ERIC Number: ED589179
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2016
Pages: 154
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-3398-5319-2
ISSN: EISSN-
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Factors Influencing the Perceived Stress and Sociocultural Adaptation of International Students: Policy and Leadership Implications
Cameron, Kathryn
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Niagara University
Most students, be they domestic or international, experience social and psychological concerns when undertaking their post-secondary education. The literature regarding student mental health in Canada has thus far focused primarily on students as a single homogenous group, although there has been recent consideration of discrete populations such as aboriginal students, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgendered and questioning individuals, and students in specific disciplines of study. Research regarding international students in Canada is limited. However, international students contend with unique issues such as homesickness, social challenges, and communication barriers. This mixed-methods research investigated factors that influence psychological and sociocultural adaptation both prior to and during the acculturation experience of studying in Canada, as well as variables which influence perceived stress and sociocultural adaptation. Two hundred and sixty two international students participated in this research. Female students were more likely than male students to report feelings of nervousness or stress, upset due to unexpected events, and an inability to control important things in their lives. Second year students were more likely to report an inability to cope, anger due to loss of control, and feeling not being able to overcome difficulties than first year students. Students in STEM programs were more likely to report positive feelings and less feelings of nervousness or anger. Both campus location and country of origin were also factors in perceived stress, although there was no interaction effect between these two variables. Regarding sociocultural adaptation, older students and second year students were more likely to report challenges with following rules, navigating bureaucracy, understanding Canadian culture, and interpersonal adaptation. Prior to coming to Canada, international students undertake activities related to language proficiency and cultural awareness and seek out social supports once their studies commence. With these findings in mind, recommendations to better support international students are included. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
Descriptors: Foreign Students, Psychological Patterns, Social Influences, Cultural Influences, Student Adjustment, Acculturation, Stress Variables, Gender Differences, Instructional Program Divisions, Coping, STEM Education, Intellectual Disciplines, Geographic Location, Age Differences, Standards, Interpersonal Relationship, Language Proficiency, Cultural Awareness, Social Support Groups, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A