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Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): November

The impact of academic stress on psychological well-being: A case study of international students at Northeast Normal University

https://doi.org/10.35912/jshe.v6i1.2863
06 Nov 2025

Abstract

Purpose: This research aims to examine the impact of academic stress on the psychological well-being of international students at Northeast Normal University. By analyzing stressors such as academic workload, language barriers, and cultural adjustments, the research seeks to understand how these factors contribute to anxiety and overall mental health.

Methods: A quantitative correlational design was employed focusing on international students at Northeast Normal University, China. Using the Perception of Academic Stress (PAS) Scale and the Psychological Well-Being (PWB) Scale, data were collected from 80 respondents (40 males and 40 females) through a Google Form questionnaire. SPSS was used for descriptive, correlation, and regression analyses to determine the relationship between academic stress dimensions—academic expectation, examination, and self-perception—and psychological well-being.

Results: The findings reveal that both academic stress and psychological well-being are moderately high among international students, with academic stress explaining 43.1% of the variance in psychological well-being. Self-perception emerged as the most significant predictor, emphasizing its critical role in stress management and mental health. No significant gender differences were found, but age showed a significant relationship with academic stress.

Conclusion: Academic stress significantly affects the mental health of international students, with self-perception playing a vital role in coping. Institutions should prioritize interventions that enhance self-awareness and psychological resilience.

Limitations: The study focuses on one institution with a limited sample, restricting generalizability.

Contribution: The study offers empirical insights into academic stress predictors and supports universities in designing culturally sensitive mental health and academic support programs for international students.

Keywords

Academic Stress Psychological Well-being International Students Self-Perception

How to Cite

Ki, B. K., San, S. S. S. ., Masud, N. A., Subarna, M. T. N., Mahmudul, H., & Song, H. . R. . (2025). The impact of academic stress on psychological well-being: A case study of international students at Northeast Normal University. Journal of Social, Humanity, and Education, 6(1), 55–71. https://doi.org/10.35912/jshe.v6i1.2863

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Author Biographies

Bong Kim Ki Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China

Faculty of Education

San Su Su San Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China

Faculty of Education

Nuruddin Ahmed Masud Huzhou University, Huzhou, China

School of Teacher Education

MST Taherun Nesa Subarna Huzhou University, Huzhou, China

School of Teacher Education

Hyok Ra Song Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China

Faculty of Education

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Authors

1 . Bong Kim Ki
Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
https://orcid.org/0009-0000-7396-5960
2 . San Su Su San
Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1634-797X
3 . Nuruddin Ahmed Masud
Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8989-1115
4 . MST Taherun Nesa Subarna
Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1150-3282
5 . Hasan Mahmudul
Heidelberg Materials Bangladesh PLC, Dhaka, Bangladesh
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3489-7333
6 . Hyok Ra Song
Northeast Normal University, Changchun, China
https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6043-947X

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Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025): November
Section: Articles
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