Abstract:
This study has presented an overview of the factors relating to the psychological wellbeing of missionary kids (MKs) after they return from the mission field to the culture designated
by their passport. Past literature addressing MK well-being was reviewed and it was determined
attachment with parents, experiences of trauma, cultural adaptation, and social support were
prominent factors in MK adjustment and well-being. Multiple regression testing was utilized to
examine how these factors predicted levels of psychological distress amongst a sample of 204
adult MKs currently living in their passport culture. Results indicated these variables, together,
significantly predicted MK psychological distress (p=.000). Attachment, cultural adaptation, and
social support each significantly contributed to this prediction, while trauma experience did not.
Implications of these findings were discussed and need for future research explored.
