Department - Author 1
Communication Studies Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BA in Communication Studies
Date
6-2016
Primary Advisor
David Askay
Abstract/Summary
This paper explores the connection between reflective writing in the form of journals and blogs and reverse culture shock in study abroad returnees. The experiences of 66 American college-aged students were analyzed in order to determine a relationship between the two variables. The study revealed significant findings that bear upon both students and expats returning to the U.S. First, those who engaged in journal writing reported higher levels of reverse culture shock than those who did not keep a journal. Furthermore, those who participated in any sort of writing, journals or blogs, had higher self-reported reverse culture shock than those who did not write at all. Two explanations are offered to interpret the data, based on theories of identity management and the contrast effect.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/comssp/207