This study arose from the experience of difficulties in individuating incorporating
tensions in the self-group, self-other, and self-self relational dimensions. This situation
initiated the questions: What does individuation mean in collectivist cultures? Can selfexpression
occur in a different way to opposing public opinion? Can one conceptualise
experiential dialectics to facilitate their resolution in practice? The literature initiated
the questions: How do Western theories on individuation incorporate 'culture'? Does
a relationship between the socio-cultural context and the process of self-expression
exist? Conclusions were:
- that the socio-cultural context influences this experience directly by influencing the
process of self-expression via defining what is experienced as narcissistic, altruistic,
or individualistic behaviour, and indirectly by the theories which reflect its norms;
- that the relationship between experience, and theory and personal epistemologies
potentially initiate tensions, and facilitate their resolution;
- that a theory of individuation in collectivist cultures is lacking.
A way of interpreting 'individuation' was discussed.PsychologyM.A. (Psychology
