Narratives of Third Culture Kids: Commitment and Reticence in Social Relationships

Abstract

The lives of Third Culture Kids (TCKs) are characterized by their experiences of living among different worlds that could isolate them from social interaction and establishing long-term friendships. Exploring the experiences of ten TCKs, this paper reports on primary data gathered through the Collage Life Story Elicitation Technique (CLET) in order to gain an understanding of the meaning making of TCKs and their commitment and reticence in establishing relationships during their developmental years. In-depth thematic analysis indicated a struggle building intimacy and companionships and deep friendships, as well as difficulties with maintaining relationships with others and a possible fear of commitment. Implications for counselling of TCKs and their families are discussed.

Where I’m from? Third Culture Kids about their cultural identity shifts and belonging

“…Moreover, to put our sample size into perspective, we checked earlier published qualitative TCK-research. In the 19 empirical studies on TCKs from 2004 to 2020 which we were able to trace (Bikos et al, 2014;Bjørnsen, 2020;Désilets, 2016;Fanning & Burns, 2017;Gambhir & Rhein, 2019;Gilbert, 2008;Greenholtz & Kim, 2009;Kwon, 2019;Lijadi & Van Schalkwyk, 2014;Park, 2019;Moore & Barker, 2012;Murai, 2016;Poonoosamy, 2018;Purdon, 2018;Purnell & Hoban, 2014;Smith & Kearney, 2016;Walters & Auton-Cuff, 2009;Westropp, Cathro, & Everett, 2016) the following sample size information was found. Only five studies had sample sizes larger than 20 (27, 30, 42, 43 and 74), one study had a sample of 20 TCKs, and 14 studies had sample sizes which were smaller than 20.…”

“…"Identity is continuously constructed and reshaped during interaction with "outsiders, strangers, foreigners, and aliensthe others" (Cutcher, 2015, p. 121). Lijadi (2018), and Lijadi and Van Schalkwyk (2014 studied TCKs' commitment and reticence in interpersonal interactions. They found that, because of TCKs' frequent moves, often "the only stable relationship for TCKs was within their own family" (p. 9), and that TCKs "could not reach a deep level of friendship as they were constantly on the move" (p. 11).…”

A student-facilitated community-based support group initiative for Mental Health Care users in a Primary Health Care setting

“…The participant-led story telling that followed the collage making also limited the researcher's biases to influence the interviews. It could be considered to generate more authentic information (Lijadi & Van Schalkwyk, 2014).…”

Coming “Home”

“…Some say it's hard for TCKs to form strong relationships in the first place. Lijadi and van Schalkwyk (2014) studied TCK commitment and reticence in interpersonal interactions, concluding that, because of frequent moves, often "the only stable relationship for TCKs was within their own family" (p. 9), and their research subjects "could not reach a deep level of friendship as they were constantly on the move" (p. 11). I don't doubt their research, but I was lucky, for a long time.…”

“…1. Lijadi and van Schalkwyk (2014), Melles and Schwartz (2013), Davis, Suarez, Crawford, and Rehfuss (2013), Moore and Barker (2012), Ittel and Sisler (2012), Russell (2011), Lyttle, Barker, andCornwell (2011), Limberg and Lambie (2011), Hoersting and Jenkins (2011), Pollock andVan Reken (2009), Peterson and Plamadon ( 2009), Dewaele and van Oudenhoven ( 2009), Sheard ( 2008), Gilbert (2008), Fail, Thompson, and Walker (2004), and Straffon (2003.…”