Perceived support as a predictor of acculturative stress among international students in the United States

Abstract

A quantitative study was conducted to measure the acculturative stress of international students and investigate the predictors of acculturative stress. A total of 186 students participated in the survey. Results showed that 22.4% of the students in this study exceeded the normal stress level and might need counseling or psychological intervention. International students from the Middle East had a significantly higher level of acculturative stress than students from other areas. Perceived support from the university was identified as a significant negative predictor of acculturative stress. The results have important implications for educators and helping professions in higher education settings that serve international students.