Well-being Among International Students
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Psychology
Minor
Social Welfare
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Freshmen
2nd Student Major
Psychology: Applied Behavioral Analysis
2nd Student Minor
Undeclared
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Esther Malm
Presentation Format
Oral Presentation
Abstract/Description
Well-being Among International Students
International education provides a meaningful opportunity for students seeking self-discovery and cross-cultural connection. Despite these opportunities, students often encounter challenges associated with adapting to a new country, and social atmosphere. Many experience social isolation and separation from key support systems, in addition to academic pressures, difficulty with cultural adjustment and language barriers. These challenges can impact stress levels, resilience levels and overall life satisfaction (Smith & Khawaja 2011). Similarly, aspects of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions (power distance, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance in particular) highlight key cross-cultural differences that further influence stress levels in international students (Hofstede, 2001). Despite extensive research on acculturation, fewer studies have directly examined how specific cultural values and language background predict perceived stress among international students. We seek to gain further understanding of potential risk factors and amplify protective resources in order to promote the health and wellbeing of international students. This study is being conducted at Murray State, a university in the southeastern United States, via an online survey. Hypotheses include: (H1) Students from high power distance cultures will report higher stress than those from low power distance cultures. (H2) Students from low masculinity cultures will report higher stress than those from high masculinity cultures. (H3) Students from high uncertainty avoidance cultures will report higher stress than those from low uncertainty avoidance cultures. (H4) Students who do not primarily speak English in their native country will report higher stress than those who do. (H5) Higher perceived social support will predict higher resilience and migrant life satisfaction. (H6) Students who primarily maintain host-country relationships will report greater resilience and migrant life satisfaction than those who primarily maintain home-country relationships. (H7) Social support will mediate the relationship between resilience and migrant life satisfaction. We intend to present preliminary findings during Scholars Week.
Keywords: International Students, Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, Acculturative Stress, Resilience, Social Support
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Psychology: Projects In-Progress
Well-being Among International Students
Well-being Among International Students
International education provides a meaningful opportunity for students seeking self-discovery and cross-cultural connection. Despite these opportunities, students often encounter challenges associated with adapting to a new country, and social atmosphere. Many experience social isolation and separation from key support systems, in addition to academic pressures, difficulty with cultural adjustment and language barriers. These challenges can impact stress levels, resilience levels and overall life satisfaction (Smith & Khawaja 2011). Similarly, aspects of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions (power distance, masculinity, and uncertainty avoidance in particular) highlight key cross-cultural differences that further influence stress levels in international students (Hofstede, 2001). Despite extensive research on acculturation, fewer studies have directly examined how specific cultural values and language background predict perceived stress among international students. We seek to gain further understanding of potential risk factors and amplify protective resources in order to promote the health and wellbeing of international students. This study is being conducted at Murray State, a university in the southeastern United States, via an online survey. Hypotheses include: (H1) Students from high power distance cultures will report higher stress than those from low power distance cultures. (H2) Students from low masculinity cultures will report higher stress than those from high masculinity cultures. (H3) Students from high uncertainty avoidance cultures will report higher stress than those from low uncertainty avoidance cultures. (H4) Students who do not primarily speak English in their native country will report higher stress than those who do. (H5) Higher perceived social support will predict higher resilience and migrant life satisfaction. (H6) Students who primarily maintain host-country relationships will report greater resilience and migrant life satisfaction than those who primarily maintain home-country relationships. (H7) Social support will mediate the relationship between resilience and migrant life satisfaction. We intend to present preliminary findings during Scholars Week.
Keywords: International Students, Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions, Acculturative Stress, Resilience, Social Support