【AE Research】Risk Factors of Mental Issues

In recent years, as more and more Chinese students venture abroad, the lives and studies of international students have become hotly debated topics. Increasing attention is being paid to the psychological issues they may encounter while overseas. When faced with stress, international students may be more sensitive to their surroundings and more prone to psychological problems compared to local students or those studying in their home country, due to factors such as family expectations, cultural differences, language barriers, social integration, and identity issues.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the main factors affecting international students' mental health, aiming to help readers gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and circumstances they face in this regard. By exploring these causes, we hope to offer more support and knowledge for international students in the future, helping them better adapt to life abroad and overcome potential difficulties.

In the process of adapting to a new culture, Language Barrier is the most immediate issue faced by international students. Imagine arriving in a foreign country where the local customs are vastly different from those at homeland, and as you just arrived, you might not be ablt to fully master the language, which in this case you could only understand part of the conversation. After the excitement of coming to a new place starts to wear off, wouldn't you start to worry? 

Language barrier brings inconvenience to all aspects of an international student's life. Language is not only a tool for communication, but also a critical bridge for integrating into the local society. It not only hinders in-depth communication with local residents, but also significantly affects international students' willingness to seek mental support when they encounter emotional difficulties. 

Moreover, the language barrier can deepen their sense of isolation, making them feel ignored or as if their words are not taken seriously. Other than that, however, language barriers are just a part of the challenges when it comes to the cross-cultural pressures. Cultural Differences, Cultural Identity, Discrimination, and other factors also impact their mental health.

Cultural Differences and Normative Differences can have a significant impact on symptoms of anxiety, somatization, and depression. As international students, Chinese students may experience cognitive dissonance due to the differences between Chinese cultural values and those of the host country, especially regarding the contrast between individualism and collectivism.

A study conducted in 2015 indicated that compared to other students, international students bear more psychological pressure, which may be related to cultural mismatch and societal pressures. Transitioning from a familiar Chinese cultural context to a foreign environment, international students may encounter different educational expectations, social norms, and value systems, and inevitably undergo cognitive adjustments. In the process of acceptance and adaptation, in addition to the fear of "making mistakes," cultural adaptation stress may also accumulate, leading to additional stress related to language barriers, lifestyle changes, and the acceptance of new norms, which can affect their mental state. 

At the same time, the size of the cultural differences between China and the host country will also affect the degree to which international students can adapt. In a cultural adaptation stress scale published in 2015, the levels of depression and life satisfaction can effectively predict the impact of cultural adaptation stress. Being able to adapt to the culture well is a key factor in mental health. An article published in 2023 further confirmed this point: cultural harmony has a negative correlation with cultural adaptation stress and a positive correlation with eudaimonic well-being.The lower the similarity between the cultural environments of two countries, the more difficult it is for international students to adapt and integrate between them.

Multiple studies have concluded that compared to local students or students studying in China, international students exhibit significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression. As international students cross oceans and leave their hometowns, the longing for home is a common emotional experience for them. Home provides a sense of belonging and security for students abroad, serving as a mental support when facing difficulties. However, this Homesickness can sometimes exacerbate their psychological stress and negatively affect their mental state.

图源：trintonian

Beyond the cultural shocks from the outside world, the existing culture back home also continues to influence the psychology of Chinese students studying abroad. A study from 2021 pointed out that "face concerns" related to Chinese cultural traits, which involve maintaining personal dignity and social image, are positively correlated with mental health problems and self-stigmatization. In an unfamiliar overseas environment, it's inevitable for new international students to make mistakes. The high self-esteem and perfectionism stemming from Chinese cultural traits make them more prone to internal pressure. 

Moreover, the East Asian culture makes it easy for students to link their self-worth with academic performance. During the adaptation phase to language and teaching methods, students' grades often do not meet their own expectations at the start. When they continue to equate their self-worth with their academic performance, it leads to a decline in self-evaluation, causing more self-anxiety and academic pressure. This is closely related to positive emotions in mental health.

At the same time, Family Expectations are also a major source of pressure. Chinese international students often carry the expectations of their families, which may differ from their own goals and desires. While pursuing academic achievements, they may also feel tremendous pressure from their families. For students sent abroad, some parents have very high expectations. Due to the differences in living environments, parents back home may not fully understand the challenges currently faced by international students. Studies have pointed out that part of the pressure faced by international students may include high expectations from overseas, which is related to a significant mental health crisis among Chinese students in the US.

Furthermore, a study in 2016 pointed out several culturally specific characteristics that affect the psychology of international students, including: parents valuing science more than humanities, valuing family reputation more than happiness, traditional Chinese parenting styles, differences between parenting styles in different countries, and conflicts between overly restrictive emotions and parents and children. These cultural traits can also lead to higher stress levels and anxiety.

In unfamiliar settings, the discomfort arising from social disconnection, prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination is omnipresent. The absence of social ties and the perception of discrimination can amplify psychological stress, especially when students sense exclusion or unfair treatment, causing a swift surge in pressure. 

Research indicates that perceived discrimination significantly forecasts the anxiety levels among students. Beyond the common racial discrimination and omnipresent stereotypes, language discrimination is more subtle and can lead to self-deprecation among international students, promptnng them to find faults within themselves. Language discrimination refers to the experience of being discriminated against because English is a second language or due to an accent, encompassing scenarios where one might be ignored, rejected, or not taken seriously because of pronunciation or grammatical errors. Such discrimination can result in international students feeling disrespected, neglected, and inferior, intensifying their anxiety and depressive symptoms.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced novel and specific challenges for international students. The distress of being unable to return home due to flight suspensions, worries for family, and concerns about one's health all contribute to increased anxiety. The pandemic-induced discrimination against Asians has further deteriorated the mental well-being of Chinese international students. Remote learning policies implemented by educational institutions in response to the pandemic have reduced social interactions among international students, exacerbating feelings of loneliness and anxiety.

图源：小红书@tanx

文案｜Giana Li & Kristine

排版 视觉 ｜ Giana Li & Chloe

审核｜ Kristine