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Birds of a Feather Fare Less Well Together: Modeling Predictors of International Student Adaptation

Author

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  • Renee Gibbs

    (PRIME Research/Department of Veterans Affairs, West Haven, CT 06516, USA)

  • Oya Yerin Güneri

    (Department of Educational Sciences/Faculty of Education, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey)

  • Thomas Pankau

    (Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 98119, USA)

  • Lynette Bikos

    (Department of Clinical Psychology, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA 98119, USA)

Abstract

Sociocultural adaptation to the host country is an important corollary to the psychological well-being of international students. We used structural equation modeling (SEM) to test a model of sociocultural adaptation and psychological wellbeing. International students in Ankara, Turkey ( N = 161, mean age = 22.35) completed online surveys. Consistent with our hypotheses, interpersonal connections with host nationals predicted greater sociocultural adaptation (β = 0.250, p = 0.001) and interpersonal connections with co-nationals resulted in poorer psychological adjustment (β = −0.171, p = 0.025). Host-country language proficiency led to better sociocultural adaptation (β = 0.262, p < 0.001), and perceptions of greater cultural distance had a negative impact on both psychological (β = 0.314, p < 0.001) and sociocultural adaptation (β = 0.328, p < 0.001). Thus, students who were able to engage in relations with host-country nationals fared better. Our results provide insight for sending and receiving institutions regarding the preparation (e.g., exploring cognitive frames for immersion, language skills, reviewing coping strategies) and supportive services (e.g., connection with host country nationals) that will facilitate the adjustment of international students.

Suggested Citation

  • Renee Gibbs & Oya Yerin Güneri & Thomas Pankau & Lynette Bikos, 2020. "Birds of a Feather Fare Less Well Together: Modeling Predictors of International Student Adaptation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(6), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:6:p:2317-:d:333107
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Annamaria Di Fabio & Akira Tsuda, 2018. "The Psychology of Harmony and Harmonization: Advancing the Perspectives for the Psychology of Sustainability and Sustainable Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-15, December.
    2. Annamaria Di Fabio & Maureen E. Kenny, 2018. "Academic Relational Civility as a Key Resource for Sustaining Well-Being," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(6), pages 1-13, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Chu Zhang & Won-Hwa Hong & Young-Hoon Bae, 2022. "Fire Safety Knowledge of Firefighting Equipment among Local and Foreign University Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-11, September.

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