Communication adaptability and interaction involvement as predictors of cross‐cultural adjustment

Abstract

This study examined the effects of communication adaptability and interaction involvement on one aspect of cross‐cultural adjustment: culture shock. Culture shock refers to stressful feelings caused by social difficulties sojourners experience in the host culture. Results indicate that significant and positive relationships exist among communication adaptability, interaction involvement, and the sojourners’ ability to cope with social difficulties caused by the host culture. Further testing was conducted to investigate which of the components of communication adaptability and interaction involvement best predicts the dimensions of social difficulties. Implications and directions for future research were also discussed.