The Effects Of Personality On The Adjustment Of American Sojourners And Settlers In Shanghai

In recent years, as more and more people sojourn and settle abroad for various purposes, it is important to understand the factors related to successful cross-cultural adjustment. Yet, up untill now, the study of cross-cultural adaptation has mainly focused on overseas students, by employing empirical research methods.This study, however, focuses not only on international students, but on business men, foreign experts, and immigrants as well. And, other than covering and considering all the possible elements which may influence the adjustment, it narrows the factors to one point, and tries to look at the adaptation process from a more psychological perspective. To be specific, it explores how personality factors influence the cross-cultural adjustment of Americans sojourning and settling in Shanghai.Drawing on the research findings of psychology, sociology and adjustment theories, the author addresses the problem in a qualitative study, attempting to answer the following questions:1. What is the status quo of the American sojourners and settlers' cross-cultural adaptation (both psychological adaptation and sociocultural adaptation) in Shanghai?2. Are personality factors playing a vital role in their adaptation here?3. What are the effects of personality on the adjustment of American sojourners and settlers in Shanghai?4. What can be done to help them achieve a more successful adaptation?Mainly based on Colleen Ward's two dimensions in intercultural adaptation(psychological and sociocultural) and Robert McCrae and Paul Costa's Big Five factors, the author carried out interviews with 15 American sojourners and settlers to investigate into their personality, adjustment experiences, and their relations.The present study, to some extent, reveals some insights of American sojourners and settlers'adjustment in Shanghai. And these results will provide useful guidance for helping this group, maybe as well as people from other western cultures, to have a more effective and successful adaptation in Shanghai.