Individualism-collectivism and the attitudes to school bullying of Japanese and Australian students

Abstract

This study examined whether collectivism versus individualism influences participants' attitudes toward group-based bullying. Student members of a collectivistic culture (Japan; n = 158) versus an individualistic culture (Australia; n = 157) read about a school bullying episode. Collectivistic responses were predicted when the victim was a student from the same culture as the participant, and the classroom group had a norm of bullying versus helping. Individualistic responses were predicted when the participant learned that he or she was personally connected with the bully or the victim. Contrary to predictions, the participants' attitudes reflected the interaction of nationality and gender, with the gender difference being greater between the Japanese versus Australian participants. In contrast, the participants' behavior intentions mainly reflected their nationality-the Japanese participants revealed a greater likelihood of bullying, and a lower likelihood of helping a victim, than did the Australians. The implications for research on individualism-collectivism and bullying are discussed.