ERIC Number: EJ1226287
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2019
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2162-3104
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
"Jeitinho" as a Coping Strategy Used by Brazilian International Students for Dealing with Acculturative Stress
Nishioka, Silvia Alves; Akol, Defne
Journal of International Students, v9 n3 p815-833 2019
This mixed-method study examined whether Brazilian students in the US use an indigenous problem-solving practice, "jeitinho," as a coping strategy for acculturative stress. Forty-two participants answered an online survey, which was a culmination of demographic information, the Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students, BriefCOPE, "jeitinho" questionnaire, and three open-ended questions about how Americans may perceive "jeitinho." Results showed that a negative dimension of "jeitinho" was associated with nonadaptive coping strategies, but it was not a significant predictor of acculturative stress. Qualitative themes highlighted the multidimensionality of "jeitinho," which could help in students' adjustment (positive) or reinforce stereotypes and prejudices (negative) against Brazilians. Findings elucidate the complexity of "jeitinho" Brazilian students can be mindful about and when to use it to avoid stereotyping.
Descriptors: Coping, Stress Variables, Stereotypes, Student Adjustment, Foreign Countries, Acculturation, Indigenous Knowledge, Predictor Variables, Student Attitudes, Social Bias, Problem Solving, Study Abroad
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Brazil; United States
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A