Reverse Culture Shock: Psychological Adjustment and Coping Mechanisms of Balikbayan College Students of Lucena City

This study focused on determining the coping mechanisms and coping process of balikbayan students enrolled in college level courses in Lucena City. It employed the descriptive type and use surveys that questioned their experiences in returning to the Philippines and focuses on areas where the students used their coping mechanisms. The study was conducted in Lucena City, Quezon, and consisted of college students from multiple schools that offered college level courses. There were a total of 25 selected college students who are considered balikbayan. Frequency and weighted mean were used in the statistical analysis of the data. Analysis of the results reveals that most of the students went through the reverse culture shock upon arrival to the Philippines and over time, employed coping mechanisms in their psychosocial, interpersonal, and intrapersonal aspects. Homesickness is the starting point of the adjustment process which eventually leads into reintroduction into the culture. The study confirms that by interaction and having normal social interaction with those that are close can help the balikbayans in adjusting to the return to the Philippines. By being more proactive in the adjustment process and learning the cultural needs and talking to others about the situation, those who are coping can adjust faster. By observing how others behave around you, those returning could have an easier time in understanding how they’re supposed to act.