SOCIAL DIFFICULTY IN THREE CULTURES

An extended, piloted, version of the Bryant and Trower (1974) Social Situations Questionnaire was administered in Natal, South Africa, to nurses from three cultural groups: African, Indian and European, who were matched in terms of age, sex, education, occupation, and language competence. There was a significant difference between the three groups' self-reported social difficulty with the Europeans (Whites) expressing least social difficulty and the Africans (Blacks) most. Discriminant analysis revealed the items which showed most differences in the réponse between the three groups. The similarities and differences between the cultural groups in self-reported social difficulty are discussed within the context of their sociopolitical and cultural experience, and socialization. Implications for cross-cultural research in social skills are noted.