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1 – 1 of 1Catrin Pedder Jones, Annemarie Lodder and Chris Papadopoulos
Previous research has found that international students can experience poor mental health, low levels of life satisfaction, self-esteem and high levels of loneliness when studying…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous research has found that international students can experience poor mental health, low levels of life satisfaction, self-esteem and high levels of loneliness when studying in a foreign country. No study has directly compared these between international and home students studying in the UK. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 247 students completed an online survey at the University of Bedfordshire.
Findings
The hypothesis that international students experience higher loneliness, lower self-esteem, lower life satisfaction and poorer general mental health than home students was rejected. Home students had significantly lower self-esteem, life satisfaction and general mental health scores. Black ethnicity and home student status significantly predicted general mental health and self-esteem in regression analyses. The predictive utility of home student status was maintained when other variables were controlled for in regression models.
Originality/value
This research suggests that the UK universities should ensure that both home and international students are adequately supported for their mental health.
Details