Evidence for the cultural specificity of pessimism in Asians vs Caucasians: a test of a general negativity hypothesis

Cultural differences in positivity and negativity were examined between 76 Asian American and 76 Caucasian American students matched on age and sex. Based on separate optimism and pessimism scores, Asian Americans were found to be more pessimistic, but not less optimistic, than Caucasian Americans, consistent with previous findings. No differences between ethnic groups were found on measures of positive and negative affectivity, nor positive and negative problem orientation. These findings are consistent with the view that elevated pessimistic thinking is a distinct, culture specific component of Asian, but not Caucasian, sensibility. The present findings are discussed in regard to cross-cultural theory and research involving Asians.