Examining the relationship between ethnic identity and adjustment in Asian international students: Understanding the experience of third culture kids

Much of the past studies on Asian international students in U.S. institutions have focused on issues of adjustment or acculturation, and its implications for therapy. These studies have contributed significantly in understanding factors that account for their adjustment to a new culture. However, past studies have focused on these issues with little consideration for the variability within Asian international students. The current study focused on one of the factors that contribute to such variability; Third Culture Kids (TCK). According to Pollock & Van Reken (2001), TCKs are "A person who has spent a significant part of his or her developmental years outside the parents' culture. The TCK builds relationships to all of the culture, while not having full ownership in any. Although elements from each culture are assimilated into the TCKs life experience, the sense of belonging is in relationship to others of similar background" (p.19). This exploratory quantitative study compared levels of ethnic identity of TCK international students of Asian descent and that of Asian international students who do not have extensive experience of living overseas. In investigating the ethnic identity between these two groups, it was hypothesized that TCK international students would have lower level of ethnic identity. The study hoped to introduce and gain a better understanding of the TCKs, and identify possible implications of the results for psychotherapy. Participants included male and female international students of Asian descent enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in the U.S. Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM) by Phinney (1992) was used to measure the level of ethnic identity of participants. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to investigate the hypothesis that traditional international students would have stronger ethnic identity compared to international students who are TCKs. In doing so, number of months lived overseas during adolescence were the independent variable, and ethnic identity was the dependent variable. Homesickness and Contentment Scale (HC) was used to assess emotional and psychological adjustment of all participants. Hierarchical regression analysis was used to investigate how ethnic identity affects emotional and psychological adjustment, along with other factors that may affect adjustment.;While there appeared to be some linear relationship between months lived overseas and ethnic identity, results of statistical analysis suggested no significant differences in ethnic identity between the two groups studied. Results were similar for the second hypothesis that examined the relationship between ethnic identity and adjustment. Financial status and gender were entered into hierarchical regression analysis as variables, but neither of these variables were significant factors.;Implications of the study for multicultural therapy, as well as suggestions for future study are discussed.