Cultural and musical adaptation as pathways to social sustainability: the mediating role of sense of belonging and the moderating role of cultural intelligence

Abstract Social sustainability has emerged as a significant concern in higher education. Increasing emphasis is placed on the impact of students’ cultural backgrounds, music adaptation, and relationships on their well-being and ability to integrate into diverse academic environments. This study applied acculturation theory and social identity theory to examine the influence of culture and music adaptation on social sustainability, considering sense of belonging as a mediator and cultural intelligence as a moderator, among international students in Northern Cyprus. Data from 761 international students, collected through purposive and convenience, sampling techniques were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modeling in SmartPLS 4. The study revealed a significant positive influence of cultural and music adaptation on social sustainability and sense of belonging. Further, the study identified a significant positive relationship between sense of belonging and social sustainability. Additionally, the study revealed partial mediating effects of sense of belonging on cultural adaptation and social sustainability, as well as on music adaptation and social sustainability. Moreover, the study confirmed the moderating effect of cultural intelligence on the relationship between cultural adaptation and social sustainability, as well as between music adaptation and social sustainability. Advancing inclusive and flexible cultural environments can serve as a strategic approach to enhance students’ health, integration, and sustainable social cohesiveness.