Anxiety disorders affect both local and international students. Local students often face general anxiety problems, including stress and overload. Additionally, they may fear poor grades and other aspects of their new educational environment. If left untreated, student anxiety can lead to depression or even suicide. International students may also experience cultural differences and stress related to an unfamiliar environment, which further increases their risk of anxiety. This essay will explore the peculiarities of anxiety in this diverse learner population and identify associated similarities and differences. The essay will also describe the most effective coping mechanisms for both groups.
The stress of moving to a new country
It is not uncommon for local and international students to experience stress during their first year at college. The challenges of adjusting to a new culture and academic environment are significant, and many international students experience intense pressure to perform well and excel in their studies. Even those who receive financial support to go to college report higher anxiety and depression levels. While many international students experience little or no stress during their first semester, the stress that is associated with a new academic environment may be far more severe for those who receive financial aid.
Culture shock is inevitable and can be very detrimental to your mental health. While most international students quickly adjust to their new surroundings and experience little to no negative effects, there are some students who struggle with the culture shock and find it difficult to socialize. These students often isolate themselves and experience significant negative effects to their academic performance and emotional well-being. Here are some tips for managing the stress of a new country while you are studying abroad:
The first step to successfully assimilate into a new culture is to develop a social network. The challenge of forming a new social network can be particularly difficult for international students. According to a Zhang and Brunton study, over half of international students lacked local friends. Another study by Sawir et al. revealed that 65% of participants experienced periods of loneliness during their first year.
Also Read: How Stress Affects Learning in Middle School?
Adapting to a new environment is difficult no matter the circumstances. Despite the benefits, cultural shock can cause depression, withdrawal, and feelings of not belonging. Many international students struggle to adjust to the climate of the northwest. By preparing yourself mentally, you can minimize the impact of culture shock on your mental health and academic performance. By planning ahead, you can avoid unnecessary and potentially negative outcomes.
Stress of test anxiety
Among the many physical symptoms of test anxiety are an upset stomach, racing thoughts and a headache. Many people also experience excessive sweating and lightheadedness, and their heartbeats may become rapid. These symptoms often lead to panic attacks and a heightened sense of fear. Moreover, students may find it difficult to concentrate, experience dizziness and sweat, or procrastinate. All of these symptoms can lead to a high level of test anxiety.
The study involved a survey among 163 university students who categorized themselves as suffering from test anxiety. About 75 percent of the participants were female, and 78.5% reported that they had experienced test anxiety at least once in their lifetime. Participants were also required to be over 18 years old, enrolled in a university, and speak German as their native language. Some reported experiencing debilitating symptoms during test anxiety, and many did not seek out help.
The sample size for this study was determined using a single population proportion formula. It was calculated using the prevalence of test anxiety in the first year population at Addis Ababa University. The study’s 95% confidence level was used, as well as a 5% margin of error. The sample was set at 349 participants, but the study’s non-response rate was 10 percent. The study utilized stratified random sampling, whereby study participants were recruited using a proportional allocation of students per class. Once selected, students were asked to complete a questionnaire using a web-based survey tool called Enterprise Feedback Suite.
Students of both cultures experience various types of test anxiety. While local students experience general levels of anxiety, international students may be more susceptible to a variety of negative effects, including depression, which may lead to suicide. International students may also experience the unique aspects of a new environment and culture. The essay will explore the peculiarities of test anxiety for both local and international learners, identify their main concerns, and discuss coping mechanisms.
Stress of COVID-19
A recent study conducted by USF has uncovered the psychological impact of COVID-19 on international and local students. Reid, a native of Jamaica, surveyed 223 international students at USF and presented her findings at the American Public Health Association’s annual meeting. She conducted the study with COPH’s Dr. Abraham Salinas-Miranda. This study was unique because it examined the impact of COVID-19 stress on international students as well as the overall stress experienced by the international and local student populations.
Respondents were asked to identify COVID-19-related stressors and their respective levels of stress. These stressors were divided into individual, interpersonal, and environmental factors. Individual stressors include personal health, social support, and prejudiced behavior of other people. Environmental factors include the uncertainty about academic programs and the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. Lastly, respondents were asked about their availability of reliable information on COVID-19.
While community lockdown may cause psychological distress, social distancing had no significant impact on the mental health of international students. Furthermore, the study also found no significant differences between international and local students when it came to social support. It is unclear whether social distancing hindered COVID-19’s spread, but it did not lead to any significant change in the students’ mental health. But the study’s results indicate that psychological distress is a concern that can be addressed by university personnel.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the stress experienced by international students. These students are cut off from their home countries and friends, and are often experiencing homesickness. Because they’re unable to interact with their friends, many international students perceived themselves as less fortunate than their local counterparts. A recent survey conducted by the University of the Philippines, however, has uncovered some of the major issues that international students face.
Stress of COVID-19 on mental health
One study examined the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health of international and local students. It found that 61 percent of respondents found the semester away from campus to be more difficult than usual. However, 32.7% found the semester to be easier. Only 6.4% reported no change, suggesting that COVID-19 did not significantly affect the mental health of students. This study also showed that students were not harmed physically by the outbreak, and that the impact of COVID-19 was relatively modest.
In addition to the impact of the pandemic on students’ mental health, a study of 140 college students found a substantial decline in physical activity, as well as anxiety and depression. Participants also reported a disruption in sleeping patterns, which is consistent with a negative response to the pandemic. The researchers also found a significant decrease in physical activity among COVID-19 participants.
As the number of cases increased, a number of colleges and universities closed. As a precaution, physical distancing was implemented. While many schools were forced to close or move to remote learning sites, the impact on mental health was most pronounced for those who have family members living in affected areas. However, despite the adverse effects, the outbreak did bring many positive outcomes for the students.
The COVID-19 outbreak had multiple effects on local and international students. Schools have been closed since March. Students will have a long summer without classes and will return to normal in fall 2020. Mental health issues have been linked to the epidemic, yet few studies have examined the effects on students’ mental health. However, this study provides an important context for targeted interventions that will aid in the recovery process.
Stress of test anxiety on mental health
Anxiety related to tests is a major problem for both local and international students. In addition to general anxiety and stress, international students may also experience cultural novelty and unfamiliar surroundings. Ultimately, anxiety can lead to depression, a lack of social interactions, and even suicide. By addressing these concerns, schools can help students overcome their anxiety and adjust to the new environment. Using different coping strategies and learning more about the cultures of their students, schools can help them deal with this phobia.
This study found that the stress of test anxiety had a negative effect on students’ mental health. It found that an average level of anxiety may serve as a motivating factor but excessive levels could disturb mental processes. Higher levels of anxiety in medical school programs were linked with poorer academic performance and higher school dropout rates. Consequently, the study authors recommended that medical students practice stress-relief techniques to deal with this problem.
Also Read: Homelessness and Education in the USA
The effects of test anxiety can be severe. It can lead to physical symptoms such as muscle tension and increased heart rate, which may interfere with the student’s performance. Psychological symptoms related to test anxiety include feelings of panic, anger, and shame. In addition, the study also found that students who experience stress and anxiety are more likely to seek mental health help if they have a good social support system.
Anxiety and depression are common symptoms in students closer to graduation. Worry about the health of loved ones also impacts their mental health and their ability to focus on their future. According to the survey, almost half of the students engage in physical activity to maintain their mental health. Only a third of students do not have strained relationships with family members. Hence, stress-related mental health is a common problem among students and college students.
Also Read: The Increasing Rate of Ignorance Among American Students