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ISSN : 2233-6710(Print)
ISSN : 2384-2121(Online)
Journal of Asia Pacific Counseling Vol.15 No.1 pp.75-94
DOI : https://doi.org/10.18401/2025.15.1.4

The Mental Health of Asian International Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic

So Rin Kim1, Rhea Banerjee2, Angélica Galván3
1Department of Education Sciences and Professional Programs, University of Missouri – St. Louis
2Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation & Counseling Professions, Rutgers University
3Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling, California State University at Northridge
Corresponding Author
So Rin Kim, One University Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63141, USA.
Email: sorin.kim@umsl.edu

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the mental health and wellbeing of Asian international college students (AICS) in the United States. This exploratory study employs a convergent mixed-methods approach to explore these specific impacts and provide a comprehensive understanding of the mental health, social support, and coping strategies of AICS. Quantitative findings indicated that academic pressure and financial concerns were significant stressors associated with an increase in depression among AICS, while age was associated with psychological wellbeing. Qualitative data highlight additional challenges, including travel restrictions, isolation, fear of anti-Asian discrimination, and underutilization of mental health services due to cultural stigma and language barriers. Participants reported coping strategies such as social support from family and friends, self-improvement activities, and spiritual practices. These findings inform college counselors and other mental health professionals to build institutional collaboration and provide culturally competent and accessible services for the wellbeing of AICS during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

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