Abstract
The relationship between acculturative stress and mental health symptoms and the role of social support as a moderator of this relationship was studied among Korean international students ( N=74) living in the Pittsburgh area. Findings included: (1) acculturative stress was strongly correlated with mental health symptoms; (2) social support moderated and buffered the effect of stress on symptoms. Students with high levels of social support were significantly less likely to report symptoms with increasing levels of acculturative stress, compared to students reporting low levels of social support; and (3) the buffering effect of support was mainly or exclusively present when there was a high level of acculturation to American language and interpersonal associations. Granting limitations imposed by the small convenience sample, the study supports the theoretical buffering role for social support in the context of acculturative processes and suggests the need for facilitating the support systems of international students, particularly as they become more acculturated.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
