Actual and volitional personality change across study abroad

Bibliographic Data

ID19280456
AuthorsErik E Noftle (Department of Psychology Willamette University Salem Oregon USA, corresponding author), Noriko Odagiri (Department of Psychology Tokyo International University Kawagoe Japan), Maya Johnson (Department of Psychology Willamette University Salem Oregon USA), Andrew Arzaga (Department of Psychology Willamette University Salem Oregon USA)
Year2024
Volume92
Issue1
Pages111-129
Publication date2024-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Personality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-3506 • E-ISSN: 1467-6494
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/jopy.12784
PMID36221989
OpenAlexW4304636478
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited43

OBJECTIVES: According to personality development theories, the dramatic environmental transition of study abroad may form a crucible for personality change. Location, social roles, and cultural familiarity suddenly shift, potentially disrupting old habits and creating new ones, building upon the typical maturation occurring during college age. The current study poses questions about selection and socialization effects of study abroad on personality, actual and volitional change in personality, and whether adjustment to study abroad catalyzes change. METHOD: Longitudinal studies were conducted with Japanese students studying for one year in the USA (N = 300), and a comparison sample of students in an English-language program at their university in Japan (N = 108). Big Five personality traits and trait-relevant behavior were assessed at the beginning and end of the programs, along with three types of volitional change: expectations, perceptions, and desires. RESULTS: Study abroad showed selection effects for higher Extraversion and Emotional Stability traits and developmental and socialization effects of increases in Openness behavior. Expected and perceived change corresponded with actual change (but desired change did not), and cultural adjustment predicted socially desirable trait-relevant behavior before students' return home. CONCLUSIONS: Study abroad was revealed as an environment wherein students both subjectively experienced and actually demonstrated changes in trait-relevant behavior

California Psychological Inventory · Cognitive psychology · Developmental psychology · Personality · Personality Assessment Inventory · Personality changes · Clinical Psychology · Cultural Differences and Values · International Student and Expatriate Challenges · Personality Traits and Psychology · Psychology · Social Psychology

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