Third Culture Kids (TCKs) are children of expatriates who live in a culture other than their country of nationality or their parent's country of nationality for a significant part of their childhood. Past research has indicated that adjustment is a key factor in the success of global mobility. However, current research in the area of TCK adjustment is lacking. This systematic review aims to present and summarize all available published scientific data on the adjustment of internationally mobile children and adolescents who relocate with their families. We aim to understand factors related to TCK adjustment, highlight lacking research areas, and define areas of interest for future research. The eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review were: traditional TCKs; aged 7–17 years; measures taken during the relocation; outcome variables of wellbeing, psychological adjustment or social adjustment, or socio-cultural adjustment or adjustment. An initial search across eight databases in December 2021 yielded 9,433 studies, which were included in COVIDENCE and reviewed independently by two researchers at each phase. We finally included 14 studies in this study, 10 of which presented quantitative data. Extracted quantitative and qualitative studies were abstracted, and the main findings are presented using a consistent grid of codes: an initial computerized lexical scan (Leximancer) of all included papers generated a preliminary list of topics and their frequencies. We refined these initial topics using the most prominent theories around the topics of TCK, adjustment, and the extracted theories from selected papers and created a codebook. Then we abstracted the quantitative data from the selected studies and organized the statistically significant findings according to the codes. Lastly, we abstracted and synthesized the findings from qualitative studies. Efforts were made to present the available data within a reading grid, which enhances the understanding of mechanisms specific to the sample population and also makes it apparent where more research is needed. Specifically, findings suggest a need for a more inclusive multi-trajectory adjustment model and a better definition of the ecological sample. The coding system for the extraction and analysis in this systematic review may be a guide for researchers planning future studies on TCK adjustment.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42020151071, identifier: CRD42020151071.

Background Increasing globalization has led to more families with children being relocated each year, highlighting the importance of issues, such as adjustment and psychological well-being, in this population. These children, commonly known as third culture kids, often spend a significant part of their developmental years in countries and cultures foreign to them. Objective Our longitudinal study aims to examine the roles of cognitive, psychological, sociocultural, and family factors in the longitudinal trajectories of the well-being and sociocultural adjustment of third culture kids and their families over time. Methods This study adopts both quantitative and qualitative procedures. Data from both procedures will be collected at baseline and at a 1-year follow-up. We aim to recruit 150 to 200 participants between 7 and 17 years old and one of their primary caregivers. After providing informed consent, participants will complete an online survey. Outcome measures include validated questionnaires on well-being and sociocultural adjustment. Predictor measures include validated questionnaires on negative self-thoughts, emotion regulation, resilience, psychological attributes, self-esteem, stress, acculturative stress, cultural intelligence, couple satisfaction, and family functioning. A multiple regression model will be used to analyze quantitative data. In addition, 15 to 20 families who participate in the online survey will be randomly selected to take part in a family interview focusing on questions related to well-being, relocation experiences, cultural issues, and challenges. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods design will be used to analyze and interpret data from both quantitative and qualitative methods. Results As of March 15, 2022, a total of 138 children and 126 parents have completed the baseline online survey. In addition, 44 children and 48 parents have completed the 1-year follow-up online survey. A total of 8 families have completed the baseline family interview, while 4 families have completed the 1-year follow-up interview. Data analyses, transcription of the interview, and preparation for publication are on-going. Conclusions Findings from this study would enable us to understand the adjustment processes, and risk and protective factors associated with the well-being and sociocultural adjustment of third culture kids and their families in Switzerland, which could have implications on the development of intervention programs for individuals and families to address acculturation and adjustment issues. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR1-10.2196/30088

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BACKGROUND Increasing globalization has led to more families with children being relocated each year, high-lighting the importance of issues such as acculturation, adjustment, and psychological well-being in this population. These children, commonly known as Third Culture Kids (TCKs), often spend a significant part of their developmental years in cultures foreign to them. OBJECTIVE Our longitudinal study aims to examine the roles of cognitive, psychological, socio-cultural, and family factors on the longitudinal trajectories of TCKs and their families’ well-being and socio-cultural adjustment over time. METHODS This study adopts both quantitative and qualitative procedures. Data from both procedures will be collected at baseline and at 1-year follow-up. We aim to recruit 150-200 participants between 7 and 17 years old and one of their primary caregivers. After providing informed consent, participants will complete an online survey. Outcome measures include validated questionnaires on well-being and socio-cultural adjustment. Predictor measures include validated questionnaires on negative self-thoughts, emotion regulation, resilience, psychological attributes, self-esteem, stress, acculturative stress, cultural intelligence, couple satisfaction, and family functioning. A multiple regression model will be used to analyze the quantitative data. In addition, 15-20 families who participated in the online survey will be randomly selected to take part in a family interview focusing on questions related to well-being, relocation experiences, cultural issues, and challenges. A concurrent triangulation mixed-method design will be used to analyze and interpret data from both quantitative and qualitative methods. RESULTS To date, a total of 131 participants and 120 parents have completed the baseline online survey. In addition, 28 children and 24 parents have completed the one-year follow-up online survey. A total of 6 families have completed the baseline family interview while 2 families have completed the one-year follow-up interview. Transcription of the interview is on-going. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study would enable us to understand the adjustment processes, and risk and protective factors associated with TCKs and their families’ well-being and socio-cultural ad-justment in Switzerland, which could have implications on the development of intervention pro-grams for individuals and families to address acculturation and adjustment issues. CLINICALTRIAL Not Applicable