Mediating Role of Social Exclusion in the Relationship Between Sense of Belonging and Loneliness in International Students - Research Paper

Oct 15, 2026

Research examines how social exclusion mediates the relationship between sense of belonging and loneliness among international students. The study includes 284 international students studying at universities in Türkiye and applies the General Belongingness Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Social Exclusion Scale. Using Hayes Process Model 4 in a regression framework, results show sense of belonging relates negatively to both social exclusion and loneliness, while social exclusion relates positively to loneliness.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

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Pages19

Reading Time48 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Literature Review

Mediating Role of Social Exclusion in the Relationship Between Sense of Belonging and Loneliness in International Students İsmail KUŞCİ1 Bursa Uludag University Ali ÖZTOSUN2 Bursa Uludag University Nuran BAYRAM ARLI3 Bursa Uludag University Abstract This research aims to examine the mediating role of social exclusion in the relationship between a sense of belonging and loneliness in international students. The research sample is composed of international students studying in universities in Türkiye. In the research, in which 284 students voluntarily participated, General Belongingness Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Social Exclusion Scale were applied. The study was designed by establishing Hayes Process Model 4 as the regression model. Sense of belonging was found to be in negative relation with social exclusion and loneliness. Moreover, a positive relationship was observed between social exclusion and loneliness. Finally, it was noticed that social exclusion acts as a mediator of the process towards belonging and loneliness and has a significant impact on loneliness. These findings were discussed within the literature framework mentioned in the conclusion part, and suggestions were made. Keywords: International Students, Loneliness, Sense of Belonging, Social Exclusion DOI: 10.29329/epasr.2023 .600.14 Submitted: 18 June 2023 Accepted: 19 August 2023 Published: 30 September 2023 1Research Assistant, Faculty of Education, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Türkiye, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-2178-8429 Correspondence: [ismailkusci@uludag.edu.tr](ismailkusci@uludag.edu.tr) 2 PhD Student, Faculty of Education, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Türkiye, ORCID ID: 0000-0002-1919-5595 [Email:aliztosun@gmail.com](Email:aliztosun@gmail.com) 3 Prof. Dr., Faculty of Economics, Bursa Uludag University, Bursa, Türkiye, ORCID ID: 0000-0001-5492-184X Email: [nuranb@uludag.edu.tr](nuranb@uludag.edu.tr) Introduction Nowadays, students' eagerness to study in developing countries and the spread of student exchange programs have rapidly increased international students worldwide (OECD, 2016) . The concept of international student refers to crossing a national border to study for a certain period (Richters & Teichler, 2006; UNESCO, 2009) . Students getting together from many different countries face psychological, cultural, and sociological problems in starting a new life in the countries they will study and during the adoption process to different atmospheres (Cerna, 2014; Mehra, & Bishop, 2007; Wu, Garza, & Guzman, 2015) . It is seen that the studies related to international students have addressed their perceptions, exploratory learning processes, feelings of loss and loneliness, cultural shock, cultural value, leadership expectations, benefiting from psychotherapy, longing for home, integration, change of identity, use of smartphones, going back to home as well as educational processes such as academic success, language learning, educational experiences, motivation levels, benefiting from the library, and learning strategies (Anandavalli, 2021; Annamalai et al., 2021; Cho et al., 2021; Bani Ahmad, & Meriç, 2021; Kayser-Jones & Abu-Saad, 1982; Li et al., 2007; Matic & Russell, 2020; Matsunaga et al., 2021; Raja et al., 2021; Sawir et al., 2008; Stokes et al., 2021; Wawera & McCamley, 2020; Wu et al., 2021; Zhong & Cheng, 2021) . Studies have focused more on the individual and the individual's interest in the unique environment. Any negative influence of the other party and consequential emotional state has not been addressed much. While the number of international students is increasing rapidly in the world, Türkiye has become a popular place of education because of its location between Asia and Europe, its cultural richness, and the increasing quality of education as well as affordable costs of living and education (Özoğlu et al., 2015) . Moreover, the number of international students has increased as a result of the

FAQs

What is the main purpose of this research?

To test whether social exclusion mediates the link between international students’ sense of belonging and their loneliness.

Which scales and sample were used in the study?

The study uses the General Belongingness Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale, and Social Exclusion Scale with 284 international students studying in Türkiye.

What relationships were found among belonging, social exclusion, and loneliness?

Sense of belonging showed a negative relationship with social exclusion and loneliness, while social exclusion showed a positive relationship with loneliness.

Oct 15, 2026

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