TITLE:
“Navigating between Worlds: Understanding the Mental Health Dynamics of Corporate Expatriates in Multicultural Environments in Singapore”: A Qualitative Study
AUTHORS:
Leslie Hsu, Christopher Fong, Shilpi Tripathi
KEYWORDS:
Corporate Expatriates, Multicultural Environment, Mental Health, Midlife Crisis, Executive Expatriates, Identity, Belonging, Well-Being
JOURNAL NAME:
Psychology,
Vol.15 No.2,
February
29,
2024
ABSTRACT: The
journey of human development is a continuous process that spans from infancy to
old age, with adulthood presenting unique developmental challenges and
opportunities. Central to this stage is the role of work, which significantly
impacts the quality of life. The workplace serves as a crucible for personal
growth, social interactions, and identity formation. The concept of a midlife
crisis, a period of intense introspection and lifestyle change typically
occurring between ages 40 and 60, is a critical aspect of adult development.
Objective: This study aims to explore the specific experiences of mid-level
executive expatriates in Singapore, focusing on their identity, sense of
belonging, and mental well-being. It seeks to understand how the multicultural
work environment in Singapore affects these expatriates’ identities and mental
health, particularly during the midlife phase, which is characterized by career
reassessment and personal transitions. Methodology: The research employs
interpretative phenomenological analysis to deeply understand the participants’
experiences. This qualitative approach involves conducting semi-structured in-depth
interviews with 12 middle-aged executive expatriates in Singapore. The
methodology is designed to capture rich, personal narratives that reveal how
these individuals navigate their unique challenges. Conclusion: The study
reveals significant insights into the intertwining of career and personal
identity among mid-level executive expatriates, highlighting the critical role
of relationships in their happiness and well-being. It also sheds light on the
strategies these individuals employ for future planning and coping with midlife
transitions. The findings contribute valuable perspectives on the mental health
challenges and adaptation strategies of expatriates in multicultural
environments, emphasizing the complex interplay between work, identity, and
well-being in the context of midlife development.