Acculturative stress and depressive symptoms among international university students: A meta-analytic investigation

Abstract

Research has consistently supported a positive relationship between acculturative stress and depression among international students. However, variations in findings have indicated the need for a quantitative synthesis of existing studies. This random-effects meta-analysis included twenty-four independent studies meeting eligibility criteria, comprising 5712 international university students (Female = 55.56 %; mean age = 24.49, range 17–64 years old). Findings revealed a robust relationship (Fisher’s Z = 0.531; CI [0.305, 0.756]; p < 0.001) between acculturative stress and depressive symptoms among international university students, indicating a large effect (Cohen, 1992). Moderating variables such as age, gender, host culture, and measurement scales showed no significant effects on this association. The findings confirmed the positive correlation between acculturative stress and depression, showing that increased levels of acculturative stress among international university students are linked to higher levels of depression. The results suggest the potentially pivotal role of acculturative stress in understanding and addressing depressive symptoms among international university students. Importantly, the study highlights the need for future research involving a more diverse range of international students and countries, given the predominance of studies conducted in the United States with samples primarily of Asian origin.