Problem‐focused versus emotion‐focused coping strategies and repatriation adjustment

Abstract

Failure to cope with a stressful repatriation transition can derail the global career experience. Repatriate stress-coping behaviors have not been examined empirically, however. This study explores the factor structure of an extensive array of coping strategies and their relation with repatriate adjustment. Data collected from 282 repatriates involved in a boundaryless repatriation experience reveal a factor structure consistent with problem-and emotion-focused dimensions documented elsewhere. Regression analysis fi nds negative associations between emotion-focused coping strategies and repatriate general, interaction, and work adjustment and positive relations between problem-focused strategies and repatriate interaction and work adjustment.

Problem-Focused Vs. Meaning-Focused Coping as Mediators of the Appraisal-Adjustment Relationship in Chronic Stressors

“…Problem-focused strategies have been inversely related to psychological and physiological stress symptoms. For example, in a study of 282 individuals who had repatriated from Japan (primarily currently living in the U.S.), emotionfocused coping strategies were negatively related to general, social, and work adjustment, whereas problem-focused coping strategies were positively related to adjustment (Herman & Tetrick, 2009). A similar pattern of results was noted in a sample of Westerners adjusting to life in different countries for their business roles (Selmer, 2001).…”

Coping Styles, Social Support, Relational Self-Construal, and Resilience in Predicting Students’ Adjustment to University Life

“…In this regard, many researchers have stated that coping styles play a significant role in students' ability to manage stress (Aldwin, 2004;Cross, 1995). Studies on freshmen in particular (Dyson & Renk, 2006;Gardner, Krägeloh, & Henning, 2014;Herman & Tetrick, 2009;Yalım, 2007;Yiqun, Yueqin, & Yiwen, 2010) have indicated that while some coping styles positively contributed to university adjustment, others just rendered the process more difficult. For instance, Brissette, Scheier, and Carver (2002) found that students' ability to adjust to their university increased as positive reinterpretation, a coping style, increased.…”

Career Mobility in a Global Era: Advances in Managing Expatriation and Repatriation

“…At the same time, frequent international travel is a cause for stress and may accelerate resultant burnout and personal and family difficulties (Westman, Etzion, & Gattenio, 2008). Stress has been identified as one of the factors that influence a repatriate's ability to cope with readjustment upon return (Herman & Tetrick, 2009). …”