Social Support, Attachment Closeness, and Self-Esteem Affect Depression in International Students in China

Abstract

With an increase in the number of international students in China, there has been a simultaneous increase in their emotional problems, such as depression, as well as the importance of their emotional well-being. This study aimed to investigate the influence of social support on depression and the mediation and moderation mechanisms of this relationship in international students. In total, 349 international students in China responded to a questionnaire survey comprising the Social Support Rating Scale, Self-rating Depression Scale, Adult Attachment Scale, and Self-Esteem Scale. The results showed that: (1) attachment closeness had a significant direct predictive effect on depression; (2) attachment closeness played a mediating role in the relationship between social support and depression; and (3) the direct effect of social support on depression and the mediating effect of attachment and closeness are regulated by self-esteem. Therefore, interventions aimed at improving the social support, attachment closeness, and self-esteem of international students in China can be effective in reducing their depressive symptoms.

International Students’ Mental Health Care in China: A Systematic Review

“…In total, after excluding 4 duplications and 75 unqualified researches, 11 articles were identified [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Among them, two investigated the learning condition and mental situation of international students in China under COVID-19 [ 15 , 17 ].…”

“…In total, after excluding 4 duplications and 75 unqualified researches, 11 articles were identified [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Among them, two investigated the learning condition and mental situation of international students in China under COVID-19 [ 15 , 17 ]. One focused on the psychological barriers that influence the efficiency of online education [ 15 ].…”

“…Among them, two investigated the learning condition and mental situation of international students in China under COVID-19 [ 15 , 17 ]. One focused on the psychological barriers that influence the efficiency of online education [ 15 ]. Four specifically explored depression among various mental health problems [ 9 , 12 , 14 , 17 ], and eight referred to depression [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 14 , 15 ].…”

Factors That Influence Perceived Organizational Support for Emotional Labor of Chinese Medical Personnel in Hubei

“…Based on this research, corresponding countermeasures and suggestions to improve employees' sense of organizational support, reduce turnover intention, and manage emotional labor were put forward. Research shows that good social support can enhance self-awareness, reduce psychological stress reactions, and moderate the negative impact of stressful events (Li et al, 2021 ).…”

The Experience of International Students and Institutional Recommendations: A Comparison Between the Students From the Developing and Developed Regions

“…Nevertheless, increasing numbers of international students do not necessarily imply that these students are content with their academic and non-academic experiences, nor do they imply whether these students are eager to endorse China as a terminus to other international students. Besides, a recent study revealed that as the number of international students increases in China, their emotional problems are also rising (Li et al, 2021). Researchers have recommended that given the economic and global importance of the international students, their experience should be considered as an issue of customer satisfaction (Wearring et al, 2015).…”