Cultural Model of Vulnerability to Distress: The Role of Self-Construal and Sociotropy on Anxiety and Depression Among Asian Americans and European Americans

The present study tested a structural equation model of the association between self-construal, sociotropy, anxiety, and depression across two ethnic groups (n = 212 for Asian Americans and n = 202 for European Americans). The results provided support for a unified model that was applicable in explaining distress experiences among both ethnic groups. Interdependent self-construal predisposes a person to develop sociotropy and consequent depression via a heightened level of anxiety. Despite this indirect pathway from interdependent self-construal to depression, however, interdependent self-construal in and of itself was found to be negatively related to depression. On the other hand, independent self-construal protects a person from developing sociotropy and subsequent distress experiences. The findings provided support to the link between anxiety and depression. Implications to person-environment fit are discussed.