Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Information Systems and Technology

Department

Information and Decision Sciences

First Reader/Committee Chair

Dr. Conrad Shayo

Abstract

The mental health and well-being of international students is an increasingly important concern for universities worldwide. International students often encounter unique challenges, including cultural transitions (Ward, Furnham, & Bochner, 2001; Furnham & Bochner, 1986), academic pressure (Yeh & Inose, 2003), financial constraints and social integration difficulties (Hendrickson, Rosen, & Aune, 2011; Sawir et al., 2008; Lee & Rice, 2007) which significantly impact their mental health. This study employs descriptive statistical methods to analyze the mental health challenges faced by international students aiming to identify trends, stressors, coping mechanisms and risk factors. Some datasets comprising survey responses from international students were collected and analyzed using various statistical measures, including mean, median, standard deviation and frequency distributions. The data was further visualized using graphs and charts to enhance interpretation. The findings reveal common stressors affecting international students, such as academic pressure (Yeh & Inose, 2003), financial instability, and social isolation. Coping mechanisms employed by students, including seeking peer support (Hendrickson, Rosen, & Aune, 2011), accessing university mental health services and engaging in stress management techniques were also evaluated. Ethical considerations, including data privacy, informed consent, and bias mitigation were strictly adhered to throughout the research. This study provides universities with actionable recommendations to enhance mental health support for international students. By leveraging data driven insights institutions can implement targeted interventions and support programs to foster a healthier learning environment. Furthermore, this research highlights areas for further study, including longitudinal assessments of mental health trends and the role of additional socio-cultural factors (Ward, Furnham, & Bochner, 2001).

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