ISSN : 2233-6710(Print)
ISSN : 2384-2121(Online)
ISSN : 2384-2121(Online)
Journal of Asia Pacific Counseling Vol.14 No.1 pp.27-43
DOI : https://doi.org/10.18401/2024.14.1.2
DOI : https://doi.org/10.18401/2024.14.1.2
The Psychological Well-being and Lived Experience of Chinese International Students’ Spouses Living in the U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Abstract
This study utilized a mixed method design to explore the psychological well-being and lived experience of Chinese international students’ spouses residing in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-four participants were recruited from a national solicitation. Regarding the quantitative component, results from the Pearson correlation analyses suggested that there was a significant relationship between participants’ psychological wellbeing and positive relations and self-acceptance during the pandemic. From the twenty-four participants, we recruited six individuals to participate in a follow-up qualitative investigation. Follow-up analyses showed a statistically significant gender difference for personal growth and positive relations. Three themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: mental health concerns, salient challenges, and stronger relationship/marriage. The study sheds light on spouses’ psychological, relational, and societal needs, which can be used to inform advocacy aimed at helping mental health professionals, communities, and universities provide multiculturally competent services to spouses.