Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied
Volume 141, Issue 3, 2007, Pages 263-280

An exploratory study of perceived discrimination and homesickness: A comparison of international students and American students (Article)

Poyrazli S.* , Lopez M.D.
  • a Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, United States, Penn State Harrisburg, W-311, Middletown, PA 17057, United States
  • b Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, United States

Abstract

The authors examined group differences in perceived discrimination and homesickness in a sample of 439 college students (198 international and 241 U.S. students) from 2 campuses of the same university. Within the international student group, the authors also examined relationships between homesickness, discrimination, age, English proficiency, and years of residence in the United States. Results indicated that international students experienced higher levels of discrimination and homesickness than did U.S. students. Age, English proficiency, and perceived discrimination predicted homesickness among the international students. Younger students, students with lower levels of English proficiency, and students with higher levels of perceived discrimination reported having higher levels of homesickness. Also, years of residence and race or ethnicity predicted international students' level of perceived discrimination. Being a European international student predicted lower levels of perceived discrimination than did being an international student from other regions of the world. The authors discuss implications for higher-education institutions and counseling personnel. Copyright © 2007 Heldref Publications.

Author Keywords

discrimination International students Homesickness U.S. College students

Index Keywords

social psychology psychological aspect human middle aged Ethnic Groups ethnic group comparative study international cooperation language student Humans Cross-Cultural Comparison Adolescent male Acculturation female cultural factor Article adult age Prejudice Age Factors International Educational Exchange Loneliness Students Multilingualism

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34250024638&doi=10.3200%2fJRLP.141.3.263-280&partnerID=40&md5=b1024b7427dcf6f224670f49e33de324

DOI: 10.3200/JRLP.141.3.263-280
ISSN: 00223980
Cited by: 120
Original Language: English