Date of Award

Spring 2022

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Psychology

First Advisor

Dina Anselmi

Abstract

Research studies have shown that there is a relationship between attachment, personality and adjustment. This present study examined the impact of attachment style, personality, and intercultural effectiveness on an individual’s intent to study abroad. I predicted that those with secure attachment would be more likely report an intent to go study abroad than those with insecure attachment. I also predicted that students with high levels of extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness would be more likely to abroad then those with high levels of neuroticism. Lastly, I predicted students with high levels of intercultural effectiveness would be more likely to go abroad. Attachment style was measured by the Experience in Close Relationship – Revised scale (Brennan, Clark, and Shaver, 1998). Personality was measured by the Big Factor Inventory scale, a 44-item questionnaire (John et. al., 1991). Intercultural effectiveness was measured by the Intercultural Effectiveness Scale (Portalla and Chen, 2010). The results indicated there was no relationship between attachment style and intent to study abroad. However, results showed there was a relationship between gender and attachment in regards to intent to study abroad. The results also demonstrated a significant relationship between extraversion and intent to study abroad. However, there was no significant difference found between openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism and intent to study abroad. Finally, contrary to my prediction no relationship between intercultural effectiveness and intent to study abroad was found.

Comments

Senior thesis completed at Trinity College, Hartford CT for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

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