Hi, I'm Zach, I'm an Applied Psychology student with a deep passion for understanding the human mind. I love diving into the complexities of behavior and mental processes, using both critical and creative thinking. I'm particularly drawn to exploring how psychology can connect and communicate ideas, especially through the lens of Irish culture and mythology. The challenge of uncovering unique insights and developing thoughtful, evidence-based solutions is what drives my academic journey.
Project Description
This project examines the sense of belonging among Irish emigrants and the impact of emigration and return migration. Titled "‘Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin," the study aims to understand the psychological effects of moving abroad and returning home. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, it assesses the sense of belonging in 133 Irish citizens through the Sense of Belonging in Social Context Questionnaire. The participants are categorized based on their current location (Ireland vs. abroad) and experiences with migration. By analyzing these groups, the study seeks to uncover the emotional and cultural challenges faced by Irish emigrants and returnees, providing insights into the robustness of Irish cultural identity across different environments
Project Objectives
The primary objective of this project is to explore how emigration and return migration affect the sense of belonging among Irish citizens. Specifically, the study aims to:
Compare the sense of belonging between Irish residents and emigrants.
Investigate the impact of time spent abroad on the sense of belonging.
Examine the nuances of return migration and its influence on reintegration and feelings of belonging.
Provide contemporary insights into the emotional and cultural challenges faced by Irish emigrants and returnees, contributing to the existing literature on migration and cultural identity.
Develop a deeper understanding of how Irish cultural identity persists or transforms through the experiences of living abroad and returning home, informing policies and support systems for emigrants and returnees
The outcomes of this project highlight significant differences in the sense of belonging between Irish residents and those living abroad. The study found that individuals residing in Ireland reported a higher sense of belonging compared to those abroad. However, cultural connections and feelings of home remained strong regardless of geographic location, indicating the robustness of Irish cultural identity. Return migration presented a complex picture, with some returnees experiencing challenges in readjusting to life in Ireland. These findings underscore the need for targeted support for emigrants and returnees, helping them navigate the emotional and cultural transitions associated with migration. The study's results contribute valuable data to diaspora studies and can inform policies aimed at supporting the Irish diaspora community
Project Description
This project examines the sense of belonging among Irish emigrants and the impact of emigration and return migration. Titled "‘Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin," the study aims to understand the psychological effects of moving abroad and returning home. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, it assesses the sense of belonging in 133 Irish citizens through the Sense of Belonging in Social Context Questionnaire. The participants are categorized based on their current location (Ireland vs. abroad) and experiences with migration. By analyzing these groups, the study seeks to uncover the emotional and cultural challenges faced by Irish emigrants and returnees, providing insights into the robustness of Irish cultural identity across different environments.
Project Objectives
The primary objective of this project is to explore how emigration and return migration affect the sense of belonging among Irish citizens. Specifically, the study aims to:
Compare the sense of belonging between Irish residents and emigrants.
Investigate the impact of time spent abroad on the sense of belonging.
Examine the nuances of return migration and its influence on reintegration and feelings of belonging.
Provide contemporary insights into the emotional and cultural challenges faced by Irish emigrants and returnees, contributing to the existing literature on migration and cultural identity.
Develop a deeper understanding of how Irish cultural identity persists or transforms through the experiences of living abroad and returning home, informing policies and support systems for emigrants and returnees.
Project Outcomes
The outcomes of this project highlight significant differences in the sense of belonging between Irish residents and those living abroad. The study found that individuals residing in Ireland reported a higher sense of belonging compared to those abroad. However, cultural connections and feelings of home remained strong regardless of geographic location, indicating the robustness of Irish cultural identity. Return migration presented a complex picture, with some returnees experiencing challenges in readjusting to life in Ireland. These findings underscore the need for targeted support for emigrants and returnees, helping them navigate the emotional and cultural transitions associated with migration. The study's results contribute valuable data to diaspora studies and can inform policies aimed at supporting the Irish diaspora community.
Thesis Description
The thesis, titled "‘Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin: A Study on the Sense of Belonging Among Irish Emigrants and the Impact of Emigration and Return," delves into the psychological effects of emigration and return migration on contemporary Irish citizens. Under the supervision of Dr. John Greaney, this research employs a quantitative cross-sectional design to analyze the sense of belonging among 133 Irish citizens using a modified version of the Sense of Belonging in Social Context Questionnaire. Participants were divided based on their current location (Ireland vs. abroad) and their experiences with time spent abroad and return migration.
The study reveals a significant difference in the sense of belonging between those residing in Ireland and those living abroad, with residents feeling more connected to Ireland. Interestingly, cultural connections and feelings of home did not significantly differ based on geographic location, suggesting that Irish cultural identity is resilient and transcends physical borders. Return migration was found to have a nuanced impact on the sense of belonging, with some returnees facing difficulties in readjusting to life in Ireland. This thesis contributes to the limited research on the personal aspects of migration, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive studies on the emotional and cultural dimensions of emigrant experiences.
The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers and organizations working with the Irish diaspora, highlighting the importance of supporting both emigrants and returnees in maintaining their cultural identity and sense of belonging. By addressing the emotional and cultural challenges of migration, this research aims to enhance the well-being and integration of Irish emigrants and returnees, ultimately strengthening the global Irish community