Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

School

Psychology

Advisor

Tracy Marsh

Abstract

While research on the multicultural experiences of refugees and immigrants is abundant, research on the psychological well-being (PWB) of third culture kids (TCKs) is limited. Using Useem’s model of TCK identity, refined further by Pollock, this research addressed the relationship between gender, cultural homelessness (CH), and cross-cultural identity (CCI), and how these predictors may impact self-esteem and PWB among adult TCKs (ATCKs) who grew up in the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, an intersectionality framework was used to conceptualize identity formation in TCKs. The primary hypothesis was that gender, CH, and belonging to a CCI predict self-esteem and PWB in ATCKs who grew up in the UAE. The study used a quantitative, cross-sectional design with a self-reported, online survey questionnaire consisting of five self-report instruments (a demographic questionnaire, a self-identity measure, CH Criteria, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and Ryff’s PWB scales), which were administered online to 130 ATCKs who grew up in the UAE. Analysis of variance was used to examine whether gender predicts self-esteem and PWB in ATCKs, and linear regression analysis was used to explore CH and CCI factors as predictors of self-esteem and PWB. Results from the multivariate analysis revealed that while belonging to a CCI did not predict self-esteem or PWB, and scores on CH did not predict PWB, CH had a predictive relationship with self-esteem. Results from a one-way ANOVA indicated the findings were not significant. Gender did not predict either self-esteem or PWB. This study may lead to positive social change through more rigorous psychological research on ATCKs and may contribute to the formulation of a balanced view of the developmental trajectories of ATCKs, thereby helping stakeholders better meet the needs of this population.

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