Antecedents and emotional consequences of national disidentification in global mobility: buffering role of socio-cultural adaptation

Purpose This study investigates how mobility and identity dynamics shape the emotional well-being of digital nomads, a growing yet under-researched segment of globally mobile professionals. Design/methodology/approach Based on survey data from 205 digital nomads residing in Croatia, the research examines the antecedents of national disidentification among digital nomads and investigates its relationship with emotional well-being under the moderating effect of socio-cultural adaptation. Findings Results reveal that digital nomads who disidentify are dominantly ones with higher nomad experience and from countries that have strong passports. Our main proposition was supported since we found that national disidentification is associated with low emotional well-being. However, this relationship holds only for digital nomads who struggle to adapt to the host culture. Conversely, a greater socio-cultural adaptation buffers these negative effects, restoring a sense of belonging for digital nomads. Practical implications The findings underline the importance of cultural integration strategies for supporting the well-being of digital nomads. Host countries and employers can enhance nomads' experiences by facilitating cultural orientation and local engagement with a goal of attracting and retaining talent within their countries. Originality/value This study contributes to the growing literature on global mobility by highlighting the conditional psychological impact of identity dynamics among digital nomads. It offers novel insights into how socio-cultural adaptation can mitigate the emotional costs of detachment from national identity among globally mobile professionals.