Document Type
Research Paper
Date of Completion
Summer 2023
Department
Behavioral Sciences
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Mac Sandlin
Abstract
With the rising numbers of international college students, institutions must assess their experiences. International students undergo major adjustments while studying abroad, which may impact their well-being. Specifically, it can affect their psychological health. The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to explore the self-perception and sociocultural adjustment of international students. It attempts this by identifying significant differences in self-efficacy and self-esteem between international and American students. The participants included a convenience sample of 75 college students, 32 international and 43 American students, from a small, private Christian university. The researcher assessed self-esteem using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and self-efficacy using the New General Self-Efficacy Scale (NGSE). The researcher then conducted semi-structured interviews with six international students to gain further insight. Independent samples t-tests were used to test the null hypotheses. The researcher used thematic analysis to examine the interview transcripts. No significant differences between international and American students regarding self-efficacy and self-esteem were found. Cultural awareness and relationship connection emerged as pertinent influences on sociocultural adjustment. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
Copyright held by
Public domain
Recommended Citation
Martinez, D. (2023). Exploring Self-Perception and Sociocultural Adjustment Among International Students. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.harding.edu/mcnair-research/28
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