Publication Type

Journal Article

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

12-2022

Abstract

Kiasu (fear of losing out, FoLO) is considered the single most defining adjective that captures Singapore identity, and it is well-observed in other Asian cultures as well. Despite the widespread endorsement of kiasu in Singapore, there is limited empirical research on the theoretical conception of kiasu as a psychological construct. To empirically investigate kiasu, we validated the construct and measurement of the FoLO mindset in Study 1. In Study 2, we hypothesized and found a negative association between FoLO and Singaporeans’ self-esteem, which was mediated by a higher tendency of conformity. In addition, we hypothesized and found that individuals’ need for cognitive closure (NFCC) moderated the negative link between conformity and self-esteem such that high NFCC accelerated the negative impact of conformity on self-esteem. Whereas FoLO is often described as a form of competitiveness, the moderated-mediation model of FoLO and self-esteem can be replicated with competitiveness but in an opposite direction. This demonstrated that FoLO and competitiveness are two distinct psychological constructs. Implications of FoLO in Singapore as well as in other Asian contexts are discussed.

Keywords

Fear of Losing Out (FoLO), Kiasu, Competitiveness, Self-Esteem, Conformity, Need for Cognitive Closure (NFCC), Singapore

Discipline

Applied Behavior Analysis | Asian Studies | Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Asian Journal of Social Psychology

Volume

25

Issue

4

First Page

773

Last Page

787

ISSN

1367-2223

Identifier

10.1111/ajsp.12534

Publisher

Wiley

Copyright Owner and License

Authors

Additional URL

https://doi.org/10.1111/ajsp.12534

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