Publication Date

2013

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

College students-Psychology, College students-Travel, Foreign study-Psychological aspects, Adjustment (Psychology), Coping, Study abroad, Re-entry, Globalization and higher education

Abstract

This quantitative study asked the question: what are the coping styles utilized by study abroad students during the re-entry period? The exploratory nature of the study then examined the relationship of eight variables on coping styles; gender, age, previous travel experience, number of languages spoken, having other family members who studied abroad, how supported they felt by home institution, race and coping style in relationship to the biggest challenge they faced. This research was conducted using an anonymous online survey made available to any past study abroad students. The survey asked for information about family history, travel experience and demographic information in addition to incorporating a pre-existent coping styles measurement scale; Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) Ways of Coping measurement scale. The 85 participants in this study primarily ranged from 19-30 years old and were required to have studied abroad in the past. Major findings corroborate with research in suggesting that measuring coping styles is difficult due to the variety of influential factors. This research will hopefully aid in exploring the re-entry experience and add to limited to literature on re-entry and coping.

Language

English

Comments

iii, 93 p. : ill. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2012. Includes bibliographical references (p. 56-67)

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