Diversity of self-construal and behavioral motivation system in Indonesia: a comparative study in Torajan and Makassarese communities in South Sulawesi

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study examined the intra-national diversity in self-construal and behavioral motivation by comparing the Torajan and Makassarese communities in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Although Indonesia is often characterized as collectivistic, local cultural variation may produce distinct psychological profiles. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 383 adult participants, comprising 179 Torajan and 204 Makassarese adults. Self-construal and behavioral motivation were assessed using the validated Indonesian versions of the Self-Construal Scale (SCS) and BIS/BAS scales (Istiqlal et al. 2022). Group differences were analyzed using independent-samples t-tests and Cohen's d, and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore identify demographic nd sociocultural factors associated with SCS and BIS/BAS scores. RESULTS: Torajan participants reported higher levels of both independence (+ 0.31, p = 0.002) and interdependence (+ 0.68, p < 0.0001) than Makassarese participants, indicating a dual self-construal pattern. They also showed higher behavioral inhibition (+ 1.23, p < 0.0001) and lower behavioral activation (- 4.97 ~ - 4.87, p < 0.0001). Relatively large effect sizes were observed for BAS-related outcomes. Demographic factors, including age (with SCS interdependence + 0.01, p = 0.025), female (with SCS interdependence - 0.48, p = 0.001), retired/unemployment (with SCS independence - 0.53, p = 0.025), office worker (with BIS - 0.19, p = 0.005), and "other" occupation including rural subsistence (with BIS - 0.99, p = 0.002) were associated with variation in self-construal and motivational measures. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that psychological orientations vary substantially across cultural groups within Indonesia. The results highlight how local cultural contexts and social environments may be associated with differences in self-construal and motivational tendencies. Such insights may inform culturally sensitive approaches in mental health and community-based interventions.

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