RE-ENTRY ADAPTATION OF SINGAPOREAN STUDENTS

Abstract

The stress and coping perspective was proposed to be the key to integrate the existing theories of intercultural re-entry adjustment. The applicability of such an approach was studied by testing a hypothesised structural model linking stress, coping and re-entry adjustment. One hundred and three recent Singaporean student returnees completed questionnaires assessing their levels of perceived stress, coping strategies adopted and re-entry adjustment problems experienced. LISREL analysis indicated that high problem focused coping and high perceived stress were associated with poor re-entry adjustment. Model fit indices suggest that stress and coping was a legitimate approach to the study of re-entry adjustment. However, suppressor variables were discovered in the proposed model, and interpretation of the results had to be made in relation to the suppression. Future research is necessary to conclusively determine the existence of suppressor effects and the relevance of the stress and coping approach to re-entry.