Kiasu (Fear of Losing Out)

Abstract: “Kiasu,” a Hokkien term, which directly translates as the “fear of losing out” is synonymous with the Singapore identity. Yet, there has been little empirical research investigating this indigenous psychological construct in Singapore. This paper first delves into Singapore’s Kiasu culture and existing research of Kiasu, which diverges on the operationalization and measurement of Kiasu as a psychological construct. While early research conceptualized Kiasu as a behavioral tendency, more recent investigations have begun to construe Kiasu as a mindset. Next, we review Kiasu-related outcomes in four domains: academic performance, learning strategies, well-being, and creativity. Finally, we propose a new theoretical framework integrating current research to guide future research directions. Specifically, the proposed integrated model is composed of Kiasu antecedents, individual Kiasu mindset, Kiasu behaviors, and Kiasu outcomes with moderators of normative Kiasu mindset and incentive system in the context. We believe that this proposed integrated model will help us better understand the prevalent Kiasu mindset and behavior in Singapore.