Sojourners’ Identity Transformation As A Function Of Cross-Cultural Adaptation: A Communication Model Of Multicultural Identity Development

Abstract

This dissertation explored the multicultural identity(ies) development of sojourners as a function of their cross-cultural adaptation (CCA). Several theories of CCA, identity, and identity development are discussed and were used as a theoretical framework and explanatory mechanisms for investigating changes in sojourners’ identity. Three research questions were proposed to examine CCA experiences and the development of a multicultural identity. An interpretivist approach to qualitative research in the form of individual in-depth interviews with Davis-United World College students (N = 32) was employed. Data were analyzed via constant comparative analysis. Findings revealed that Davis-UWC students underwent multiple adaptation that shaped their multicultural identity(ies) development. Several communicative events that shaped the development of their multicultural identity(ies) were identified as were ways in which identity(ies) was/were enacted in communication practices. Based on these findings, the dissertation advanced a Communication Model of Multicultural Identity Development (CMMID) that is detailed along with a discussion of the findings and their implications for CCA and intercultural communication research.