Do Chinese International Students’ Personalities Change During Cross-National Transitions?

Abstract

Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality construct salient for international students; they are known to be likely high achievers in their home country and face several acculturative challenges after crossing national borders. This study examined whether perfectionist types changed during cross-national transitions in a sample of 227 Chinese international students studying in the U.S. Individuals were classified into different types of perfectionists—adaptive, maladaptive, and non- perfectionists. Results indicated that 40% of the participants’ perfectionist types changed during their cross-national transition. After studying in the United States, more non-perfectionists became perfectionists than perfectionists that turned into non-perfectionist. Acculturative stress predicted the direction of shift; nonperfectionists who perceived higher levels of acculturative stress were more likely to change into maladaptive perfectionists than adaptive perfectionists.

Depression and anxiety from acculturative stress: Maladaptive perfectionism as a mediator and mindfulness as a moderator.

“…Similar to Wang et al (2017) conclusions, we believed that Chinese international students are likely to experience this unhealthy form of perfectionism (i.e., maladaptive perfectionism) when encountering acculturative stress due to cultural values that encourage high standards and the difficulties to meet their high expectations. First, perfectionistic behaviors were found to stem from cultural emphases on work ethic and education (Yee, 1992).…”

“…Based on Berry (1997) theoretical framework of acculturation, the association between acculturative stress and its immediate adjustment outcomes (e.g., depression and anxiety) is often mediated by individuals’ strategies or resources to deal with their stress. It is likely that in the face of acculturative stress, Chinese international students may engage in maladaptive perfectionism as a coping strategy to aid in their adjustment and adaptation in the U.S. (Wang et al, 2017). The use of maladaptive perfectionism then might further positively associate with elevated depression and anxiety.…”

“…Maladaptive perfectionism is seen as an unhealthy form of perfectionism that relates to distress (Slade & Owens, 1998), which is often described as one’s perceived discrepancy between setting high standards and actual performance and being displeased with anything less (Slaney et al, 2001). Although maladaptive perfectionism has been conceptualized as a personality trait, prior studies have indicated that perfectionism was malleable in response to factors including intervention (Arpin-Cribbie et al, 2008; Hawley et al, 2006) and highly stressful situations (Herman et al, 2013; Wang et al, 2017). Particularly, Wang et al (2017) found that 40% of their 227 Chinese international student sample had experienced changes in their perfectionism profiles.…”

“…Although maladaptive perfectionism has been conceptualized as a personality trait, prior studies have indicated that perfectionism was malleable in response to factors including intervention (Arpin-Cribbie et al, 2008; Hawley et al, 2006) and highly stressful situations (Herman et al, 2013; Wang et al, 2017). Particularly, Wang et al (2017) found that 40% of their 227 Chinese international student sample had experienced changes in their perfectionism profiles. They indicated that nonperfectionists who perceived high levels of acculturative stress (e.g., English insufficiency, academic stress, social isolation, or perceived discrimination) were more likely to become maladaptive perfectionists.…”

Hiding behind the “perfect” mask: a phenomenological study of Filipino university students’ lived experiences of perfectionism

“…This is due to their socialization process, where they were loaded with heavy and frequent requirements and experienced a decrease in intrinsic motivation. On the other hand, Wang et al ( 2017 ) found that “there were more non-perfectionist [Chinese international] students who became perfectionists after studying in the United States. than perfectionists who became non-perfectionists” (p. 239).…”