International student trauma during COVID-19: Relationships among mental health, visa status, and institutional support

Abstract

Objective: This study explored the predictive relationship among international student trauma responses, visa status anxiety, and perceived institutional support. Researchers also sought to understand the relationship between help seeking behaviors and trauma exposure responses. Participants: International students (n = 172) from U.S. colleges and universities enrolled since March 2020. Methods: Data were collected via an electronic survey administered during the fall 2020 academic term. Results: The model was found to be significant, explaining 67% of the variance of student trauma responses. Anxiety surrounding students’ ability to stay in the U.S. was found to be the greatest contributor to the model. Additionally, particular clusters of trauma symptomatology were significantly correlated with help seeking from specific individuals within student networks. Finally, students reported moderate levels of mental health help seeking behaviors, with friends and family being the most likely sources sought out for help. Conclusions: Despite focus on students’ health and wellness concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, visa policy uncertainty was a primary driver of self-reported trauma symptomatology at the onset of the pandemic.