A Qualitative Study Examining Adjustment Patterns of Social Workers Practicing Abroad

Abstract

This action research study intended to identify and improve the impact of (mal)adjustment patterns of 13 social workers and allied professionals as they learn to adapt and acclimate to their new cross-cultural life working abroad from a phenomenological perspective. The theoretical origins of this qualitative research study examined resilience and loneliness theory. The purpose of this research study intends to find viable solutions that would support these professionals abroad. This research was formulated due to the presented gap in the research literature, focusing on international cross-cultural and psychosocial adjustment. Addressing this gap in the research literature will bring much needed awareness around this topic of psychological adjustments while living abroad. There were four research questions developed to guide this research study: (a) Given the unique lived experience of social work expatriates working abroad, what can be done to alleviate any adaptation stressor(s) that occur during the adjustment to the foreign country? (b) What factors facilitate the impact of how social workers and allied professionals adapt to a foreign culture? (c) What factors facilitate the impact of social workers and allied professionals adjustment patterns to adapting to a foreign culture? (d) What interventions would be beneficial in making social workers and allied professionals abroad feel supported overseas? The qualitative research was conducted using field journal notes, interviews, and focus groups. All research activities were transcribed, the data was coded, and thematic analysis identified ten themes. The research findings indicate that social workers and allied professionals need full-time guidance, assistance, and support from their employer to help them acclimate and adjust to the new culture, country lifestyle, and work environment for their psychological well-being.