Situational self-assertion in self–other dilemmas among young adults in five cultures: negotiations between self and others

Autonomy and relatedness are essential and universal human needs that are manifested in different cultures with some variations. This study examined situational self-assertion as a behavioral expression in self–other dilemmas among young adults in five different cultures: the United States, China, Korea, Taiwan, and Japan. Four hypothetical self–other dilemma stories were designed to vary in Importance (Low/High) and participants responded to each scenario with respect to Type of Other (Parent/Friend). Participants were asked to answer what they would do in these situations, reflecting whether they would prioritize their own needs or those of others. Results indicated self-assertion varied systematically depending on the importance of the situation and who the target other was; more specifically, young adults across cultures were more self-assertive for situations that were highly important to themselves. At the same time, culturally differentiated patterns emerged in how self-assertion was calibrated toward parents and friends. Taken together, these findings highlight self-assertion as a context-sensitive behavioral process through which autonomy and relatedness are jointly negotiated in self-development, rather than as a fixed cultural disposition or a zero-sum trade-off between the two.