Needed More Than Ever: An Exploration of the Mental Health Status of Chinese International Undergraduate Students

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Wednesday 4:20 pm Four Seasons Ballroom 2-3
  In Roundtable Session: Mental Health and Student Well-Being in Global Contexts (Table 7)

Abstract

This study aims to explore and understand, through a survey approach, the mental health status of Chinese international undergraduates in the U.S. The findings of this study suggest that a significant portion of Chinese international undergraduates (N=218) at a sample university are facing mental health challenges, with a considerable prevalence of both depression (68.2%) and anxiety (59.3%). It also suggests that internet usage, relationship status, and perceived adaptation to American life are significant predictors of their mental health; academic pressure, uncertainty about the future, and feelings of loneliness and isolation are the top three stressors perceived by these students. Furthermore, to support their mental health, talking with friends and family, playing video games, and exercising are the primary ways used.

Authors

• Jing Su, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Mian Wang, University of California - Santa Barbara