ASU Study Investigates Stressors for International Students

Now a senior pursuing construction management and president of the Coalition of International Students, Shinde noted that new students from abroad often face various stressors, such as adjusting to different schooling methods, navigating Visa regulations, and managing academic pressure.

The Social and Wellbeing Lab at ASU is currently conducting a study focused on the experiences of freshman international students, examining how relaxation techniques affect individuals with different personality traits. Jinghui (Elaine) Zhang, the lab director and a former international student, emphasized the heightened stress levels faced by these students. She pointed out that many students are experiencing college life away from their families for the first time, with challenges compounded by international factors like long travel distances and culture shock.

Zhang also mentioned that ongoing uncertainties about visa policies have further increased the pressures on international students. While past research on stress management has largely concentrated on mindfulness practices, few studies have evaluated how personal traits might influence their efficacy. In this study, international students reported their perceived stress levels and engaged with accessible stress management techniques, including 4-7-8 breathing and mindfulness meditation, over a two-week span. Zhang presented initial findings at the 2026 Society for Personality and Social Psychology convention, indicating that personalized mindfulness strategies proved effective in alleviating stress.

Raieka Dhar, a sophomore international student from India studying forensic psychology, expressed that she faces greater pressures in academics, finances, and social interactions compared to her peers. To manage her stress this semester, she has started attending a meditation club and dedicating 30 minutes each day to mindfulness practices. She reported improvements in her energy levels and focus since beginning her meditation routine.

Following the initial study, Zhang plans to extend research on stress management with a new experiment that will utilize sleep-monitoring technology to gather biometric data, such as heart rate and other physiological indicators, to further assess participants' stress levels. This ongoing research will continue to evaluate the impact of mindfulness tools tailored to individuals’ personality traits. Shinde reinforced the significance of personalized stress relief, noting that different approaches work better for different people, whether they are outgoing or introverted. He highlighted the importance of connecting with peers who share similar experiences as a powerful avenue for stress relief among international students.