Using self‐portrait photographs to understand self‐concepts of Chinese and American university students

Abstract

This study examines differences between self‐concepts of Chinese and American university students. Both groups used 35mm cameras to show who they are. They wrote statements about the intended meaning of their best photo. The signs of other people, materials, and objects, and cultural ideas in each photograph were analyzed. Contrary to expectations, a higher percentage of Chinese students portrayed themselves as independent, and a higher percentage of Americans were oriented to other people. Consistent with expectations, Americans were more likely to be oriented towards materials and objects. Both groups were equally likely to be oriented towards cultural ideas.