A consensual qualitative investigation into the repatriation experiences of young adult, missionary kids

Using Process‐Experiential/Emotion‐Focused Therapy Techniques for Identity Integration and Resolution of Grief Among Third Culture Kids

“…As a result of their high mobility between cultures, adolescent TCKs may find it difficult to develop an integrated and coherent identity at a time when identity formation is paramount (Choi, ). For example, Bikos et al () observed that many TCKs are uncomfortable answering the question “Where are you from?” and asserted that a significant challenge of repatriation was “figuring out how to fit in” (p. 739). Pollock and Van Reken () suggested that cultural identity conflict and confusion occur for TCKs because the cultural norms change as they move among different cultures.…”

“…The frequent changes and resultant losses may occur rapidly, without adequate time to process the emotional impact of the losses. As a result, some TCKs admit that they find themselves emotionally processing their cross‐cultural experiences even decades after returning to their passport country (Andrews, ; Austin, ; Bikos et al, ; Loewen, ).…”

“…Empty‐chair technique for unfinished business . One of the primary sources of unfinished business for TCKs is unresolved grief (Bikos et al, ; Davis et al, ). Unresolved grief for the TCK can be multifaceted.…”

“…The cross‐cultural experiences that many TCKs feel especially proud of also are associated with multiple, repeated losses. The same frequent mobility that gives them friends on every continent also precipitates many painful losses (Bikos et al, ; Quick, ; Van Reken, ). One child of a military family who attended four elementary schools, four high schools, and three colleges aptly reflected these losses when she wrote,…”

“…Cultural transitions common among expatriate families create experiences of multiple interpersonal and contextual losses for the children and adolescents (Davis et al, ; Pollock & Van Reken, ). Two challenges TCKs may encounter well into adulthood include difficulty with identity integration and unresolved grief (Bikos et al, ; Choi, ; Davis et al, ; Gilbert, ; Gray, ; Pollock & Van Reken, ; Quick, ). Counselors who work with the TCK population need effective strategies to help TCK clients in these two important areas.…”