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The Strong-Ties and Weak-Ties Rationality Scale (STWTRS) is a theory-driven measure of the culture-insiders' reasoning about the world. In this study, we further explored the latent structure of STWTRS in a cross-indigenous study (n = 2,173) conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic in two Asian countries (China and Malaysia) and two Western countries (Australia and the United States). We hypothesized that strong ties (ST) versus weak ties (WT) rationality can predict different downstream perceptions such as preferred support system and public stigma (PS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results revealed consistently a two-factor structure in ST rationality—ST as communal (ST-C) and ST as authoritarian (ST-A); and in WT rationality—WT as analytic (WT-A) and WT as independent (WT-I), across four countries. Within-country comparisons revealed that both Asian countries had significantly higher ST scores than WT scores, whereas WT was significantly higher than ST in both Western countries. As predicted, across all four countries, ST-C was positively and significantly correlated with social tightness and preferred ST support system, whereas ST-A was the best predictor for PS. Variations of correlation patterns across countries could be explained by their respective exposure to Western influence. Findings could be explained by ecological-rationality match and construal-level theory, thereby opening up new conceptual horizons for future research in culture and rationality. Public Significance Statement: This large-scale study across four nations demonstrates how COVID-related phenomena such as pandemic stigma and preferred help-seeking networks can be predicted by basic human reasoning along the divide between strong-ties and weak-ties rationalities. The results shed light on the so far neglected aspects of the Asian populations, to capture what is unique about them, and to provide a more nuanced explanation of cross-cultural differences. By developing insight into the reasoning (rationality) behind the behaviors of the culturally different other, this study has the potential to deescalate the rising international tension in the post-COVID-19 era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the relationship between strong‐ties versus weak‐ties rationality and public stigma (PS) during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We also explored the cultural group differences (Malaysians vs. Australians) in this relationship. An online survey was conducted in 2021 with a final sample of 830 eligible Malaysians and 394 eligible Australians. Participants completed the multidimensional strong‐ties weak‐ties rationality Scale (STWTRS) and an adapted public stigma (PS) scale towards COVID‐19 patients. Through multiple regression analysis, we found that the strong‐ties rationality, ST‐Authoritarian rationality, was positively associated with PS‐Blame in both countries. However, the variable Country moderated the relationship between ST‐Communal and PS‐Rejection, with a negative association found in Malaysia and a positive association in Australia. The findings confirmed the strong‐ties weak‐ties rationality framework, where ST rationality, especially ST‐Authoritarian, could explain the cognitive mechanism behind negative attitudes towards those who pose threat towards the in‐group survival. However, ST‐Communal could buffer the rejection towards the COVID‐19 patients in Malaysia due to its emphasis on social harmony. This study can inform future interventions aimed at mitigating stigma and promoting a more inclusive and supportive society in times of crisis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report introduces the development of the Southeast Asian Indigenous Psychology (SEAIP) network and the outcomes of the SEAIP‐2023 conference. First, we summarize four priorities of SEAIP research that evolved throughout the years; next, we propose four action plans in translating our research into practice. Our report aims to inspire Asian psychologists, especially the younger generation of scholars, to join and contribute to the development of this network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is growing evidence of the connection between variations in kinship intensity and cross-cultural differences in psychological traits. Contributing to this literature on kinship intensity, we put forward a mental model to explain the enduring connection between ancestral niche and psychological traits. Our model posits that two primary orientations or dispositions—strong-ties and weak-ties rationalities—have co-evolved with our ancestral niches to perpetuate—by internalizing and reproducing—the social structure (such as preferences for certain attitudes, values, and beliefs) of the ancestral niche. The findings from 1,291 participants across four societies—China, India, Taiwan, and the United States—support our hypothesis that strong-ties (weak-ties) rationalities, when activated, will endorse strong-tie (weak-ties) values and beliefs. This proposed model contributes to the toolbox of cultural and cross-cultural psychology in a twofold sense: First, in addition to the index of kinship intensity, it offers a measure of kin-based rationality as another predictor of psychological traits; second, it renders intelligible the niche and rationality disconnect prevalent in the globalizing era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the Sichuan earthquake occurred in 2008, some 'Chinese psychological experts' brought harm to the local survivors by immediately focusing on the pathological effects of trauma and on diagnosing PTSD. [...]