Self-Consciousness in Chinese and Italian Adolescents: An Exploratory Cross-Cultural Study Using the Adolescent Self-Consciousness Questionnaire (ASC)

Self-consciousness refers to the tendency to direct attention on both interior and exterior aspects of the self. The present study aims at comparing self-consciousness in Chinese (N = 1,683; years M = 14.78, SD = 1.84) and Italian (N = 1,729; years M = 14.59, SD = 2.01) adolescents using a multidimensional self-report measure, the Adolescent Self-Consciousness Questionnaire (ASC). Reliability analysis supported the overall suitability of ASC in both samples. Comparisons of item and scale scores were investigated as to detect possible country and gender differences. MANOVA and t-student analyses highlighted some interesting differences in the two groups of adolescents, according to specificities from their cultural backgrounds. Overall, Chinese adolescents, compared to Italian ones, emerge as more concerned about social values, showing more interest in monitoring their own social attitudes and behavior, while Italian adolescents are more focused on personal interests and individual characteristics, like physical appearance and personal satisfaction. Interestingly, different gender patterns emerged in the two countries, suggesting that cultural aspects could influence boys and girls in different ways. A qualitative interpretation of results is advanced. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed