Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/5494
Title: Taking the plunge : psychological stress, health and coping among international university students in Malta
Authors: Borg, Claire (2012)
Keywords: University students -- Malta
Students, Foreign -- Malta
Students -- Mental health
Stress (Psychology)
Issue Date: 2012
Abstract: A survey of international students studying at the University of Malta was undertaken to gather information about these students' physical and emotional wellbeing, their beliefs about perceived stress and health levels and also, the coping strategies used. The findings were then compared to the results of the study on their Maltese counterparts. Seventy-six international students at the University of Malta completed an online survey on their experiences as students and on their physical, mental and social well-being. The questionnaire was based on that used by Cefai & Camilleri (2009) in their study on Maltese University students. Results showed that most international students feel healthy and that the majority do not feel very stressed; only a minority feel that their stress levels are too high. Variables such as the students' use of the English language, their length of stay in Malta, their relationship status and their age were taken into consideration, but none of these variables showed any relationship with stress and health, except for gender. Other factors such as social support, personal relationships and self-concepts did produce statistically significant results. Maltese students from the Cefai & Camilleri study (2009) scored significantly worse than their international peers in all health related aspects. The findings show that whilst Maltese students are more physically healthy than emotionally healthy, this is not the case for international students since there is not much difference between their psychological and physical health. The coping strategies used by international students were mostly problem-focused strategies, and only some minor differences between the two cohorts could be noted.
Description: B.PSY.(HONS)
URI: https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/5494
Appears in Collections:Dissertations - FacEdu - 2012

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