Cross-cultural transitions : a predictive model of psychological and socio-cultural adjustment

Abstract

This study is an attempt to develop predictive models of both Psychological and Socio-Cultural Adjustment. These are examined in relationship to the following variables: expected difficulty, cultural distance, extent of social interaction with both New Zealanders and fellow nationals, satisfaction with social relationships, attitudes towards New Zealanders, extraversion, life changes as well as personal variables such as age, sex, length of residence in New Zealand and previous cross-cultural experience. One hundred and five Malaysian and Singaporean students participated in the study. Using Multiple Regression analysis two models were developed. Satisfaction with relationships with New Zealanders, extraversion, life changes and socio-cultural adjustment combined to account for 34% of the variance in psychological adjustment. Cultural distance, expected difficulty and psychological adjustment combined to account for 36% of the variance in socio-cultural adjustment. Thus, although psychological and socio­ cultural adjustment are inter-related the need to regard these as distinct and related to different factors is highlighted.