The psychological well-being of missionary kids

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.