Effect of Gratitude on Loneliness of Chinese International Students: Social Support as a Mediator

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the unique contribution of gratitude and social support in predicting loneliness levels. Participants were required to answer questionnaires that tested their level of gratitude, loneliness, and social support, respectively. The statistical methods contained descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis. A total of 384 people (153 male, 217 female, and 14 undisclosed) completed the measures of gratitude, loneliness, and social support. In line with theoretical assumptions, the results show that gratitude is indeed negatively correlated with loneliness and that social support acts as a partial mediator between the two. Indirect effect B =-0.59, SE = 0.07, 95%CI [-0.74,-0.46], β =-0.27. Noteworthy, gratitude still remains a significant predictor of loneliness when controlling for social support, B =-0.38, SE = 0.09, 95%CI [-0.55,-0.20], β =-0.17. These results could be explained by the lack of family support and friendship support for Chinese international students, and thus social support only acts as a partial mediator. Results of this study help researchers to gain better insights into the current loneliness situation for Chinese international students. Future studies could make greater progress in overcoming loneliness or even develop treatments for related illnesses for Chinese international students specifically.