Abstract

This study examined the relationship between cultural homelessness and loneliness among youth returnees, focusing on the sequential mediating roles of reverse culture shock and emotional clarity. A total of 135 youth returnees (Mean age=22.87, SD=3.3, 92 females, 32 from the United States, 32 from Türkiye) participated in an online survey. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0, including basic descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, reliability analysis, correlation analysis, independent samples t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. In addition, sequential mediation effects were analyzed using the SPSS PROCESS macro Model 6, and the significance of the indirect effects was verified through the bootstrapping method. The results of this study were as follows. First, individuals who returned to Korea at an older age, who has left Korea at a younger age, or spent longer periods abroad reported higher levels of cultural homelessness. Women or those with longer overseas stays experienced greater levels of reverse culture shock. Second, cultural homelessness, reverse culture shock, and loneliness were positively correlated, while emotional clarity was negatively correlated with these variables. Third, reverse culture shock significantly mediated the relationship between cultural homelessness and loneliness. However, emotional clarity alone did not demonstrate a significant mediating effect. Fourth, the relationship between cultural homelessness and loneliness was fully mediated through the sequential effects of reverse culture shock and emotional clarity. These findings provided insight into the psychological mechanisms linking cultural homelessness and loneliness among youth returnees and offered an opportunity to consider psychological approaches for youth returnees. Limitations and implications for future research were discussed.