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Samantha B. Hoffman, PsyD, is a 2024 graduate of the PsyD Program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Seattle.

Dissertation Committee

Melissa Kennedy, PhD, Committee Chair

Michael Sakuma, PhD, Committee Member

Constantina Kass, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

third culture kid (TCK), adult third culture kid (ATCK), interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA), passport country, high-mobility, disenfranchised grief, commitment, intimacy, passion, relationship, romance, love

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2024

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of romance and love among the Adult Third Culture Kids (ATCKs) population. A total sample of 10 participants was collected for the purpose of the study (five female and five male). Participants were of varying ethnicities, 25–46 years of age, met the study criteria for TCK identity, and reported at least one previous or current romantic relationship. Participants endorsed a history of a mobilized lifestyle and living in countries differing from their own passport country prior to the age of 18. Utilizing an Interpretive Phenomenological approach, participants were interviewed remotely and asked to describe their personal experiences with love, romance, and past/current romantic relationships. Data collected from these interviews ultimately revealed the importance of having a significant connection with a partner as the foundation of the loving experiences. This connection was accomplished via the sharing of language, cuisines, and cultural experiences. Finding commonalities in life perspectives and interests added to this felt sense of connection. ATCKs were faced with challenges regarding a sense of acceptance from their partner and their partner’s friends/family. In addition, some ATCKs were also faced with the unique concern of whether they would be followed abroad. This was a significant form of commitment. Participants were asked to characterize the commitment, passion, and intimacy experiences within their romantic relationships per the Sternberg Triangular Theory of Love. Commonalities of traits associated with each of these love qualities suggests that the Sternberg Triangular Theory of Love is applicable to the lived experiences of ATCKs. Furthermore, the Triangular Theory of Love Scale was an optional measure provided to participants who were not interviewed. Results from this measure were acquired from 16 ATCK females, 14 of which are married. Averages from the measure revealed a significant degree of intimacy and commitment with their partner whereas passion fell within the average range. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Samantha B. Hoffman, PsyD, 2024

ORCID Scholar ID# 0000-0002-7532-8725

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