Abstract:

The study investigates the dynamics of acculturative stress (AS), post-traumatic growth (PTG) and mental health (MH) of international students (IS) in South Africa. This study was conducted using a multi-method approach comprising a mixed method (Embedded design), comparative approach, and moderation. The Embedded Design was a mixed methods design in which one data set (qualitative) provides a supportive, secondary role in a study based primarily on the other data type (quantitative) anchored on cross-sectional research which embodies observations and scrutinizing data from a population at a given time. The qualitative side of the study phenomenological design to collect the views of international students to describe what they all have in common with regards to their experiences of acculturative stress, student stress, post-traumatic growth and mental health. A total of eight hundred and eleven (N= 811) female and male international students of age 18 to 49 years were randomly chosen using the simple random selection method from the participating universities. Advanced statistics such as the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used to investigate whether PTG will moderate to protect MH of International students (IS) against AS and Social Support (SS) and also to understand the predictive factors of AS and SS on MH. Acculturative stress factors of homesickness, perceived hate, fear, culture shock, guilt, and miscellaneous acculturative stress, as well as student stress, were directly associated with poor mental health. Post-traumatic growth also emerged as a significant moderator of the negative experiences of international students. With high post-traumatic growth, acculturative stress and student stress had a weaker effect on mental health. Furthermore, age and gender had significant effects on mental health. Being older and being male were associated with improved mental health. Recommendations include formulating policy implementation across all stakeholders dealing with IS, especially the Department of Home Affairs. The study also has educational and learning experiences for potential international students on risk-mitigations for mental health.

Keywords:

Dynamics, Acculturative stress, Postraumatic growth, Mental health, International students, South Africa, Multi-method.