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Life Support: Expat Summer Seminar Series July 22, 2010
Expat Summer SeminarJuly 22, 2010
With Evelyn Simpson & Jennifer Bradley
Life Support
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© Jennifer Bradley & Evelyn Simpson [ESS 2] Expat Summer Seminar Series. July-August, 2010
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What will you take away from this seminar?
Understand why support is essential for your success
How to assess your current situation and what you need
A framework that will help you to deal with the inevitable frustrations of living in a different culture.
The steps needed to develop and implement your personal action plan
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© Jennifer Bradley & Evelyn Simpson [ESS 2] Expat Summer Seminar Series. July-August, 2010
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The Importance of Social Connection
Decades of research showing that feeling supported and being part of a social network is important for health and wellbeing.
DIRECTLY: Have more resources to deal with stressful situations
INDIRECTLY: Feel more competent and manage stress more effectively
THINKING & HOW WE PROCESS INFORMATION
WHEN WE FEEL SOCIALLY CONNECTED:
More likely to attribute success to our own actions and failure to bad luck
WHEN WE FEEL SOCIALLY DISCONNECTED
Opposite pattern of attribution
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© Jennifer Bradley & Evelyn Simpson [ESS 2] Expat Summer Seminar Series. July-August, 2010
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Support: Different Types of Support?
Different Types of Support
Tangible support (e.g. practical help)
Informational support
Emotional Support
Integration or network support (shared interests or goals)
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© Jennifer Bradley & Evelyn Simpson [ESS 2] Expat Summer Seminar Series. July-August, 2010
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Where are You Now?
How often do you feel you can find companionship when you want it?
How often to you feel that there are people who really understand you and what you are experiencing?
How often do you feel that there are people you can turn to for practical help?
How often do you feel that your interests and ideas are NOT shared by those around you?
Questions adapted from UCLA Loneliness Scale. Russell (1996)
*OFTEN * SOMETIMES *RARELY *NEVER
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© Jennifer Bradley & Evelyn Simpson [ESS 2] Expat Summer Seminar Series. July-August, 2010
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Support: The Case of Expats
Many Expat Accompanying Partners have:
Spent a lot of time and energy focusing on partner and family needs
Left a job
Relocated away from “natural” networks of e.g. family and work colleagues
You may know very few if anybody in your host location
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© Jennifer Bradley & Evelyn Simpson [ESS 2] Expat Summer Seminar Series. July-August, 2010
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The Cultural Context
Support as a transaction Perceived vs. Received Support
It’s social
Cultural Context and “Unwritten Rules”
Cultural Differences: Questions to consider
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© Jennifer Bradley & Evelyn Simpson [ESS 2] Expat Summer Seminar Series. July-August, 2010
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Build your Network with E.A.S.E*
Extend yourself (experiment without expectation)
Action plan (your style, needs)
Selection (reciprocity)
Expect the best
* Source: Cacioppo & Patrick (2008) Loneliness: human nature and the need for social connection.
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© Jennifer Bradley & Evelyn Simpson [ESS 2] Expat Summer Seminar Series. July-August, 2010
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Tips: Getting Started
Start where you are.
Make building a support network a priority – it’s an essential life support system
Build connections in a way that is sustainable and fits your style
Take account of the cultural context
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© Jennifer Bradley & Evelyn Simpson [ESS 2] Expat Summer Seminar Series. July-August, 2010
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Tips: Keeping Going…
Building a support network is a bit like a child or a pet – it requires constant care & attention
Q – What can you do to make the process personally rewarding for you?
It also a bit like “brushing your teeth” – it is easier if you make it a regular habit that you regard as an essential activity.
Q: What helps you to create and sustain habits?
Q: What will be your first/next step and when will you do it?
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© Jennifer Bradley & Evelyn Simpson [ESS 2] Expat Summer Seminar Series. July-August, 2010
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Wrap up and Q & A
