Actual and volitional personality change across study abroad.

Abstract

According to personality development theories, the dramatic environmental transition of study abroad may form a crucible for personality change. Location, social roles, and cultural familiarity suddenly shift, potentially disrupting old habits and creating new ones, building upon the typical maturation occurring during college age. The current study poses questions about selection and socialization effects of study abroad on personality, actual and volitional change in personality, and whether adjustment to study abroad catalyzes change. Longitudinal studies were conducted with Japanese students studying for one year in the USA (N=300), and a comparison sample of students in an English-language program at their university in Japan (N=108). Big Five personality traits and trait-relevant behavior were assessed at the beginning and end of the programs, along with three types of volitional change: expectations, perceptions, and desires. Study abroad showed selection effects for higher Extraversion and Emotional Stability traits and developmental and socialization effects of increases in Openness behavior. Expected and perceived change corresponded with actual change (but desired change did not), and cultural adjustment predicted socially desirable trait-relevant behavior before students' return home. Study abroad was revealed as an environment wherein students both subjectively experienced and actually demonstrated changes in trait-relevant behavior.