Problem-focused versus emotion-focused coping strategies and repatriation adjustment

Failure to cope with a stressful repatriation transition can derail the global career experience. Repatriate stress‐coping behaviors have not been examined empirically, however. This study explores the factor structure of an extensive array of coping strategies and their relation with repatriate adjustment. Data collected from 282 repatriates involved in a boundaryless repatriation experience reveal a factor structure consistent with problem‐ and emotion‐focused dimensions documented elsewhere. Regression analysis finds negative associations between emotion‐focused coping strategies and repatriate general, interaction, and work adjustment and positive relations between problem‐focused strategies and repatriate interaction and work adjustment. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.