Journal of International Students
Volume 7, Issue 2, 2017, Pages 229-245

Do Chinese international students’ personalities change during cross-national transitions? (Article)

Wang K.T. , Tian L. , Fujiki M. , Bordon J.J.
  • a Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, CA, United States
  • b Department of Applied Psychology, University of Northern Colorado, United States
  • c Ripley-Ohio-Dearborn Special Education CooperativeIN, United States
  • d University of Albany, State University of New York, United States

Abstract

Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality construct salient for international students; they are known to be likely high achievers in their home country and face several acculturative challenges after crossing national borders. This study examined whether perfectionist types changed during cross-national transitions in a sample of 227 Chinese international students studying in the U.S. Individuals were classified into different types of perfectionists-adaptive, maladaptive, and non- perfectionists. Results indicated that 40% of the participants’ perfectionist types changed during their cross-national transition. After studying in the United States, more non-perfectionists became perfectionists than perfectionists that turned into non-perfectionist. Acculturative stress predicted the direction of shift; nonperfectionists who perceived higher levels of acculturative stress were more likely to change into maladaptive perfectionists than adaptive perfectionists. © Journal of International Students.

Author Keywords

longitudinal International students Perfectionism Cross-national Psychological symptoms Acculturative stress Selfesteem

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85019927430&partnerID=40&md5=e51ce7cd9e2c6c77d38fb145199f521b
ISSN: 21623104
Original Language: English