, Courage, and Heroism Studies · Personality Traits and Psychology · Psychology · Social Psychology
National Character Does Not Reflect Mean Personality Trait Levels in 49 Cultures
The Optimal Margin of Illusion
Advances in Cognitive Theory and Therapy
Self-Deception Won’t Make You Happy
The inaccuracy of national character stereotypes
Optimism, coping, psychological distress, and high-risk sexual behavior among men at risk for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (Aids)
Self-Enhancement and Self-Stability Predict School Achievement at the National Level
Personality profiles of cultures
Universal Features of Personality Traits From the Observer's Perspective
Positive illusions about the self
Illusion and well-being
Positive illusions and well-being revisited
Do positive illusions foster mental health? An examination of the Taylor and Brown formulation
| Citations per year | 0.5 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2022 - 2023 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |