Vincent Hsu’s research shows that Americans tend to full their ideal of self-reliance by (B) rebellion against the social norms. These are quite commonly found throughout each American generations, where counter-culture is a way for them to establish self-reliance.
Though individualism is a value that is an embodiment of American culture back then and now, it is not how Americans establish self-reliance. Nor do they develop personal ideals or confirm to a role model.