Cultural intelligence, Age and Prior Travel Experience as Predictors of Acculturative Stress and Depression among International Students Studying in China

Abstract

Mental health problems commonly prevail among international students as a result of acculturative difficulties. In light of this, the studyattempted to determine the role of cultural intelligence, age and prior travel experience on acculturative stress and depression and also whether acculturative stress mediatedthe cultural intelligence-depression relationship. 506international university students studying in China completeda battery of tests assessing their cultural intelligence, acculturative stress and depression. Cultural intelligence showed significantly negativecorrelationswith both acculturative stress and depression. Students’ prior travel experiences and age also significantlycorrelated withboth acculturative stress and depression. Acculturative stress mediated the relationship between cultural intelligence and depression. Implication, limitations and future study directions were discussed as well.

Factors Influencing Life Satisfaction of International Students in Mainland China

“…A less tangible but no less valuable benefit is the positive interaction and cultural exchange that typically occurs between international students and domestic students (Ammigan 2019). A deeper understanding of different cultures can facilitate cooperation, tolerance and international peace (Gebregergis et al 2019;Sam 2001;Taušová et al 2019).…”

“…The latter faced difficulties with social integration, a lack of orientation or counseling services, and communication with Chinese staff and classmates; with these factors being confirmed as having an impact on acculturation (Li 2007;Tan 2013). Gebregergis et al (2019) addressed the issue of acculturation in their study. They explored the correlation of the three variables of prior travel experience, age, and cultural intelligence (understanding a culture that is not your own and the ability to relate effectively across cultures).…”

“…Students’ prior sojourn experiences and pre-departure preparedness have been found to positively relate to adjustment and acculturation (Alemu and Cordier 2017 ; Gebregergis et al 2019 ; Morrell et al 2013 ; Park and Rubin 2012 ). International students who have traveled or worked in other foreign countries are likely to have more realistic expectations about the challenges and difficulties they might experience.…”

“…Gebregergis et al ( 2019 ) addressed the issue of acculturation in their study. They explored the correlation of the three variables of prior travel experience, age, and cultural intelligence (understanding a culture that is not your own and the ability to relate effectively across cultures).…”

Psychological Adjustment and Post-Arrival Cross-Cultural Training for Better Expatriation

“…Cross-cultural psychological adjustment is a psychological contact process emphasizing stress and mental well-being factors that impact cross-cultural adaptation for expatriate workers while in their new host country (Haslberger et al 2013). Psychological adjustment refers to the general emotional and affective state of well-being and life satisfaction, focusing on an individual's beliefs, perceptions, values, ideologies, and attitudes (Gebregergis et al 2019). Psychological factors play an important role in influencing adjustment during expatriation (Shin et al 2003).…”