The Effects of Psychosocial Factors on International Students’ Mental Health and Relevant Interventions

University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, L5L 1C6, Canada

^* Corresponding author: ruiqiu.shen@mail.utoronto.ca

Abstract

Mental disorders are pervasive among global students enrolled in postsecondary education institutions, and the mental health conditions of international students (ISs) are seizing additional attention from professionals due to their unique challenges. This review aims to address three categories of psychosocial factors that are particularly affecting ISs’ mental health conditions, including 1) acculturative stress, 2) explicit and implicit discrimination and 3) interpersonal relationships/intercultural social efficacy. High mindfulness level, low perceived cultural distancing, high host language proficiency, and sufficient psychoeducation of educators and ISs are protective of ISs from acculturation-related distress. Low perceived host language proficiency, loneliness, and anxiety mediate the relationship between ISs’ mental health and discrimination. Possessing, maintaining, and enhancing existing healthy interpersonal relationships and social connectedness to the host culture provides ISs with social support to overcome psychological distress. Correspondingly, the article discussed interventions that have shown effectiveness and potential practical application value from both personal and institutional perspectives. In sum, mental health conditions are as noteworthy as academic competency among ISs, and it requires more investigations into the intervening process targeting psychosocial stressors.