Abstract

To examine the utilities of the theory of individualism-collectivism, proposed by Triandis (1990), recent cross-cultural research on the theory was reviewed. The empirical researches were examined in four areas: cultural differences in the conception of 'self, discrimination between ingroup and outgroup members, conforming behaviors, and interaction disclosure. Although the methods of many researches are not appropriate for testing the theory, many works provide support to the conceptual framework of the theory. Discussions were centered on the aspects of the theory-testing and the possible refinements. The theory's contribution to the understanding of social acts is largely twofold: it has the potential of integrating many mid-range theories in various fields of psychology and it has clearly shown the importance of cultural mileu on psychological theorizing.