Dynamic process of behavioral adaptation of migrants with different thermal experiences: A long-term follow-up field survey

Thermal adaptation of migrants is a complex and dynamic process, involving psychological adaptation, physiological acclimatization, and behavioral adjustment levels. Long-term behavioral adaptation is still lack of systematic exploration. In order to explore the dynamic thermal adaptation law of migrants with different thermal experiences, in this study, a long-term follow-up field investigation was conducted on the thermal adaptation process of migrants moving from China's severe cold (SC) regions, hot summer and cold winter (HSCW) regions, and hot summer and warm winter (HSWW) regions to Xi'an, respectively. Indoor thermal environment parameters, subjective perception, and behavioral adjustment were systematically evaluated. Furthermore, the criteria for assessing the behavioral adaptation of the migrants were also discussed. The results showed that after a year and a half of migration, the difference of thermal sensation between the locals and the migrants from HSCW areas, HSWW areas, and SC regions were reduced by 41%, 32%, and 36% respectively compared with the same period last year. The expectations of migrants in the adjustment of operating window were already close to the level of locals. Moreover, the thermal adaptation of the migrants exhibited a self-organized criticality. Noteworthy, compared to the sensory level, behavioral adaptation is a relatively slow process. It was found that even after more than a year of migration, behavioral adaptation was not completely achieved. The research results are helpful to develop the mechanism of thermal adaptation of migrants and to guide their indoor climate design.