Pub Date : 2025-08-13DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102266
Melissa Ling Lee Wong , Shuang Liu
Intercultural friendship plays a crucial role in the social and academic adjustment of international students. However, less is known about the meaning and value of such friendship through the eyes of Chinese international students in Malaysia, where the distance between host and home cultures is assumed to be relatively smaller compared to that in Western contexts. This study adopts the Social Exchange Theory and the collectivist cultural dimension as its conceptual framework to examine how Chinese international students interpret the meaning and value of intercultural friendship during their acculturation in Malaysia. Data were obtained from in-depth interviews with 26 Chinese students at a Malaysian university. The findings show that intercultural friendship: (1) fosters emotional well-being, (2) promotes cross-cultural exchange and cultural identity negotiation, (3) provides academic and personal support, and (4) involves navigating intercultural barriers and intracultural diversity. Specifically, this study demonstrates that priority is placed on the emotional values of intercultural friendship over shared culture and other tangible benefits. This study extends Social Exchange Theory by situating the evaluation of costs and rewards within sociocultural and institutional contexts, with implications for strategies to improve the lives of international students.
{"title":"“Who is my friend?”: The meaning and value of intercultural friendship for Chinese international students during acculturation in Malaysia","authors":"Melissa Ling Lee Wong , Shuang Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Intercultural friendship plays a crucial role in the social and academic adjustment of international students. However, less is known about the meaning and value of such friendship through the eyes of Chinese international students in Malaysia, where the distance between host and home cultures is assumed to be relatively smaller compared to that in Western contexts. This study adopts the Social Exchange Theory and the collectivist cultural dimension as its conceptual framework to examine how Chinese international students interpret the meaning and value of intercultural friendship during their acculturation in Malaysia. Data were obtained from in-depth interviews with 26 Chinese students at a Malaysian university. The findings show that intercultural friendship: (1) fosters emotional well-being, (2) promotes cross-cultural exchange and cultural identity negotiation, (3) provides academic and personal support, and (4) involves navigating intercultural barriers and intracultural diversity. Specifically, this study demonstrates that priority is placed on the emotional values of intercultural friendship over shared culture and other tangible benefits. This study extends Social Exchange Theory by situating the evaluation of costs and rewards within sociocultural and institutional contexts, with implications for strategies to improve the lives of international students.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102266"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144829122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-06DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102264
Ruining Jin , Xiao Wang , Tam-Tri Le
In the post-COVID-19 era, discrimination is a common challenge for international student returnees to handle during their (re)acculturation. Using a cross-sectional survey design, the study surveyed 1014 Chinese international student returnees from WeChat public groups. Bayesian analysis aided by Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms was used for statistical analysis. The findings suggest that higher foreign adaptation is associated with increased perceived domestic discrimination. Returnees’ level of individualistic value attachment alone is not a significant factor associated with perceived domestic discrimination. However, returnees’ individualistic value attachment positively moderates the relationship between foreign adaptation and perceived discrimination, suggesting that returnees who uphold individualistic value attachment and have higher levels of foreign adaptation would experience a greater level of discrimination. The results underscore the need for inclusive policies, mentorship, and cultural intelligence training in universities and workplaces to support smoother reacculturation and enhance returnees’ well-being.
{"title":"From global exposure to local realities: Examining how foreign adaptation and individualism shape Chinese returnees’ perceived discrimination","authors":"Ruining Jin , Xiao Wang , Tam-Tri Le","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102264","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102264","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the post-COVID-19 era, discrimination is a common challenge for international student returnees to handle during their (re)acculturation. Using a cross-sectional survey design, the study surveyed 1014 Chinese international student returnees from WeChat public groups. Bayesian analysis aided by Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms was used for statistical analysis. The findings suggest that higher foreign adaptation is associated with increased perceived domestic discrimination. Returnees’ level of individualistic value attachment alone is not a significant factor associated with perceived domestic discrimination. However, returnees’ individualistic value attachment positively moderates the relationship between foreign adaptation and perceived discrimination, suggesting that returnees who uphold individualistic value attachment and have higher levels of foreign adaptation would experience a greater level of discrimination. The results underscore the need for inclusive policies, mentorship, and cultural intelligence training in universities and workplaces to support smoother reacculturation and enhance returnees’ well-being.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102264"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144780424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-04DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102259
Hao Gong , Yarong Zhu
Most of the extant research discussed how intercultural sensitivity is promoted by the influence of external cultural environments. However, little information has been provided about the impact of psychological factors in language learning on intercultural sensitivity, with even scarce longitudinal evidence. In view of this, the present study aimed to explore the relations between EFL learners’ English self-efficacy, ideal L2 self and their intercultural sensitivity based on both cross-sectional and longitudinal data collected from Chinese university EFL students. Utilizing the structural equation modeling technique, two mediation models and two cross-lagged panel models were constructed to examine the effects on the overall intercultural sensitivity and its five subcomponents. The cross-sectional findings confirmed the positive predictive effects of English self-efficacy and ideal L2 self on intercultural sensitivity and demonstrated the mediating roles of ideal L2 self in the relation between English self-efficacy and intercultural sensitivity. Results of the cross-lagged panel analysis further revealed that while ideal L2 self positively predicts subsequent intercultural sensitivity, the longitudinal impact of English self-efficacy is not supported. By establishing ideal L2 self-images with positive future visions as competent intercultural communicators, learners with stronger self-efficacy will show greater sensitivity and inclusiveness to cultural differences. Based on these major findings, multiple pedagogical implications for intercultural training projects and curriculum designs were offered. One particular revelation is that the present study calls for the establishment of an imagined global English community that also integrates non-native speakers who are communicating interculturally into the target community in English language teaching. This suggestion is designed to help EFL learners, especially those who are less self-efficacious, develop a more integrative language learning motivation under the global English context, thereby fostering their intercultural sensitivity.
{"title":"Effects of Chinese EFL learners’ English self-efficacy and ideal L2 self on intercultural sensitivity: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study","authors":"Hao Gong , Yarong Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102259","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102259","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most of the extant research discussed how intercultural sensitivity is promoted by the influence of external cultural environments. However, little information has been provided about the impact of psychological factors in language learning on intercultural sensitivity, with even scarce longitudinal evidence. In view of this, the present study aimed to explore the relations between EFL learners’ English self-efficacy, ideal L2 self and their intercultural sensitivity based on both cross-sectional and longitudinal data collected from Chinese university EFL students. Utilizing the structural equation modeling technique, two mediation models and two cross-lagged panel models were constructed to examine the effects on the overall intercultural sensitivity and its five subcomponents. The cross-sectional findings confirmed the positive predictive effects of English self-efficacy and ideal L2 self on intercultural sensitivity and demonstrated the mediating roles of ideal L2 self in the relation between English self-efficacy and intercultural sensitivity. Results of the cross-lagged panel analysis further revealed that while ideal L2 self positively predicts subsequent intercultural sensitivity, the longitudinal impact of English self-efficacy is not supported. By establishing ideal L2 self-images with positive future visions as competent intercultural communicators, learners with stronger self-efficacy will show greater sensitivity and inclusiveness to cultural differences. Based on these major findings, multiple pedagogical implications for intercultural training projects and curriculum designs were offered. One particular revelation is that the present study calls for the establishment of an imagined global English community that also integrates non-native speakers who are communicating interculturally into the target community in English language teaching. This suggestion is designed to help EFL learners, especially those who are less self-efficacious, develop a more integrative language learning motivation under the global English context, thereby fostering their intercultural sensitivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102259"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144772519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This scoping review aims to examine the extent and nature of evidence on factors influencing the mental health of South Asian international university students at the undergraduate and graduate levels who are studying in high-income countries. Moreover, this review aims to identify any notable gaps within the current evidence base in this area.
Design
In this review, we followed the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, as outlined in the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. JBI is an international research organization that develops and supports evidence-based healthcare resources, including methodologies for systematic and scoping reviews.
Review methods
This scoping review included studies focusing on undergraduate or graduate international university students aged 18 years or older from South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka), of any sex or gender identity. The concept of interest was mental health, including related concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, mood and eating disorders, fear, and phobias. The context was limited to high-income countries, as classified by the OECD and World Bank, including, but not limited to, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and European nations. The databases Medline (OVID), PsycINFO (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), ERIC (EBSCOhost), and Scopus were searched for literature published in English from inception to the present, focusing on factors affecting the mental health of this population. Studies were excluded if they focused on students below university level, individuals under 18, were conducted in low- or middle-income countries, Arab or East Asian regions (e.g., China, Malaysia), or were review articles, books, or book chapters. The results are reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
Findings
A total of 2998 studies were identified, of which 29 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Key factors identified in the literature affecting the mental health of South Asian international students include acculturation, on-campus safety concerns, financial and academic stressors, and COVID-19-related challenges, especially social isolation, perceived social discrimination, and lack of social support. We have also identified a few barriers and facilitators to utilizing mental health services. A significant gap in the literature exists regarding the limited representation of South Asian countries beyond India and a scarcity of studies conducted in high-income countries outside the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Additionally, most studies were quantitative, highlighting a need for more qualitative research to gain in-depth insight into these issues.
Conclusion
This scoping review synthesizes existing knowledge on factors affecting the mental health of South Asi
{"title":"Factors affecting mental health of South Asian international university students studying in high-income countries: A scoping review","authors":"Anila Naz , Yared Aynalem , Tanya Park , Zohra Lassi , Salima Meherali","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102251","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102251","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This scoping review aims to examine the extent and nature of evidence on factors influencing the mental health of South Asian international university students at the undergraduate and graduate levels who are studying in high-income countries. Moreover, this review aims to identify any notable gaps within the current evidence base in this area.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>In this review, we followed the JBI methodology for scoping reviews, as outlined in the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. JBI is an international research organization that develops and supports evidence-based healthcare resources, including methodologies for systematic and scoping reviews.</div></div><div><h3>Review methods</h3><div>This scoping review included studies focusing on undergraduate or graduate international university students aged 18 years or older from South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka), of any sex or gender identity. The concept of interest was mental health, including related concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, mood and eating disorders, fear, and phobias. The context was limited to high-income countries, as classified by the OECD and World Bank, including, but not limited to, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and European nations. The databases Medline (OVID), PsycINFO (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), ERIC (EBSCOhost), and Scopus were searched for literature published in English from inception to the present, focusing on factors affecting the mental health of this population. Studies were excluded if they focused on students below university level, individuals under 18, were conducted in low- or middle-income countries, Arab or East Asian regions (e.g., China, Malaysia), or were review articles, books, or book chapters. The results are reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>A total of 2998 studies were identified, of which 29 met the inclusion criteria for this review. Key factors identified in the literature affecting the mental health of South Asian international students include acculturation, on-campus safety concerns, financial and academic stressors, and COVID-19-related challenges, especially social isolation, perceived social discrimination, and lack of social support. We have also identified a few barriers and facilitators to utilizing mental health services. A significant gap in the literature exists regarding the limited representation of South Asian countries beyond India and a scarcity of studies conducted in high-income countries outside the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Additionally, most studies were quantitative, highlighting a need for more qualitative research to gain in-depth insight into these issues.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This scoping review synthesizes existing knowledge on factors affecting the mental health of South Asi","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102251"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144739711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-30DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102258
Beting He , Ran An , Junqiang Qu
The global surge in student mobility is exemplified by mainland Chinese students, the largest international cohort, who are now increasingly selecting Macao for higher education, and this intra-cultural adaptation context deserves attention. Through a questionnaire survey (N = 291), the study explored the predictive effects of both intrinsic and extrinsic learning motivation on international students’ acculturation outcomes, employing self-determination theory as the theoretical foundation. The findings highlight how intrinsic/extrinsic motivation significantly affects acculturation experiences, leading to improved academic adaptation. This study identifies the mediating role of sociocultural adaptation in the link between intrinsic motivation and academic adaptation. Conversely, psychological adaptation mediates the relationship between extrinsic motivation and academic adaptation. The valuable research findings enrich the literature. Particularly, the study emphasizes the importance of considering intra-cultural adaptation. This study has practical implications for higher education institutions, focusing on creating supportive learning environments, addressing mental health concerns, facilitating cultural understanding, and providing preparatory support for international students.
{"title":"Self-determined motivation and academic adaptation within an intra-cultural context: The mediating role of acculturation outcomes","authors":"Beting He , Ran An , Junqiang Qu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102258","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102258","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The global surge in student mobility is exemplified by mainland Chinese students, the largest international cohort, who are now increasingly selecting Macao for higher education, and this <em>intra</em>-cultural adaptation context deserves attention. Through a questionnaire survey (N = 291), the study explored the predictive effects of both intrinsic and extrinsic learning motivation on international students’ acculturation outcomes, employing self-determination theory as the theoretical foundation. The findings highlight how intrinsic/extrinsic motivation significantly affects acculturation experiences, leading to improved academic adaptation. This study identifies the mediating role of sociocultural adaptation in the link between intrinsic motivation and academic adaptation. Conversely, psychological adaptation mediates the relationship between extrinsic motivation and academic adaptation. The valuable research findings enrich the literature. Particularly, the study emphasizes the importance of considering <em>intra</em>-cultural adaptation. This study has practical implications for higher education institutions, focusing on creating supportive learning environments, addressing mental health concerns, facilitating cultural understanding, and providing preparatory support for international students.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102258"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144739710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-29DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102262
Fatih Özdemir , Bertjan Doosje
This paper examines the relationships between Hofstede's culture dimensions and happiness at both the country and individual levels. Study 1 was conducted with the scores of 60 countries obtained from open-source datasets. Results indicated that countries with lower collectivism and power distance scores had higher levels of happiness, after controlling for income level. Study 2, a survey-based research, tested the relationships between internalized culture dimensions by Turkish people living in Türkiye (n = 312) or Dutch people living in the Netherlands (n = 201) and happiness-related variables. After controlling for demographics, (i) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation, masculinity and power distance scores were more satisfied with their lives; (ii) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation score and lower power distance score had higher psychological well-being; (iii) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation and masculinity scores felt more grateful for the life they have. Additionally, (i) Dutch people with higher long-term orientation score had higher psychological well-being; (ii) Dutch people with lower power distance score felt more grateful for the life they have. The current studies demonstrate that, even after controlling for countries' income level and individuals' demographic characteristics, culture dimensions are associated with happiness at the country level in Study 1 and happiness-related variables at the individual level in Study 2. The results provide meaningful insights and practical implications for policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals who aim to enhance happiness through culturally sensitive approaches and to develop more sustainable social systems.
{"title":"Happiness across cultures: Considering the relationship between general well-being and Hofstede's culture dimensions","authors":"Fatih Özdemir , Bertjan Doosje","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102262","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102262","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper examines the relationships between Hofstede's culture dimensions and happiness at both the country and individual levels. Study 1 was conducted with the scores of 60 countries obtained from open-source datasets. Results indicated that countries with lower collectivism and power distance scores had higher levels of happiness, after controlling for income level. Study 2, a survey-based research, tested the relationships between internalized culture dimensions by Turkish people living in Türkiye (<em>n</em> = 312) or Dutch people living in the Netherlands (<em>n</em> = 201) and happiness-related variables. After controlling for demographics, (i) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation, masculinity and power distance scores were more satisfied with their lives; (ii) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation score and lower power distance score had higher psychological well-being; (iii) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation and masculinity scores felt more grateful for the life they have. Additionally, (i) Dutch people with higher long-term orientation score had higher psychological well-being; (ii) Dutch people with lower power distance score felt more grateful for the life they have. The current studies demonstrate that, even after controlling for countries' income level and individuals' demographic characteristics, culture dimensions are associated with happiness at the country level in Study 1 and happiness-related variables at the individual level in Study 2. The results provide meaningful insights and practical implications for policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals who aim to enhance happiness through culturally sensitive approaches and to develop more sustainable social systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102262"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144721281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-29DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102260
N. Tugba Bahar , Nora M. Degen , Frieder R. Lang
This study explores the effect of acculturation attitudes and self-regulation strategies on depression among older Turkish immigrants in Germany. The study comprised 195 immigrants (105 women and 90 men) aged 75 + of Turkish origin, who participated in structured face-to-face interviews. A structural equation model (SEM) was conducted to examine the associations between latent variables and depressive symptoms. Flexibility in self-regulation played a protective role in depressive symptoms, while higher levels of orientation toward host culture was significantly related to depressive symptoms. Tenaciousness in self-regulation and orientation towards the culture of origin did not serve as significant predictors of depressive symptoms. However, a stronger orientation towards the host culture was associated with heightened self-regulation strategies. Further research should focus on the effect of self-regulation strategies on acculturation attitudes and depression.
{"title":"Acculturation, self-regulation, and depression among Turkish older immigrants: An SEM study","authors":"N. Tugba Bahar , Nora M. Degen , Frieder R. Lang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102260","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102260","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores the effect of acculturation attitudes and self-regulation strategies on depression among older Turkish immigrants in Germany. The study comprised 195 immigrants (105 women and 90 men) aged 75 + of Turkish origin, who participated in structured face-to-face interviews. A structural equation model (SEM) was conducted to examine the associations between latent variables and depressive symptoms. Flexibility in self-regulation played a protective role in depressive symptoms, while higher levels of orientation toward host culture was significantly related to depressive symptoms. Tenaciousness in self-regulation and orientation towards the culture of origin did not serve as significant predictors of depressive symptoms. However, a stronger orientation towards the host culture was associated with heightened self-regulation strategies. Further research should focus on the effect of self-regulation strategies on acculturation attitudes and depression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102260"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144721280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study explores how immigrant stereotypes and prejudice are influenced by two types of status comparisons: a group’s country of origin (between-country) and its position within the host nation (within-country). Focusing on Nigerian immigrants in the US, we draw on the Stereotype Content Model to assess perceptions of warmth and competence, alongside established prejudice measures (social distance and feeling thermometer). A total of 516 US citizens completed an online, between-subjects experiment in one of four conditions: (1) Control (no information), (2) Between-Country (emphasizing Nigeria’s economic disadvantages relative to the US), (3) Within-Country (highlighting Nigerian immigrants’ socioeconomic success within the US), or (4) Combined (providing both sets of information). Participants exposed to Nigeria’s lower economic standing reported higher prejudice and rated Nigerian immigrants as lower in warmth and competence. Conversely, information about Nigerian immigrants’ strong socioeconomic position in the US led to more favorable views, mitigating the negative effects of the between-country frame. These findings underscore how specific informational contexts significantly shape both stereotypes and prejudice, offering practical avenues for reducing intergroup bias. We situate these results within cross-categorization theories and emergent attribute perspectives, showing that global and local status cues jointly shape societal perceptions of immigrant groups.
{"title":"Unpacking the complexity of immigrant stereotypes: Perceptions of Nigerian immigrants in the US depend on between-country versus within-country framing","authors":"Elizaveta Komyaginskaya , Albina Gallyamova , Lucian Gideon Conway III , Dmitry Grigoryev","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study explores how immigrant stereotypes and prejudice are influenced by two types of status comparisons: a group’s country of origin (<em>between-country</em>) and its position within the host nation (<em>within-country</em>). Focusing on Nigerian immigrants in the US, we draw on the Stereotype Content Model to assess perceptions of warmth and competence, alongside established prejudice measures (social distance and feeling thermometer). A total of 516 US citizens completed an online, between-subjects experiment in one of four conditions: (1) Control (no information), (2) Between-Country (emphasizing Nigeria’s economic disadvantages relative to the US), (3) Within-Country (highlighting Nigerian immigrants’ socioeconomic success within the US), or (4) Combined (providing both sets of information). Participants exposed to Nigeria’s lower economic standing reported higher prejudice and rated Nigerian immigrants as lower in warmth and competence. Conversely, information about Nigerian immigrants’ strong socioeconomic position in the US led to more favorable views, mitigating the negative effects of the between-country frame. These findings underscore how specific informational contexts significantly shape both stereotypes and prejudice, offering practical avenues for reducing intergroup bias. We situate these results within cross-categorization theories and emergent attribute perspectives, showing that global and local status cues jointly shape societal perceptions of immigrant groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102261"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study constitutes the first attempt to create a quantitative knowledge basis for the mental health of LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers in Greece, applying an intersectional lens to quantitative data to highlight their mental health experiences. LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers constitute a minority population, facing multiple intersectional challenges that put their mental health at risk. A self-compiled questionnaire that examined self-reported psychological symptoms, pre-migration and post-migration stressors was administered through a structured interview with 121 LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers, recruited with non-probability sampling. Results showed that participants who engaged in transactional sex reported higher psychological symptoms. Fear of violence as a reason for fleeing the country of origin, and discrimination and violence from other refugees predicted more psychological symptoms. Discrimination and violence from other refugees partially mediated and moderated the association between fear of violence as a reason for fleeing the country of origin, and psychological symptoms. The above findings highlight the need for further research to inform interventions in the Greek context.
{"title":"The mental health burden of LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers in Greece","authors":"Andreas Aslanis , Vassilis Pavlopoulos , Nikolaos Vegkos , Anna Papadaki , Anna Apostolidou , Giannis Boziaris , Giorgos Keratsas , Ioannis Levisianos-Lampropoulos , Konstantina Papastefanaki , Perez Moran , Stavroula Triantafyllidou , Vangelis Tsiaras , Hilton Justin , Nikos Dedes , Antonios Poulios","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102257","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102257","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study constitutes the first attempt to create a quantitative knowledge basis for the mental health of LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers in Greece, applying an intersectional lens to quantitative data to highlight their mental health experiences. LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers constitute a minority population, facing multiple intersectional challenges that put their mental health at risk. A self-compiled questionnaire that examined self-reported psychological symptoms, pre-migration and post-migration stressors was administered through a structured interview with 121 LGBT+ refugees and asylum seekers, recruited with non-probability sampling. Results showed that participants who engaged in transactional sex reported higher psychological symptoms. Fear of violence as a reason for fleeing the country of origin, and discrimination and violence from other refugees predicted more psychological symptoms. Discrimination and violence from other refugees partially mediated and moderated the association between fear of violence as a reason for fleeing the country of origin, and psychological symptoms. The above findings highlight the need for further research to inform interventions in the Greek context.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102257"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-07-24DOI: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102256
Constantina Badea , Kevin R. Binning , Armelle Nugier , Yara Alnajjar , Béatrice Sternberg , David K. Sherman
In France, “new secularism” laws established restrictive norms, such as prohibiting religious practices in public institutions. This approach contrasts with “historical secularism”, a more inclusive framework that upholds freedom of religious expression. We conducted a pilot study (N = 678) and a main experiment (N = 776) to examine how the norms of new vs. historical secularism interact with self-affirmation in influencing prejudice and perceived threat toward Muslim immigrants. In the pilot study, participants exposed to new secularism norms exhibited higher prejudice after completing a self-affirmation task. In the preregistered main experiment, we additionally measured participants’ concerns about appearing prejudiced against Muslims and their motivations to avoid bias (internal vs. external). Results showed that higher external motivation was associated with greater concerns about appearing prejudiced and higher levels of perceived threat toward Muslims, the latter particularly in the new secularism condition. In contrast, higher internal motivation was linked to lower levels of perceived threat and prejudice, irrespective of the normative context. The self-affirmation procedure reduced concerns about appearing prejudiced among participants with external motivation and lowered prejudice among participants with higher internal motivation to avoid intergroup bias. The discussion emphasizes the potential for new secularism norms to have disparate effects on attitudes towards religious groups. In ambiguous contexts of religious neutrality, self-affirmation can mitigate intergroup bias among individuals motivated by internal factors.
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