Understanding the Psychological Well-being of International Students in Higher Education Institutions during Global Uncertainties

Oct 15, 2026

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The study explores psychological well-being among international students in Jordanian universities during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on mental health status, coping strategies, perceived support, and the effects of global uncertainties. A cross-sectional design analyzed survey data from 400 international students using established scales and IBM SPSS Statistics Version 27, including descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVAs, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression. Findings show high, moderate, and low well-being proportions, combined with adaptive versus maladaptive coping patterns and varying support levels. Overall, global uncertainties show graded impact, highlighting the need for targeted institutional support policies.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Global uncertainties and international student challenges

Psychological well-being and coping under stress

Role of higher education institutions

Understanding the Psychological Well-being of International Students in Higher Education Institutions during Global Uncertainties By Fadi soud Samawi 􀀍 & Taliy Samawi􀁲 Amidst the backdrop of globalization, there has been a marked increase in international student enrollment across global higher education institutions. This study targets the exploration of psychological well-being among these students in Jordanian universities during the COVID-19 pandemic, delving into their mental health, coping strategies, support systems, and the impacts of global events. Through a cross-sectional approach, data from 400 international students were collected via a comprehensive online questionnaire, covering demographics, Psychological Well-being Scale, Coping Strategies Inventory, Perceived Support Scale, and the Impact of Global Uncertainties Scale. Analysis conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics Version 27 included descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVAs, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis. Results showcased a demographic profile with a mean age of 28.45 (SD = 6.55), gender distribution of 48.25% male, 39.75% female, and 12% other, spanning disciplines like Engineering, Science, Arts, Business, and Medicine, from first-year undergraduates to graduate-level students. Psychological well-being outcomes revealed 37.5% of participants reported high well-being, 45.0% moderate, and 17.5% low; 62.5% utilized adaptive coping strategies while 37.5% resorted to maladaptive ones; perceived support levels were high for 30.0%, moderate for 50.0%, and low for 20.0% of the students; the impact of global uncertainties was felt highly by 40.0%, moderately by 45.0%, and minimally by 15.0%. The study underscores the varied experiences of international students concerning their psychological well-being, coping mechanisms, and perceived support in the face of global uncertainties, offering critical insights for higher education institutions to formulate targeted support systems and policy measures aimed at enhancing international students' well-being and academic achievement in challenging times. Keywords: international students, psychological well-being, global uncertainties, coping strategies, higher education institutions Introduction The landscape of higher education has dramatically transformed in recent decades, predominantly influenced by the trend of globalization (Sustarsic & Zhang, 2022). Universities and colleges worldwide have witnessed a surge in the enrollment of international students, contributing significantly to academic diversity and crosscultural exchange (Moscaritolo et al., 2022). This phenomenon has not only enriched the educational experience for all students but has also introduced a myriad of new dynamics within the academic community (Lopes & Nihei, 2021). The presence of 􀀍Professor, Al-Balqa Applied University, Jordan. 􀁲PhD Student, Budapest Business University, Hungary. international students on campuses brings a unique blend of cultural perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and globally aware educational environment (Sustarsic & Zhang, 2022) . Delving into the specific experiences of international students, it becomes evident that they face a unique set of challenges that set them apart from their domestic counterparts (Al-Oraibi et al., 2022). These challenges range from navigating cultural adjustments and language barriers to dealing with social isolation and often significant financial stress (English, Yang, Marshall, & Nam, 2022). The journey of an international student is filled with both exciting opportunities and daunting obstacles, all of which play a crucial role in their overall educational and personal development (Czerska-Shaw, Krzaklewska, & Modebadze, 2021) . The concept of global uncertainties further complicates the landscape for international students (Majumdar, Sarkar, & Ghosh, 2021). These uncertainties can include a wide array offactors such as political instability, ec

FAQs

What is the main focus of the study?

The study examines psychological well-being of international students in higher education institutions during global uncertainties, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How was psychological well-being and related factors measured?

Data from 400 international students were collected via an online questionnaire using the Psychological Well-being Scale, Coping Strategies Inventory, Perceived Support Scale, and the Impact of Global Uncertainties Scale.

What do the results suggest about coping and support?

A larger share of participants used adaptive coping strategies, perceived support varied across high, moderate, and low levels, and global uncertainties showed different degrees of impact on students’ well-being.

Oct 15, 2026

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