Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship between Acculturative Stress and College Adaptation among Chinese International Students

This study explored the relationship between acculturative stress and college adaptation among Chinese international students, focusing on the mediating role of self-esteem. Data were collected online from 394 Chinese students enrolled at various Korean universities. The survey assessed acculturative stress, self-esteem, and college adaptation levels. Data were analyzed using Process Macro Model 4. To enhance the robustness of the findings, several demographic variables, including gender, academic year, Korean language proficiency, and socioeconomic status, were controlled in the analysis. Our findings revealed that acculturative stress negatively affected self-esteem and college adaptation, whereas self-esteem positively influenced college adaptation. Self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between acculturative stress and adaptation to college. These findings underscored the significance of interventions designed to reduce acculturative stress and foster selfesteem, thereby improving Chinese international students’ adjustment to university life; therefore, this study also discussed some practical strategies. The factors identified in this study are crucial for Chinese students' longterm growth and success in foreign educational environments. Therefore, educational institutions can better support Chinese international students in their transition and adaptation processes, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and academic success.