Traditional and Online Support Networks in the Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Chinese International Students in the United States

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships between sociocultural and psychological aspects of cross-cultural adaptation of Chinese international students in the United States, and the support that they perceive they receive from traditional support networks and online ethnic social groups. An online survey was conducted among 135 Chinese students who attended universities in the United States. The results suggest that perceived support from interpersonal networks in the host country and from online ethnic social groups was negatively related to social difficulties, while perceived support from interpersonal networks and long-distance networks in the home country was negatively associated with mood disturbance. The study also found that, compared to those who had lived in the United States for a longer period of time, new arrivals reported higher perceived support from online ethnic social groups. In addition, the more students perceived receiving support from these groups, the more likely they were to be actively engaged in online group activities.