Difficulties and Coping Behaviors in Interpersonal Relationship Formation among Japanese Students in France: Implications for Cross-Cultural Social Skills for Studying Abroad in France

Abstract

This study examined cross-cultural difficulties experienced by Japanese students in France and their coping strategies. This study consists of 2 parts: in Study I, difficulties in interpersonal relationship formation and coping strategies were explored from the perspective of Japanese students in France. In Study II, Japanese students’ coping behaviors in France were evaluated from the hosts’ perspective. Additionally, expected coping behaviors in specific sociocultural contexts were examined. Data were obtained through questionnaire surveys and interviews. Study I demonstrated that interpersonal difficulties fell under three major categories: assertiveness, sociability, and schedule fluidity. These comprise eleven medium and four minor categories. In Study II, active coping, in which a guest student actively attempted to address a challenge, and receptive coping, in which a guest accepted the host’s behavior and perspective, received high evaluations. Finally, the use and teaching of cross-cultural social skills with French people are discussed.