The Relationship among Cultural Variables and Mental Health for Chinese International Students in the U.S.

Abstract

The current study examined the impact of multicultural factors (ethnic identity, acculturation, perceived discrimination, and gender role attitudes) on the mental health of Chinese international students in the U.S. The study was guided by the Multicultural Assessment-Intervention Process (MAIP) model that focuses on multicultural issues imbedded in mental health service delivery and research. Using a convenience sample of 315 Chinese international students currently studying in the U.S., seven standard multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the impact of multicultural factors on mental health (e.g., anxiety, depression, and stress symptoms). The results indicated that having higher ethnic identity commitment, acculturation to either mainstream U.S. culture or Chinese culture, egalitarian gender role attitudes, and lower ethnic identity exploration, generally predicted better mental health outcomes. Conversely, higher levels of perceived discrimination predicted poorer mental health outcomes for Chinese international students. Counseling implications, limitations, and future research were discussed.