Subjects: Psychology >> Social Psychology submitted time 2024-03-09
Abstract： The current research on the relationship between scarcity and generosity continues presenting contradictions. The theory of resource depletion suggests that scarcity of material resources limits the possibility of individuals engaging in generous behavior. An alternative hypothesis from the social context theory posits that individuals facing resource scarcity possess a more context-dependent cognitive style and are more reliant on others, thus being more attentive to others’ well-being and displaying greater generosity. To address this conflicting relationship, some studies have explored relevant discussions on the measurement standards of scarcity. However, a clear understanding of the mechanisms underlying the effects of scarcity on generous behaviors is still lacking. To better address the aforementioned issues, this study intends to approach this from the perspective of self-construction and investigate the role of face consciousness between the two. We argue that face consciousness plays a moderating role in the relationship between scarcity and generous behaviors. Specifically, individuals with low face consciousness experienced a significant negative effect of scarcity on generous behavior. Conversely, for individuals with high face consciousness, the impact of scarcity on generous behavior was not significant. Furthermore, material scarcity prompts generous behavior through a lack of face motivation.
Three studies (comprising five sub-studies) were conducted to validate the hypotheses mentioned above. Study 1 (Study 1a and Study 1b) explored the influence of material scarcity on generous relational behavior. By manipulating individuals’ perception of scarcity, Study 1a utilized common life scenarios like “sharing a bill” and Study 1b focused on the scenario of choosing a restaurant for a meal, investigating the relationship between face consciousness, scarcity, and generous behavior. Building on Study 1, Study 2 (Study 2a, Study 2b) incorporated scenarios involving rule-compliance or charitable generous behavior, measured individuals’ scarcity mindsets, and manipulated the perceived importance of face to further investigate the relationships among these factors. Study 3 employed a questionnaire-based measure to investigate the roles of gaining face and giving face in the tendency toward scarcity and generous behavior.
The research findings of Study1 (Study1a and Study1b) revealed that to those who experience material scarcity, individuals with a high face consciousness showed no significant differences in the amount spent on “sharing a bill” and the choice of restaurant for a meal compared to individuals in the affluent group. The results of Study 2a showed that, regarding the proportion allocated to others, scarcity and importance of face showed a significant interaction. Simple effect analysis results demonstrated that, for individuals for whom face was not important, the proportion allocated to others in the scarcity group was significantly lower than that in the affluent group. However, for individuals for whom the face was important, the proportion allocated to others in the scarcity group showed no significant difference compared to that in the affluent group. Similar research results were obtained in the charitable donation scenario in Study 2b. The results of Study 3 (n = 299) indicated that individuals facing material resource scarcity did not engage in generous behaviors to gain face for themselves. However, they exhibited generosity in upholding their own face.
The results demonstrate a significant main effect of scarcity on generous behavior, indicating that scarcity has a significant negative predictive effect on generous behavior. However, based on one’s perception of the situation, the relationship between scarcity and generous behavior also changes with an individual’s self-construction. Based on previous research, this study proposes, from a psychological perspective, that being generous despite limited resources is more of a way for individuals to maintain their levels of self-esteem and social identity through generous actions, a manifestation of an individual’s defense mechanism. By studying the scarcity mindset of relatively impoverished individuals and conducting research related to prosocial behavior, it is possible to promote social harmony and scientifically manage relative poverty.
Subjects: Psychology >> Social Psychology submitted time 2024-03-01
Abstract： The maximization decision-making style includes two dimensions: the maximization goal and the maximization strategy, each exhibiting distinct adaptive functions. Most studies often rely on scores of the overall or the specific dimension, a method that fails to fully capture the complexity of maximizers. This review analyzes the differences and connections between the two dimensions of maximization from the perspective of motivation, leading to the proposal of a person-centered maximization four-quadrant model and its hypotheses. This model categorizes decision-makers into four types: mixed-type, goal-oriented, strategy-oriented, and non-maximizers. Based on this model, this review analyzes the adaptive functions of different types of maximizers from the perspectives of emotional adaptation and social consumption behavior adaptation. Finally, this review discusses the theoretical and practical value of the maximization four-quadrant model, and suggests that future research should further explore the interaction between dimensions, adopt a person-centered perspective, conduct longitudinal analyses, and investigate influencing factors and neurological foundations, to enhance understanding of adaptive functions of different types of maximizers.
Peer Review Status:
Awaiting Review
Subjects: Psychology >> Social Psychology submitted time 2023-05-29
Abstract： Liu and Chen’《the Archaeology of China: From the Late Paleolithic to the Early Bronze Age》systematically reviewed the new archeological discoveries within the China. It first introduced e natural environment of China and the relationship between ever-changing ecosystems and human responses and adaptations. Then it summarized the findings of different regions from early Neolithic periods to the end of Shang and the possible explanations why Chinese civilization evolved in this way. Inspired by cultural evolution framework of Henrich, we propose three cultural psychological characteristics which includes associative thinking and respect Oracle and nepotism. Furthermore, we speculate these characteristics is originated and transmitted unintentionally from the Saman-Sorcerer of early sedentary agriculture thriving for their social ranking within the settlement and summarize the evidences of this book and authors’ follow-up works.
Peer Review Status:Awaiting Review
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