University Climate, Culture, Support, and Chinese International Students' Psychosocial Well-Being: An Explanatory Sequential Mixed-Methods Study

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 5
  In Roundtable Session: Mixed-Methods Research Applications for Students

Abstract

In 2020, international students contributed $38.7 billion to the U.S. economy. Chinese international students (CIS) account for the largest international student subgroup in U.S. higher educational institutions. CIS also reported a higher percentage of symptoms of depression and anxiety than American counterparts. Yet, minimal research has examined the external factors that impact CIS’ experiences. This study explored how organizational support, organizational climate and culture are associated with CIS psychosocial well-being. Utilizing an explanatory sequential mixed methods design (359 online surveys and 15 in-depth interviews) and a critical framework, the research findings deepened the understanding of the CIS’ experiences on the university level and encouraged new organizational approaches to better support these students.

Author

• Xinxin Wang, Fudan University