The Change in Adaptability and Satisfaction with Life in Students who Study Abroad
Date
2017-12
Authors
Frost, Ashley
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Abstract
This thesis takes place in two parts: the first in a scientific study analyzing the change in students who study abroad. The second part of this thesis is a memoir of the author’s personal experience abroad. Previous research has suggested that study abroad is a powerful and transformative experience that increases open-mindedness and self- confidence (e.g., Dwyer, 2004). The objective of the current study was to investigate the changes that university students experience while abroad. Forty-one students completed online measures of personality, satisfaction with life, and adaptability before and after a five-week study-abroad experience. Satisfaction with life increased from before study abroad to after study abroad, with the trend toward significance (p = .057). Students’ adaptability from before to after studying abroad showed significant increase (p = .002). These findings will be useful for universities, students considering studying abroad, and social and personality psychologists interested in culture and identity.
Description
Keywords
study abroad, personality, adaptability, life satisfaction, Psychology, Honors College
Citation
Frost, A. (2017). The change in adaptability and satisfaction with life in students who study abroad (Unpublished thesis). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.