The relationship between sense of coherence and cross-cultural adjustment among Chinese nurses in Japan

Abstract

Objective: Nurses from China have attracted attention as a new talent in Japan's aging population. However, cross-cultural adjustment could cause psychological stress. This study investigated the relationship between stress-coping skills among Chinese nurses working in Japan and their cross-cultural adjustment as professionals. Methods: This study employed a quantitative research design and used questionnaires. Thirty-nine Chinese nurses who had graduated from universities in mainland China and were currently employed in Japanese medical institutions participated. Scores on the sense of coherence (SOC) and the Three Dimensions of Cross-cultural Adjustment Scales were collected from the Chinese nurses. The average SOC-13 scores were dichotomized. Then, the two groups were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test. The significance level was set at p < .05. Results: The average value of SOC-13 scores revealed a significant difference in the overall score for the Three Dimensions of Cross-cultural Adjustment Scale (p = .001). Significant differences were also found for psychological adjustment (p = .041), sociocultural adjustment (p = .024), and the subscale of "affinity relationships" (p = .044). However, "job performance," "empathic care," "workplace adaptation," "self-realization adjustment," and the length of nursing experience in Japan did not significantly differ. Conclusions: The stress-coping skills of Chinese nurses in Japan may be related to their professional cross-cultural adjustment. Additionally, a significant difference was found in "affinity relationships" between groups with high and low SOC-13 scores. Culturally favorable interpersonal behavior is important for nurses' roles. Furthermore, encouraging and supportive interpersonal relationships can enhance stress-coping skills. Support for relationships may contribute to their successful migration.