Trust, Social Support and Adaptation: A Study of International Students in Japan

Abstract

Research suggests that there are two kinds of trust, generalized trust and particularistic trust. This study focuses on international students studying in Japan and investigates the relationship between their generalized trust of others, the social support they receive from both Japanese people and same-language speakers, and their sense of acceptance (SOA). A self-reported questionnaire survey was conducted, producing 206 valid responses. Multiple regression analysis showed that the respondents' self-esteem, generalized trust of others, and social support from Japanese people and same-language speakers all had significant effects on SOA. Structural equation modeling analysis showed that self-esteem not only had strong direct effects on SOA, but also had strong effects on an individual's generalized trust of others, which had mediating effects on social support from Japanese people and on SOA. However, no similar mediating effect on SOA was detected when the social support was from the same-language speakers. Implications of the study's findings are discussed. Index Terms-International students in Japan, trust, social support networks (SSN), sense of acceptance (SOA). International students (ISs) who study abroad may feel strong assurance towards other ISs, especially those from the same country, since they are considered to be "in-group" members; they may have a lower level of generalized trust of others, especially local residents (hosts), who are "out-group" members due to cultural differences, language boundaries, communication behaviors, and so on. In addition, the cultural distance may be different among different countries [6]. Furthermore, [7] and [8] suggested that increasing communication with their hosts would be an effective way for ISs to better adapt to the Japanese culture. Forming stable and fruitful relationships with Japanese people is likely to lead to an enhanced ability to cope with stress and improve and accelerate adaptation. Such beneficial relationships are known as "social support networks" (SSN). SSN is a general psychological term that indicates personal relationships expected to provide both tangible and intangible support and promote intercultural adaptation. Studies suggested that including more Japanese people in their SSNs will help ISs acquire Japanese-style social skills, and therefore improve their intercultural adaptation. However, [9] indicated that, while face-to-face communication decreased the maladaptation of ISs, communication through voice calls, instant messaging or emails had no such effect, as communication with social networks via these means tended to include more same-language speakers than Japanese. Regarding the ISs' social support received from others, [10] developed a scale for Chinese students in Japan

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