Selection and socialization effects of studying abroad

Bibliographic Data

ID19280565
AuthorsAdam T Nissen (0000-0002-2101-9478, Department of Psychology University of California, Davis Davis California USA, corresponding author), Wiebke Bleidorn (0000-0003-3795-8143, Department of Psychology University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland), Samantha Ericson (Department of Psychology University of California, Davis Davis California USA), Christopher J Hopwood (0000-0001-6645-8645, Department of Psychology University of California, Davis Davis California USA)
Year2022
Volume90
Issue6
Pages1021-1038
Publication date2022-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Personality (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-3506 • E-ISSN: 1467-6494
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/jopy.12712
PMID35279830
OpenAlexW4221127862
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited72

OBJECTIVES: Studying abroad is often considered a life-changing experience. However, research on studying abroad has not always disentangled selection from socialization effects, leading to uncertainty about the actual impact of this experience. In this 4-wave longitudinal study, we examined both selection and socialization effects of a 4-week intensive study abroad program on 17 psychosocial variables related to motivation, academic achievement, well-being, and self-reflection. METHOD: We used propensity score matching and multiple-group growth curve models to examine selection and socialization effects in a sample of sojourners (n = 145) and non-sojourners (n = 291). RESULTS: We found selection effects for several variables related to students' motivation and well-being. Contrary to our predictions, we found no evidence for socialization effects of studying abroad on any of the outcome variables. CONCLUSIONS: Students who are relatively more intrinsically motivated and emotionally healthy appear to be more likely to study abroad. However, studying abroad for one month does not appear to lead to meaningful and lasting psychological change, on average. Our results highlight the need to examine both selection and socialization effects of study abroad programs with longitudinal data and well-matched comparison groups

Developmental psychology · Longitudinal study · Matching (statistics) · Pedagogy · Propensity score matching · Psychosocial · Selection (genetic algorithm) · Socialization · Study abroad · Cultural Differences and Values · International Student and Expatriate Challenges · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being · Psychology · Social Psychology

Tools

Open DOI