Quantifying the Impact of Host Community Integration on Mental Health Outcomes Among African International Students in U.S. Universities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63084/cognexus.v1i02.120Keywords:
African international students, host community integration, psychological distress, peer support, mental health stigma, cultural adaptationAbstract
This study investigates the relationship between host community integration and mental health outcomes among African international students in U.S. universities. While substantial literature exists on the psychological challenges faced by international students, African populations remain critically underrepresented in qualitative and quantitative research. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with 15 African students, this study employs a hybrid methodology that combines thematic analysis with frequency-based quantification to identify core integration-related stressors and emotional outcomes. Five primary themes emerged: limited host interaction, social isolation, reliance on peer support networks, cultural stigma surrounding mental health, and psychological distress. The results show a strong correlation between poor host engagement and elevated emotional strain, whereas students with strong peer networks reported greater resilience and fewer symptoms of distress. Cultural stigma and gender differences were also found to shape coping behaviors and help-seeking patterns. The findings are consistent with existing research highlighting the protective effects of social connectedness and the barriers posed by stigma and low mental health literacy. By translating qualitative narratives into analyzable data, this study contributes a novel, data-informed perspective to a field that often overlooks the cultural nuances of African student experiences. The study recommends culturally responsive institutional strategies, including mentorship programs, inclusive counseling services, and longitudinal research to support international student populations better. This research provides practical insights for universities seeking to build more inclusive, supportive environments for underrepresented international students navigating complex intercultural transitions.
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