The Predictive Ability of Cultural Intelligence and Character Orientations for Psychological Adaptation in Expatriates

This study investigated the predictive relationships between cultural intelligence (CQ), personal orientation, and psychological adaptation among 193 expatriate students at the University of Jordan. Using a correlational descriptive design, the study employed the Cultural Intelligence Scale, a character orientation scale based on Fromm’s theory, and a psychological adaptation scale. The results revealed a significant positive correlation between CQ, personal orientation, and psychological adaptation. Regression analysis indicated that motivational CQ was the strongest predictor of psychological adaptation (62.5%), with a 73.2% prediction combined with metacognitive CQ. Productive personal orientation also demonstrated a significant predictive relationship with adaptation (52.1%). Interestingly, the cognitive dimension of CQ exhibited lower predictive power than the motivational and metacognitive dimensions, suggesting the importance of action-oriented and reflective capacities over purely knowledge-based components. Additionally, gender differences emerged, with females showing higher levels of both CQ and psychological adaptation. While CQ and personal orientation both influence adaptation, their independence from one another suggests distinct pathways. The study highlights the importance of fostering motivational and behavioral CQ and adaptive personal orientations to support expatriate well-being and identifies implications for designing targeted interventions and support programs. Limitations include self-report measures, a single-university sample, and a cross-sectional design. Future research should address these limitations and explore contextual factors to understand the complex dynamics of intercultural adaptation further.