Dissertation Defenses

Doctoral Dissertation Announcement

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Candidate: Adriana Yellig

Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology

Title: The Experiences of Married International Graduate Students and Their Accompanying Non-Student Spouses in the U.S. Culture: A Qualitative Study

Committee:
Dr. Gary Bischof, Chair
Dr. Suzanne Hedstrom
Dr. Karen Blaisure

Date: Thursday, May 20, 2010 10:00 a.m. - Noon
3208 Sangren Hall

Abstract:
Many studies document the experiences of single international students in the U.S. culture. However, little is known about the experiences of married international students, their marital relationships, and the experiences of their accompanying non-student spouses in the U.S. culture.
This qualitative phenomenological study focuses on the experiences of married international graduate students and their accompanying spouses in the U.S. culture. Additionally, the study explores the impact of cultural influences on the participants’ marital relationships, as well as the impact of marriage on their adjustment to the culture.
The study includes twenty participants (ten couples) from a range of countries, most from Asia and Africa. Interviews were conducted with each participant individually followed by a conjoint interview with each couple, for a total of thirty interviews.
The findings of the study suggest that married international graduate students and their accompanying spouses’ experiences are impacted by cultural factors in the following areas: interpersonal relationships, Americans’ attitudes toward marriage, parenting practices, community organizational structures, and physical environment. Balancing multiple roles appears to be the most salient challenge for married international graduate students. Developing a strong social support network and evaluating the host culture to identify characteristics that should be thwarted or potentially integrated were some of the coping mechanisms cited.
Homesickness, loneliness, and role shock were some of the most significant challenges experienced by the accompanying spouses (including two males) in the study, particularly for those who had an established professional identity beforehand. Key coping strategies for accompanying spouses include setting personal goals and engaging in a process of meaning-making.
Increased closeness in the marital relationship and a tendency to guard against negative cultural influences were some of the themes that emerged from the participants’ responses. Recommendations based on the findings are offered for counselor educators, college counselors, and student affairs professionals.