Investigating social and psychological adaptation among international students: A study of factors influencing wellbeing.

Authors : Glorıa Manyeruke, Ebru Tansel

Pages : 105-115

Doi:10.35365/ctjpp.24.2.01

View : 180 | Download : 172

Publication Date : 2024-06-27

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :The challenges experienced by international students have drawn increasing attention as the body of international students continues to increase globally. The current study investigated the academic, sociocultural and psychological adaptation and well-being of international students in North Cyprus. The sample of 524 students was selected using convenience sampling. The sample comprised of local students, international students from Turkiye and international students from other countries. The study revealed that academic adaptation and proficiency in language of instruction were significant predictors of psychopathology. This emphasizes the value international university students place on academic attainment as their primary goal for migration. Psychopathology and academic adaptation have a dual-causal relationship with each other. The results suggests that ethnicity is linked to mental health outcomes. Students from Turkiye reported higher psychopathology scores than international students from other countries. The research outlined several factors that predict better adaption. Integrative acculturation orientation and higher perceived financial status predicted sociocultural adaption. However, high home culture orientation was predictive of poor psychological adaptation. The research recommends that culture sensitivity psychological support should be made accessible for local and international students to meet their differing adaptive challenges in tertiary education.
Keywords : Kültürleşme, uyum, uluslararası öğrenciler, psikopatoloji, kültürel mesafe