Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Group Intervention on Acculturation

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the effectiveness of group cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) in improving mental health and promoting postmigration growth for Mainland university students in Hong Kong. Methods: Thirty-six Mainland students with mild-to-moderate levels of psychological distress have completed a 8-session CBI group. Various mental health measures have been administered at the pre-, post-, and 3-month follow-up tests. Results: The levels of psychological distress, acculturative stress, and negative emotions and negative thoughts of the participants were significantly reduced, while their positive emotions and postmigration growth were significantly increased upon completion of the CBI group. The positive effects were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Conclusions: CBI group appears to be an effective intervention approach for improving the mental health and promoting postmigration growth for Mainland university students in Hong Kong. Implications for social work practices when engaging with Chinese international students were provided.

Behavioral Health Risk and Resilience among International Students in the United States: A Study of Socio-demographic Differences

“…Concerns about the adjustment and mental health of international students have emerged in the scholarly literature for approximately two decades (e.g., Bradley, 2000;Mori, 2000;Pan, Ng, Young, & Caroline, 2017). Some of the observed difficulties can be attributed to a variety of adjustment issues, such as acculturative stress (Hans, Pistole, & Caldwell;2011), academic stressors (Liu, 2009), loss of social support (Cheung & Yue, 2011), and racial discrimination (Yakunina, Weigold, & McCarthy, 2011).…”

“…Studies have indicated that effective advising of minority students is strongly associated with the advisor's ability to identify and address issues such as, acculturation, cultural myths and stereotypes, and value conflicts, often faced by diverse populations (Pan et al, 2017). Furthermore, issues of diversity and migration should be addressed more on college campuses, which will also educate students from mainstream groups to be more aware of issues faced by their international peers.…”

Evaluation of Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Chinese International Students in Hong Kong

“…There are very few studies that have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of CBI on international students. Pan, Ng, Young, and Caroline (2017) made a preliminary attempt to apply a CBI among Chinese international students in Hong Kong. The study lends support to the effectiveness of CBI in promoting international students’ mental health, as it yielded promising results.…”

Designing and revising a cognitive behavioral group intervention for psychological distress among female university students

“…The literature has revealed that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective and is one of the most common therapy provided to university students for prevention or early intervention of depression and anxiety. [27][28][29] It is also important to note that CBT has been recommended as the therapy of choice for anxiety and depression. [30] Further, CBT is commonly provided in groups as preventive interventions in schools.…”