The effect of perceived discrimination on cross-cultural adaptation of international students: moderating roles of autonomous orientation and integration strategy

Abstract

This study explores the associations between perceived discrimination and cross-cultural adaptation among 335 international students in China. Drawing on self-determination theory, we propose that autonomous orientation can weaken the relationship between perceived discrimination and cross-cultural adaptation. Integration strategy can be seen as a mechanism that encourages international students to embrace both their original and host culture when they feel be discriminated. Results indicate that perceived discrimination is negatively associated with sociocultural adaptation and psychological adaptation among international students in China. Our research identifies autonomous orientation as an important contingency that weakens the effects of perceived discrimination on cross-cultural adaptation, confirming the moderating role of integration strategy in the relationship between perceived discrimination and sociocultural adaptation. Integration strategy mediates the moderating effects of autonomous orientation on the relationship between perceived discrimination and sociocultural adaption. The findings provide valuable insight into the positive impact of autonomous orientation and integration strategy on the cross-cultural adaptation of international students when they feel be discriminated, which is beneficial to the education and management of international students at the theoretical and practical levels.