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ISSN : 2233-6710(Print)
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

The Psychological Well-being and Lived Experience of Chinese International Students’ Spouses Living in the U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Yunyun Zhang1, Karen D. Cathey2, Joshua C. Watson3
1Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
2Winona State University, Counselor Education Department, Winona, MN, USA
3Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, Corpus Christi, TX, USA
Corresponding Author
Yunyun Zhang, Purdue University Counseling and Psychological Services, 601 Stadium Mall Drive, Room 224, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2052, USA.
Email: yzhang20@islander.tamucc.edu
Acknowledgment: The study was funded by the first author’s host institutions. The funders had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The authors declare no competing interests.

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.

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