Changes in occupational therapy students’ and social work students’ relationship to other people: Predictors of acculturation orientations in the host community
Professionals in France and Switzerland work with diverse populations (age, socioeconomic status, language, ethnicity, health, etc.). A number of studies support the idea that intercultural sensitivity is linked to psychological characteristics. A longitudinal study (2016-2019) was conducted with 202 occupational therapy and social work students in France and Switzerland. During the first and third years of their program, the students filled out a questionnaire on acculturation orientations in the host community, adult attachment and multicultural identity. Very little significant change was noted between the two time points. Regression analyses highlighted psychological variables to consider when examining types of relationships with others, namely open-mindedness, anxiety management, cultural empathy, flexibility and significant lived intercultural experiences.