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Abstract

Background and Objective: Regarding to the “person–environment fit”, although, having a personality which matches the values of the overarching culture should increase subjective wellbeing, a mismatch will decrease it. This study compared the mental status in individualistic and collectivistic students in Iranian culture.
Materials and Methods: Used method in this study was descriptive and comparative. Among all undergraduate students at the Ferdowsi University of Mashhad in 91 - 92 school year, the number of 150 students were selectedbased onquota sampling and according to school and were evaluated with using Auckland Individualism and Collectivism Scale (AICS) and SCL_ 90 Questionnaire.
Findings: Results of multivariate analysis of variance showed that the two groups in terms of their overall performance in SCL_ 90 Questionnaire have significant difference. Also, results of Tests of Between-Subjects Effects showed that between two groups, there is a significant difference in Interpersonal sensitivity, Hostility and Paranoid ideation; such thatindividualistic students hadhigher scoresonthethree subscales.
Conclusion: The results in this study confirmed the“person–environment fit”.The Iranian culture that is recognized as one of collectivist cultures, Individualist studentshad more psychological problems; Whereas , collectivist Studentshad a better mental state.

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