Acculturative Stress and Socio-Demographic Influences: A Comparative Study of Asian and African International Students in China

Abstract

International students often face challenges in adapting to new living and learning environments. This study investigated the levels of acculturative stress and its contributing factors among Asian and African international students in five internationally recognized universities in Wuhan, Hubei. A total of 243 students participated in the study, completing a questionnaire based on an adapted version of the Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students (ASSIS). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 22. The results indicated that most international students did not report significant acculturative stress, but differences were observed between African and Asian students. African students experienced higher stress levels related to perceived discrimination, whereas Asian students reported fear and guilt as primary stressors. Across all participants, homesickness, perceived discrimination, and culture shock emerged as the most common sources of stress, while fear was the least reported stressor. Socio-demographic variables significantly influenced stress levels. Students who had longer stays, were older, possessed higher education levels, and were married reported lower levels of acculturative stress. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to support international students, including culturally responsive programs, anti-discrimination initiatives, and peer-mentoring systems. Such efforts would foster greater inclusion, social integration, and well-being among international students studying in China.