Understanding Acculturative Stress in International Students: A Systematic Review of Its Origins, Impact, and Coping Mechanisms

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Abstract

The purpose of this systematic review is to examine acculturative stress in international students
through empirical studies in peer-reviewed journals from 2018 to 2022. Using a predetermined
review protocol, this review analyzed 66 publications on acculturative stress. The findings
provide a comprehensive range of sources for acculturative stress that is grouped into three
scales: Macro, Meso, Micro. Effects of acculturative stress are broken down into psychological,
physiological, and behavioral change. Drawn upon the sources, strategies from organizational
and individual levels are found to be helpful to impede acculturative stress and its effect. The
findings help policy makers and university leaders and managers to better optimize their
resources to improve international students’ acculturation experience and enhance the overall
higher education system.

Authors

• Thu Thi-Kim Le, University of Windsor

• Thi Thu Huyen-Nguyen, Texas A&M University