Multi-Dimensional and Functional Approach to the Intercultural Adaptation Study

Abstract

We believe it is important to do holistic, systematic study of intercultural adaptation. Our approach is based on the theoretical proposition of the multi-dimensional and functional organization of behavioral acts and human activities developed by A.I. Krupnov. It allows investigating not only separate aspects but the whole system, considering hierarchy and interaction of the components constituting the adaptation. According to this theoretical model six most important areas of psychological adaptation to a new culture were identified: operational and dynamic, motivational, cognitive, emotional, regulatory and productive aspects. In addition, since the intercultural adaptation is inextricably linked with the concept of ethnic tolerance, we investigated the relation of this personality trait with the selected aspects of intercultural adaptation. Our empirical research involved 351 first year students of Russian university arrived from different regions of the world (40 countries). According to our theoretical model, for each aspect of intercultural adaptation special psychodiagnostic techniques we picked up. In total 14 techniques were used. This research made it possible to reveal the ratio of the intercultural adaptation various aspects. Factorial analysis in general approved our theoretical model. It showed that in the intercultural adaptation general psychological structure all studied aspects of intercultural adaptation are relatively independent. Central place in this structure belongs to the emotional intelligence and communicative tolerance. The intercultural adaptation peculiarities of the students from different regions are determined not only by the level of the analyzed adaptation aspects development, but also by their specific correlations.

DOI: 10.5901/jesr.2014.v4n2p170