As the number of international students worldwide increases, the findings underline the need for universities to prioritize the mental health of this group.
As the number of international students worldwide increases, the findings underline the need for universities to prioritize the mental health of this group.
International students at universities are experiencing significant levels of anxiety, with almost 30 percent reporting symptoms, according to the research posted on BMC Psychiatry, an online repository of peer-reviewed studies. It also identified financial pressure and language barriers as the leading stressors for these students.
In a cross-sectional study involving 512 international students at a medical university in China, the researchers found that 28.71 percent (147 students) exhibited symptoms of anxiety. The symptoms ranged from mild (18.16 percent) to moderate (6.45 percent), and severe (4.10 percent).
The study examined the link between university stressors and anxiety symptoms, focusing on the mediating roles of self-efficacy and perceived stress. The results showed a direct positive correlation between the two, with perceived stress and self-efficacy acting as sequential mediators.
The most prominent stressors found were financial pressure, affecting 72.07 percent of the participants, and language barriers, affecting 69.34 percent. These issues, compounded with the pressure of adjusting to a new culture, are taking a considerable toll on the mental health of international students.
The researchers concluded that the findings affirm the importance of appropriate intervention strategies aimed at reducing anxiety levels. This includes counseling on financial management and language skills and creating programs to enhance self-efficacy and manage stress within the university setting.
As the global economy becomes increasingly interconnected, universities worldwide are hosting a growing number of international students. It is therefore crucial that institutions prioritize the mental health of these students and provide necessary support systems. The findings from the BMC Psychiatry study underline this necessity, providing universities with valuable insights into the specific needs of their international student populations.
With this research, the conversation surrounding mental health in academic institutions extends further, highlighting the unique challenges faced by international students. It underscores the need for universities to address these issues proactively, providing support to students who may be struggling far from their home countries.
