Identity Development in Cultural Transition: The Role of Need for Closure

Abstract

International sojourn provides individuals with an opportunity to form new personal ties and new social identities. This study examined the role of friendship ties and individual differences in need for cognitive closure (NCC) in the development of identification as international students among 140 Asian students in Australia. Evidence was found to suggest that high NCC students develop stronger identification with their new identity group. Perceived cohesiveness of international students as a group predicted stronger identification with international students only among high NCC students, as predicted. In contrast, having stronger international friendship ties predicted stronger identification only among low NCC students. Data also suggested that NCC tends to be higher for students from cultures low on Hofstede’s Uncertainty Avoidance Index and among students whose first language was not English. NCC plays a significant role in sojourners’ identity development during acculturation.