Exploring life experiences of Lebanese third culture kids : identity and relationships

Abstract

Lebanese Third Culture Kids (TCKs), are born in Lebanon and move abroad before the age of 18, due to their parents finding training or work opportunities outside of Lebanon. Their highly mobile lifestyles and multicultural experiences offer them unique benefits and challenges. Although the fact that many Lebanese families move abroad to seek better job opportunities and more stability, this is not a thoroughly studied phenomenon neither globally, nor in Lebanon. Mental health practitioners can benefit from research on the TCK population, in that they will become aware of the unique benefits and challenges that TCKs experience, thus tailoring therapy to be more specific and efficient. A phenomenological qualitative approach was used to explore the common themes experienced by Lebanese TCKs. Additionally, Eriksons psychosocial developmental theory and the attachment theory were used as theoretical frameworks to better understand the concepts of identity development and attachment in interpersonal relationships. Data was collected from 12 Lebanese TCKs, using interviews by email. Results revealed that the most prevailing benefits and struggles in the lives of Lebanese TCKs overlapped with the literature. Benefits include an expanded worldview and exposure to multiple cultures, adaptability and independence, and multilingualism. On the other hand, Lebanese TCKs struggled the most with identity, loss and grief, rootlessness and restlessness, and repatriation. Identity development included struggling with an unstable sense of identity, taking longer to develop a definite identity, identity confusion, feeling outcasted, and not having a place to call home. Attachment to parents and siblings seemed stronger for Lebanese TCKs as they presented a sense of familiarity in the ever-changing life of TCKs. While their attachment to their parents may have been more stable, their continuous experiences of loss and grief, may have created insecure-like attachment styles in their interpersonal relationships. Based on the study outcomes, it is recommended for mental health practitioners to educate themselves on Lebanese TCKs, and the TCK life in general, in order to be more accepting and empathetic towards their TCK clients, enabling them to acknowledge the benefits of their experiences, while constructively dealing with and overcoming the challenges faced.