Psychosocial Development in Adult Missionary Kids

Abstract

The article reports on a study of psychosocial development in adult missionary kids (MKs) based on Erikson's theory, using the Measure of Psychosocial Development (MPD). Responses from 292 adult missionary kids were used to compare the MKs with the population at large and to evaluate the relationship of on-field variables (years overseas, overseas location, boarding experiences, family perception) to psychosocial development. Average MPD scores for the MKs were lower than the norm group. MKs who lived more than 8 years overseas had higher average scores than those who spent 4 to 8 years overseas. Those who reentered their parents’ homeland at a later age also had higher mean scores. Boarding and nonboarding subjects showed few significant differences in mean scores. Overseas location (Western or non-Western setting; urban or rural area) made no significant difference in mean scores. Correlations between the subject's perception of their family (love, cohesion, and idealization) and psychosocial development were consistently significant.

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