“…While many studies have investigated the potential harmful effects of STMs, there is also a considerable amount of literature that supports the positive impact of STMs. Investigators have found that STMs can give participants the opportunity to reflect on and evaluate their own culture, values, communication styles, relationships, and worldviews (Belay, 1996; Martin, 1986; Salisbury, 2012; Swartzentruber, 2008; Tuttle, 1999; Uehara, 1986; Walling et al, 2006). In addition, other studies have shown that participants have grown in the individual components of knowledge, awareness, attitudes, behavior, intrapersonal growth, intellectual, interpersonal growth, and spiritual growth (Beers, 1999; Beyerlein, Trinitapoli, & Adler, 2011; Cooney, 1983; Deardoff, 2004; Gagne, Briggs, & Wager, 1992; Gillespie, Braskamp, & Braskamp, 1999; Habenicht, 1977; Hopkins, 2000; Manitasa, 2001; Northcutt, 2000; Radecke, 2008; Swartzentruber, 2008; Wiseby, 1990).…”