Mental health of international university students: an overview of foreign research

the article presents an overview of foreign publications on the problem of mental health of university students. Researchers note the high prevalence of mental disorders among students during their studies at the university. Students studying abroad in a different socio-cultural environment are exposed to the greatest risks of mental disorders. Most publications include a study of the mental health of foreign students as a factor determining mental adaptation and academic success. Predisposing factors for the development of mental disorders, violations of healthy behavior, sources of stress and the ability to self-regulate, acculturation and communication success in foreign students are identified. Fewer publications explain the low rates of mental health among foreign students as a result of the influence of cultural differences and subjective assessments of mental health, as well as containing recommendations for a culturally sensitive assessment of the mental health of foreign students. Thus, the modern foreign literature notes the prevalence of mental disorders among university students. At the same time, international students around the world face multiple risk factors for unhealthy behavior and specific problems of adaptation in the socio-cultural environment, which can complicate psychological adaptation and worsen mental health.

mental health, students, international students, psychological adaptation, acculturation, communication, risk factors