| This study explored the relationship between social support, anxiety and culture shock among a sample of short-term missionaries. There has been an increase in short-term mission trips in the last several years for both domestic and foreign service opportunities. Missionaries often face various difficulties during their transition to a new environment, which may lead to difficulties in adjustment during their mission trip. This study measured the social support and adjustment of a sample of short-term missionaries using the Social Support Questionnaire Short Form, Index of Sojourner Social Support, Culture Shock Questionnaire and the Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale to assess their level of social support, along with their culture shock and anxiety symptoms experienced both prior to and upon returning from their short-term mission trip. Results showed that an increase in social support levels did not contribute to a significant decrease in adjustment symptoms, specifically of culture shock and anxiety, and that satisfaction with social support served as a predictor of culture shock. The results are discussed and recommendations for further research are provided. |
