Mediating and moderating effects of WeChat use on cross-cultural adaptation among international students in China

In recent years, there has been an influx of international students in China, which gives rise to the need to address their adaptation to student life and the Chinese culture in China. Previous research has shown that the level of cross-cultural adjustment of international students in China can be predicted by WeChat usage and social self-efficacy, independently or in combination. Prior cross-cultural exposure is also linked to cross-cultural adjustment. However, the mechanism of the causal chain inherent in this relationship is unclear. The study investigated the relationship between WeChat use and cross-cultural adaptation among international students in China by testing a moderated mediation model. Questionnaire data were collected from 242 respondents studying in Southwest China. Regression analyses show that WeChat use positively influenced the international students’ cross-cultural adaptation through social self-efficacy. The direct effect of WeChat use on cross-cultural adaptation increases with prior cross-cultural exposure. In contrast, the indirect intentional effect of social self-efficacy through WeChat use decreases as prior cross-cultural contact increases among international students in China. In addition, the findings also suggest that prior cross-cultural exposure has a positive effect on the psychological and social processes of cross-cultural adaptation. The study indicates that there is a mediated influence pathway of social self-efficacy in the association between WeChat use and cross-cultural adaptation, and that this mediation process is further moderated by prior cross-cultural exposure.