Culture, Development, and Zero-Sum Thought

Abstract

Zero-sum thought is believed to vary across collectivist and individualist cultures.

In two studies, we test a model of the origins of cross-cultural differences in zero-sum thought. We examine individuals at four age groups (preschool, early elementary, late elementary, adults) in a collectivist culture, Singapore, and an individualist culture, the United States. Participants predict one vignette character’s state on either the basis of a different character or the same character at a different time. Results indicate early- emerging differences in zero-sum thought that are consistent with previous findings on cultural differences in emotional suppression. Results are discussed in terms of cultural differences in suppression and practical implications.