Objective
This study aimed to examine the mental health status, coping strategies, perceived social support and barriers in mental health help seeking behaviour among first-year international students enrolled in Turkish language learning programs in Turkey.
Participants:
The study included undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. international students studying at Turkish language institutions.
Methods
A mixed-methods approach was utilized. Quantitative data were collected through surveys administered during the winter and spring terms of 2024, comprising the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, the Brief COPE Inventory, and a demographic questionnaire. Qualitative data were gathered through one-on-one and group interviews with 60 participants.
Results
Among the 381 participants from 48 countries, 45.93% reported optimal mental health, 45.14% exhibited moderate mental health, and 8.92% experienced low mental health. High levels of perceived social support from family and friends were significant predictors of mental well-being. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data identified three main themes: barriers to mental health help-seeking, perceived social support from sources beyond family and friends, and coping strategies used by students. Institutional and cultural barriers, including limited access to counseling and cultural stigma, were highlighted as critical challenges impacting mental health.
Conclusions
The findings reveal that while perceived social support significantly enhances mental well-being, institutional and cultural barriers severely hinder help-seeking behaviors among international students. These results underscore the urgent need for culturally competent counseling services and more accessible mental health resources in universities to support the unique needs of this student population.
