ACCULTURATIVE STRESS AND MENTAL HEALTH AMONG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: AN EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE

The study examined various factors that contribute to acculturative stress among the international students. The study addresses and the mental health issues faced by international students. A sample of about 270 international students was considered for the study. A survey method was used to collect data using a questionnaire and the scales were adapted from existing studies. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling using partial least square method. The findings indicated that the international students face acculturative stress and a majority of them face psychological distress. The seven factors of acculturative stress were found to have a positive significant relationship with poor mental health. The study outcomes indicated the necessity of giving proper counseling to international students in order to reduce the acculturative stress that they face when they are in a new geographical area.