Publication Date

Spring 4-14-2015

School

School of Behavioral Sciences

Major

Psychology

Keywords

missionary kids, third culture kids, re-entry, repatriation, expatriates, missionaries

Disciplines

Multicultural Psychology | Psychology

Abstract

The children of expatriates grow up being a part of two or more cultures which allows them to have unique experiences and challenges. Many of these children return to their parents' home country after they finish school and have trouble adjusting to the change. This study interviewed a sample of Missionary Kids about their transition back to the United States as their home country. It looked at how well they have adjusted and what helped and hindered their transition. The subjects were evaluated on how different factors of their overseas experience influenced their repatriation process, current adjustment, and cultural adjustment. As expected, time since returning to the home country, frequency and length of visits to the home country while living overseas, good relationships with other children of expatriates, support from parents whether overseas or nearby, and participation in re-entry programs influenced the adjustment process.

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