Toward an education for crossing cultures : a study of emotional issues related to the cross-cultural experience

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
John Roberts Grinnell (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
David E. Purpel

Abstract: This study focused on the emotional reactions of sojourners when faced with the differing expectations of a host culture. Experiential and empirical methods of research were utilized along with interviews of five successful sojourners, three from the United States and two from Japan, to gain insight into this issue. Of particular interest in this study was the examination of the nature of processes used by sojourners in dealing with their emotional responses to the cross-cultural experience. This study suggested that "choice" and "flexibility" are key issues within a successful encounter with the differing expectations of a host culture. Generally speaking, the "flexible" sojourner can be said to have a broad band of compromisable values or "preferences," and a narrower band of uncompromisable values or "expectations." Furthermore, this flexibility and clarity on one's values seems to be created from choice--and lived accordingly.

Additional Information

Publication
Dissertation
Language: English
Date: 1987
Subjects
Ethnopsychology
Cross-cultural orientation
Culture conflict
Emotions
Culture shock

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