The Relationship of Gender, Trauma Response, and Spiritual Development to Missionary Repatriation Adjustment

Abstract

This study was designed to explore the impact of gender, trauma response, and spiritual development on the repatriation adjustment of Christian missionaries from the United States. Sussman's (2000) model for cultural identity change through cultural transitions was utilized to provide a theoretical framework for exploring missionaries' repatriation adjustment. It was hypothesized that level of trauma response and spiritual development would significantly contribute to missionaries' repatriation adjustment. Additionally, this study examined gender differences in repatriation adjustment for missionaries who have returned from the field. Results demonstrated that missionaries' trauma response on the field significantly predicted their adjustment upon their return home. Findings on gender differences are discussed.