Distant Morality Matters for Wisdom Among Chinese People with Interdependent Self-Construal

Abstract

The role of morality in wisdom varies between individuals with interdependent (InterSC) and independent self-construals (InSC). Across four studies, the current research examines the effect of self-construals on wisdom, and whether the morality serve as an underlying mechanism. In Studies 1 (N = 321), 2 (N = 157), and 3 (N = 218), dispositional InterSC are positively associated with wisdom, and induced InterSC (vs. InSC) strengthen wisdom through social mindfulness. Studies 4 and 5 further indicate that distant morality (vs. close morality) plays a significant role in the influence of self-construals (0 = IndeSC, 1 = InterSC) on wisdom (Study 4), particularly for Chinese with InterSC. However, social distance does not affect the role of self-construals on wisdom in American cohorts. These findings hint at the important role of self-transcendence in promoting Chinese wisdom, highlighting the significance of breaking down moral biases.

Keywords: Wisdom, Self-construals, Social Mindfulness, Social Distance, culture