Core self-evaluations and subjective well-being in the U.S. and the Philippines: The moderating role of self-construal

Extant literature has shown that the compound personality variable core self-evaluations (CSE) is associated with various psychological outcomes. However, there is a dearth of research on CSE across cultures. Consistent with self-construal theory, because there can be differences in self-construals within and between cultures, the present study examined the moderating role of culture on the relation between CSE and subjective well-being while also allowing for individual differences in self-construal in the US and the Philippines. In both countries, CSE positively predicted subjective well-being. Notably, the association between CSE and subjective well-being was stronger in the US than in the Philippines. In addition, independent self-construal strengthened the positive impact of CSE on subjective well-being especially in the US. Overall, CSE positively predicts subjective well-being; however, the relationship depends on not only the cultural context, but also on individual differences in self-construal. Copyright © 2016 Scandinavian Psychological Associations and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.