Expatriation Stressors and the Well-Being of Accompanying Partners: A Commonality Analysis Approach

Katja Herrmann Aegerter^1*Yoon Phaik Ooi^1,2Andrea Hans Meyer¹Jens Gaab¹

• ¹University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
• ²Institute of Mental Health, Singapore, Singapore

This study aims to examine the unique and shared effects of non-work expatriation stressors (perceived stress, perceived social support, isolation, and perceived cultural distance) on the wellbeing of 207 internationally mobile adults who completed a cross-sectional, quantitative online questionnaire. Perceived stress proved to be the most impactful unique contributor to partner wellbeing, while isolation emerged as the second strongest unique predictor. Perceived social support showed the most substantial combined effect with stress and isolation. The variance explained by perceived cultural distance was marginal, suggesting that stress and isolation are more influential factors in this population. The control variables (age, gender, duration of residence in the host country, and frequency of relocation) showed no significant contribution in combination with the stressors. Building on the findings of existing research, these results provide further support for the need for tailored interventions to promote the well-being of expatriate partners. Practical implications include involving partners in pre-assignment screening processes, investing in structured social support systems to reduce isolation, and developing comprehensive, culturally sensitive policies that address the range of challenges faced by expatriate partners.