Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this scoping review was to systematically search the academic and non-academic literature to synthesise and critically appraise the evidence-base of psychological counselling strategies and interventions in the treatment of the (A)TCK population presenting with psychological distress.
Background: The term “Third Culture Kid” (TCK) describes children whose parents are in globally mobile employment, such as members of the armed forces, NGOs and intergovernmental employees. The term (A)TCK characterises TCKs reaching adulthood. (A)TCKS often encounter challenges, such as repeated relocations and relational losses, which are risk factors for the development of various mental health problems.
Methods/Key Points: A search of academic and grey literature was conducted using the ASSIA, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations, PsycInfo, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science Core Collection databases published before December 2020. Inclusion criteria focused on English language publications and talking therapies relevant to ATCKs (≥18 years). Twenty-six articles were included that provided information on the current state of the evidence-base of psychological counselling strategies and interventions in the treatment of the (A)TCK population.
Conclusion: The identified literature was largely heterogeneous in relation to aims, focus and methodology. One shared key element is the provision of a safe environment in which (A)TCK clients feel supported to explore their transcultural identity and transitional experiences. The literature puts forward various interventions, including relational, humanistic and integrative approaches, to resolve relational problems associated with (A)TCKs mobile upbringing. Highlighted is the ethical obligation of practitioners to deliver culturally appropriate psychological interventions for a growing transcultural population.
Background: The term “Third Culture Kid” (TCK) describes children whose parents are in globally mobile employment, such as members of the armed forces, NGOs and intergovernmental employees. The term (A)TCK characterises TCKs reaching adulthood. (A)TCKS often encounter challenges, such as repeated relocations and relational losses, which are risk factors for the development of various mental health problems.
Methods/Key Points: A search of academic and grey literature was conducted using the ASSIA, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations, PsycInfo, Scopus, Sociological Abstracts, and Web of Science Core Collection databases published before December 2020. Inclusion criteria focused on English language publications and talking therapies relevant to ATCKs (≥18 years). Twenty-six articles were included that provided information on the current state of the evidence-base of psychological counselling strategies and interventions in the treatment of the (A)TCK population.
Conclusion: The identified literature was largely heterogeneous in relation to aims, focus and methodology. One shared key element is the provision of a safe environment in which (A)TCK clients feel supported to explore their transcultural identity and transitional experiences. The literature puts forward various interventions, including relational, humanistic and integrative approaches, to resolve relational problems associated with (A)TCKs mobile upbringing. Highlighted is the ethical obligation of practitioners to deliver culturally appropriate psychological interventions for a growing transcultural population.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Accepted/In press - 17 May 2021 |
| Event | Division of Counselling Psychology Annual Conference - Duration: 16 Jul 2021 → 17 Jul 2021 |
Conference
| Conference | Division of Counselling Psychology Annual Conference |
|---|---|
| Period | 16/07/21 → 17/07/21 |