Stress, coping and adjustment

The previous chapter described theory and research on culture learning. It emphasised behavioural aspects of intercultural contact and suggested that a social skills interpretation of the difficulties that arise during cross-cultural transition provides a sound conceptual framework for understanding the acculturation process. This chapter focuses on the affective components of intercultural contact. In particular it examines the psychological well-being and satisfaction of immigrants, sojourners, and refugees by applying a stress and coping model to the study of cross-cultural transition and adjustment.