Original scientific paper

German students in Austria: A psychometric pilot study on developing a modified version of the Sociocultural Adaptation Scale

Walter Renner ; Department of Psychology, Alpen-Adria-Universitat Klagenfurt
Ingrid Salem ; Department of Psychology, Alpen-Adria-Universitat Klagenfurt
Jutta Menschik-Bendele ; Department of Psychology, Alpen-Adria-Universitat Klagenfurt

Abstract

In previous studies, the Sociocultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS) has been employed in studying migrants’ and sojourners’ adaptation to geographically and linguistically distant cultures. In the present study, the SCAS has been modified according to the needs of German students of psychology in Austria. In line with social identity theory and previous empirical evidence, despite the two countries’ vicinity, considerable ethnic tension and adaptation problems of Germans in Austria were expected. We administered the modified SCAS to 77 women and 55 men of German descent at two Austrian universities. Factor analysis revealed three oblique dimensions, with Factor 1 pertaining to understanding Austrian culture, mentality, and values, Factor 2 addressing communication issues and Factor 3 dealing with academic requirements at the university. From the first two factors reliable subscales were derived, whereas for Scale 3 reliability was insufficient. Open questions and consecutive ratings of socio-cultural adaptation were employed towards assessing validity of the subscales. As opposed to Scale 3, Scales 1 and 2 were
found to be valid measures of socio-cultural adaptation and will constitute the final version of the adapted SCAS. In line with our expectations, respondents reported considerable problems in understanding Austrian mentality and in communicating with Austrians, whereas they had no difficulties with respect to academic performance. The adapted version of the SCAS can be used as a research tool in order to study German students’ adaptation to Austrian culture in more detail.

Keywords

Sociocultural Adaptation Scale; Germans; students; Austria; psychometrics

Hrčak ID:

100332

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/100332

Publication date:

18.12.2012.

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