Social Factors in Cross-National Adjustment

Abstract

We examined how social factors (i.e., social connection, social self-efficacy, and comfort with disclosing distress) and English proficiency predicted two subjective well-being trajectories (i.e., negative affect and satisfaction with life). The sample of this four-wave longitudinal study (across pre-arrival and first three semesters) included 411 Chinese international students studying in the United States. Four distinct trajectory classes were identified for negative affect and satisfaction with life. The classes generally included individuals who had (a) consistently high well-being, (b) experienced some degree of culture shock, (c) enhanced well-being, and (d) low well-being. Social connection with mainstream society was a better predictor of satisfaction with life trajectories than social connection with one’s ethnic community. Comfort with disclosing distress and self-perceived English proficiency were significant predictors only for the satisfaction with life trajectories. The important role of social factors and English proficiency in international students’ adjustment and practical implications are also discussed.

Keywords

subjective well-being longitudinal Chinese international students social factors English proficiency

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