Individualism is a concept that’s not just about morals, but also about how we see ourselves in our culture. In cultural psychology, it’s often compared to collectivism, which focuses on group interests (Triandis, 1995). With individualism, we pay more attention to ourselves as individuals rather than just the larger cultural group we belong to. This can even be seen in smaller groups, like a sports team or a training environment (Schinke & McGannon, 2014). Our personal interests and desires become really important, and if these interests clash with others’, it can cause problems in how we interact with each other. In different cultural groups, there can be aspects of both individualism and collectivism (Triandis & Gelfand, 1998).
In sports psychology, researchers have looked at how athletes from different cultures adapt to the norms of a new culture, which might be more individualistic or collectivistic than their own (Schinke et al., 2006). Understanding how individuals interact with their groups can help improve how we support athletes and people who love physical activities, making sure everyone’s needs are considered (Ryba & Wright, 2005).
Ryba, T. V., & Wright, H. K. (2005). From mental game to cultural praxis: A cultural studies model’s implications for the future of sport psychology. Quest, 57, 192 219.
Schinke, R. J., & McGannon, K. R. (Eds.), (2014). The psychology of sub-culture in sport and physical activity: Critical approaches. East Sussex, UK: Psychology Press.
Schinke, R. J., Michel, G., Gauthier, A., Danielson, R., Peltier, D., Enosse, L., et al. (2006). The adaptation to elite sport: A Canadian Aboriginal perspective. The Sport Psychologist, 20, 435 448.
Triandis, H. C. (1995). Individualism & collectivism. New directions in social psychology. Boulder, CO: Westview Press.
Triandis, H. C., & Gelfand, M. J. (1998). Converging measurement of horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 74, 118 128.
