Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia
Abstract
This study explored the nature of ethnic identity and its relationship to psychological wellbeing (PWB) in third culture kids (TCKs). Ethnic identity achievement in acculturating individuals (e.g., migrants) is known to furnish one with a sense of belonging to one\u27s group together with desirable psychological outcomes. Ethnic identity construction can be more complex in TCKs because of exposure to multiple cultural contexts during developmental years. Seven TCKs currently residing in Australia were interviewed. Analysis proceeded according to Ricoeur\u27s hermeneutic phenomenology. Two themes were elucidated: \u27Making sense of identity\u27 and \u27sense of belonging and PWB\u27. Single and multiple (blended and alternating) TCK ethnic identities were evident. A sense of belonging was positively associated with PWB. There was no support for relationship of nature of ethnic identity to PWB. The usefulness of Ricouer\u27s methodology and of pictorial depictions as an aid to ethnic identity research have been demonstrated. Implications for parents, associated sending organisations (e.g., military) and the helping professions as well as suggestions for future research have been discussed
