Prevalence of Mental Health Issues among International Students

Qualitative Research Proposal
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Qualitative Research Proposal: Prevalence of Mental Health Issues among International Students
Introduction and Literature Review
Mental health continues to be one of the most highly discussed topics currently. Researchers are spending millions of dollars as they try to learn more about the causes, subtle symptoms, and the possible interventions that could be employed to help alleviate the effects of mental health issues. In the U.S., the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that mental health issues affect more than 40 million adults who are 18 years and above. Further, ADAA reports that knowledge about mental health is yet to stir up action for those affected since only 36.9% tend to seek treatment (2021). Mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders and depression continue to impact the lives of many people negatively. Apparently, young adults happen to be among those highly affected by mental health issues. All over the world, young adults are becoming greatly susceptible to mental health issues, and many are languishing in the effects of the same. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (2021), young adults between the ages of 18 to 25 are the most prevalent to serious mental health issues, with a percentage of 8.6%. The report continues to indicate that this group also represents the least concerned with getting treatment for their mental health issues. This age mainly represents students in universities or tertiary level of education. Apparently, numerous things happen to push this particular group of people into developing mental health issues. Eckersley (2011) reports that the current crop of young adults happen to deal with a more stressful environment that is riddled with various issues, including future uncertainties, heightened competition in academics, the introduction and changing nature of social media, as well as the rapid technological advancements. This lot has to try and maintain a similar pace with the current events, and Eckersley believes that this pressure overwhelms many. Rising expectations also add to the pressure of being a young adult in this generation.
For the international students, the issues identified above are only a part of what they go through. Eckersley (2008) notes that most young adults are in a period of discovery and determining who they are. They are in a vulnerable place as they try to discover themselves and the world around them. Such a period exposes one to the tumultuous waves and uncertainties of the era. For international students, the above is worse because they are trying to establish and discover themselves in foreign lands. So, international students get to undergo the struggle of self-discovery while making sense of the differences in culture and way of life. Forbes-Mewett (2019) cautions against ignoring the impact “mobility to unfamiliar environments” can have on a young adult trying to make sense of the world. She continues to indicate that the cultural differences often introduce shocks that greatly impact international students. Forbes-Mewett (2019) writes on the importance of food and how an element as lowly thought of as food could influence a student’s mental state. She notes that food holds great value and has the ability to offer “great comfort when far from home” (Forbes-Mewett, 2019). However, when international students fail to find a shred of connection with their homes, the majority experience mental stress.
Factors that Impact Mental Health of International Students
The first challenge or factor has to do with moving to a new territory and having to study in an unfamiliar environment. When a student moves to a new country, they experience many changes, especially with how lessons are conducted, the interactions with teachers, and the language used in class. Forbes-Mewett (2019) notes that challenges in language and the differences in teacher/student interaction happens to impact international students greatly. Many students struggle to adapt while also trying to learn English to be able to communicate better. The language they speak influences the kinds of relationships they will have as well as the ease with which they will settle in the new environment. The longer one takes to learn English, the higher the chances they will take longer to adapt. Williams, Case, and Roberts (2018) add that the trouble to merge two different cultures makes it difficult for a majority of international students to adapt. Many end up lonely, anxious, and depressed as they try to find groups and places where they feel a sense of belonging.
Aside from the above, there is also the problem of living off-campus, which is a major factor in international students developing mental health issues. According to Forbes-Mewett (2019), international students living off campus happen to experience many challenges that enhance their susceptibility to developing mental health issues. She notes that the daily routine tasks of cleaning, cooking, and managing oneself happen to introduce new challenges that further exacerbate the situation. In a different study, Forbes-Mewett et al. (2015) discovered that international students who happen to live on-campus experience quality and effective mental health support than their counterparts. Gallager (2021) agrees with the statement above, noting that these students have heightened feelings of loneliness, which greatly impacts their mental health. He continues to note that things are worse for students living off-campus and yet to form bonds with other students or yet to find other students from their own countries. For such students, the feelings of being alone are heightened.
Finally, there is also the issue of international students refusing to seek mental health help because of differences in perceptions and beliefs. In their study, Henderson, Evans-Lacko, and Thornicroft (2013) reveal two crucial things that prevent people from seeking mental health help. The researchers note that people’s lack of knowledge regarding mental health issues and the impacts often neglect mental health help. Also, the researchers note that the prejudice often directed towards those who seek mental health help happens to prevent many people from seeking help. The stigma surrounding mental health is still present and continues to influence perception and people’s response to the same. Forbes-Mewett (2019) agrees with the above, noting that the “fear of ‘losing face’ or reputation” happens to be a major impediment to international students seeking mental health help. The stigma surrounding mental health issues continues to influence perception, and most international students happen to be swayed by views motivated by stigma. In their study, Han and Pong (2015) reveal that stigma happens to be one of the main reasons why Asian American students refuse to seek mental health help. The lack of connection or congruence with cultural beliefs also happens to influence the decision to book appointments with counsellors. In some cultures, emotional responses are a sign of weakness, and a student who comes from such a culture will likely avoid seeking help even when it is obvious that they need it. Therefore, differences in perceptions and beliefs also shape the decision to seek help.
The Plight of International Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic
As already indicated, international students happen to endure tough times while in their host countries. The sad reality is that many suffer silently and never seek help even when the situation worsens. However, the pandemic exacerbated the many issues international students suffer while in host countries. One major challenge that international students faced during the pandemic was the struggle to get help from the local medical system (Chen and Li, 2020). A factor like language barrier made it excessively difficult for international students to seek help for the mental issues they were facing. Furthermore, the students also suffered because of the new policies of isolation that included lockdowns and cessation of movement. Also, gatherings were discouraged, and people were ordered to practise social distancing even with those they considered family or friends. Such isolation policies meant that international students had to deal with their mental challenges alone. Chen and Li (2020) reveal that some universities closed down without proper policies in place to help international students settle outside the campuses. The closure of borders and cancellation of international flights meant that the students had to remain in their host countries. It is crucial also to note that some students also suffered xenophobia and hate from other students and members of the public. Gallagher (2021) notes that personal safety became a major point of concern for a majority of students since some were exposed to hate, particularly international students from Asian countries. Such issues further exacerbated the mental health issues suffered by this lot. A study on international students by Chegg (2020) reports that 56% of their 16,839 participants reported increased mental health issues during the pandemic. The exposure of these issues is of great importance as it helps in the development of measures to help ensure the safety of international students.
Research Questions
Research question: Why are international students susceptible to experiencing mental health issues? What are some of the coping mechanisms employed by international students to help fight and protect their sanity as they try to combat mental health issues?
Methods of Data Generation
As already indicated above, the focus of the study is international students. The study will thus use the international students as the sources of information as it seeks to answer the research questions outlined above.
The selection of the respondents will be done using the random sampling method. Using the random sampling method ensures that the results mimic the wider population of international students. Every student who happens to fit the category of international student has a similar chance of being selected for the study. Therefore, the study will employ the simple random sampling method.
The method for collecting data in this study will be interviews. The researcher would make arrangements to interview the students either one-on-one, through the telephone or video calls. The questions will be open-ended to allow the participants to explain their routines and processes for dealing with mental health issues. Mental health issues impact people differently. A person’s experience differs from that of another. Therefore, having open-ended questions will help the participants to offer a personal touch to their responses.
Recruitment Strategy
The research would entail mental health issues among international college students. The study would focus on international students since they are better positioned to highlight their mental health challenges. Mental health challenges have become a major concern for college students (Pedrelli et al., 2015). Instances of suicide demonstrate the need for research to examine the issue. For international students, being in a foreign country presents a set of challenges, including cultural shock. Such learners have to adapt to a new way of doing things, which subjects them to anxiety, stress, and depression. Focusing on international students would provide insights into issues affecting them.
The recruitment process would be limited to only international students through random sampling. A participation request would be sent to the target audience using different methods. Recruiting the international students would be done by talking to them in class, sending targeted emails, and having posters around the campus showing the study and how to participate. Information sessions will also be available at the student center, where participants can get more details regarding the study. Having different communication methods is critical in attracting more subjects for research (Cyr, Childs & Elgie, 2013). The recruitment process would highlight the purpose of the research and details of the interviews. The participants who agree to participate in the study would be re...