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Exploring the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students: A Qualitative Study

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Exploring the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students: A Qualitative Study. / Al-Oraibi, A.; Fothergill, L.; Yildirim, M. et al.
In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol. 19, No. 13, 7631, 22.06.2022.

Research output: Contribution to Journal/MagazineJournal articlepeer-review

Harvard

Al-Oraibi, A, Fothergill, L, Yildirim, M, Knight, H, Carlisle, S, O’connor, M, Briggs, L, Morling, JR, Corner, J, Ball, JK, Denning, C, Vedhara, K & Blake, H 2022, 'Exploring the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students: A Qualitative Study', International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 19, no. 13, 7631. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137631

APA

Al-Oraibi, A., Fothergill, L., Yildirim, M., Knight, H., Carlisle, S., O’connor, M., Briggs, L., Morling, J. R., Corner, J., Ball, J. K., Denning, C., Vedhara, K., & Blake, H. (2022). Exploring the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(13), Article 7631. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137631

Vancouver

Al-Oraibi A, Fothergill L, Yildirim M, Knight H, Carlisle S, O’connor M et al. Exploring the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022 Jun 22;19(13):7631. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19137631

Author

Al-Oraibi, A. ; Fothergill, L. ; Yildirim, M. et al. / Exploring the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students : A Qualitative Study. In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2022 ; Vol. 19, No. 13.

Bibtex

@article{1317ee8a9cbf42e590cebec58bb2c92a,
title = "Exploring the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students: A Qualitative Study",
abstract = "The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the mental well-being of university students, but little attention has been given to international students, who may have a unique experience and perspective. The aim of this study was to explore the views of international students and university staff towards COVID-19 restrictions, self-isolation, their well-being, and support needs, through eight online focus groups with international students ( = 29) and semi-structured interviews with university staff ( = 17) at a higher education institution in England. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach, revealing three key themes and six subthemes: (1) practical, academic, and psychological challenges faced during self-isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) coping strategies to self-isolation and life during the pandemic; and (3) views on further support needed for international students. International students faced practical, academic, and psychological challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly relating to the rapid transition to online learning and the impact of social restrictions on integration with peers and well-being. Online social connections with peers, family, or new acquaintances reduced feelings of isolation and encouraged involvement in university life. Despite raising mental health concerns, most international students did not access mental health support services. Staff related this to perceived stigma around mental health in certain cultural groups. In conclusion, international students experienced specific practical and emotional challenges during the pandemic, and are at risk of mental ill-health, but may not actively seek out support from university services. Proactive and personalised approaches to student support will be important for positive student experiences and the retention of students who are studying abroad in the UK higher education system.",
keywords = "COVID-19, COVID-19 - epidemiology, Humans, Pandemics, Qualitative Research, Students, Universities, higher education, mental health, social isolation, students, university, well-being",
author = "A. Al-Oraibi and L. Fothergill and M. Yildirim and H. Knight and S. Carlisle and M. O{\textquoteright}connor and L. Briggs and J.R. Morling and J. Corner and J.K. Ball and C. Denning and K. Vedhara and H. Blake",
year = "2022",
month = jun,
day = "22",
doi = "10.3390/ijerph19137631",
language = "English",
volume = "19",
journal = "International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health",
issn = "1660-4601",
publisher = "Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)",
number = "13",

}

RIS

TY - JOUR

T1 - Exploring the Psychological Impacts of COVID-19 Social Restrictions on International University Students

T2 - A Qualitative Study

AU - Al-Oraibi, A.

AU - Fothergill, L.

AU - Yildirim, M.

AU - Knight, H.

AU - Carlisle, S.

AU - O’connor, M.

AU - Briggs, L.

AU - Morling, J.R.

AU - Corner, J.

AU - Ball, J.K.

AU - Denning, C.

AU - Vedhara, K.

AU - Blake, H.

PY - 2022/6/22

Y1 - 2022/6/22

N2 - The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the mental well-being of university students, but little attention has been given to international students, who may have a unique experience and perspective. The aim of this study was to explore the views of international students and university staff towards COVID-19 restrictions, self-isolation, their well-being, and support needs, through eight online focus groups with international students ( = 29) and semi-structured interviews with university staff ( = 17) at a higher education institution in England. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach, revealing three key themes and six subthemes: (1) practical, academic, and psychological challenges faced during self-isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) coping strategies to self-isolation and life during the pandemic; and (3) views on further support needed for international students. International students faced practical, academic, and psychological challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly relating to the rapid transition to online learning and the impact of social restrictions on integration with peers and well-being. Online social connections with peers, family, or new acquaintances reduced feelings of isolation and encouraged involvement in university life. Despite raising mental health concerns, most international students did not access mental health support services. Staff related this to perceived stigma around mental health in certain cultural groups. In conclusion, international students experienced specific practical and emotional challenges during the pandemic, and are at risk of mental ill-health, but may not actively seek out support from university services. Proactive and personalised approaches to student support will be important for positive student experiences and the retention of students who are studying abroad in the UK higher education system.

AB - The global COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on the mental well-being of university students, but little attention has been given to international students, who may have a unique experience and perspective. The aim of this study was to explore the views of international students and university staff towards COVID-19 restrictions, self-isolation, their well-being, and support needs, through eight online focus groups with international students ( = 29) and semi-structured interviews with university staff ( = 17) at a higher education institution in England. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach, revealing three key themes and six subthemes: (1) practical, academic, and psychological challenges faced during self-isolation and the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) coping strategies to self-isolation and life during the pandemic; and (3) views on further support needed for international students. International students faced practical, academic, and psychological challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly relating to the rapid transition to online learning and the impact of social restrictions on integration with peers and well-being. Online social connections with peers, family, or new acquaintances reduced feelings of isolation and encouraged involvement in university life. Despite raising mental health concerns, most international students did not access mental health support services. Staff related this to perceived stigma around mental health in certain cultural groups. In conclusion, international students experienced specific practical and emotional challenges during the pandemic, and are at risk of mental ill-health, but may not actively seek out support from university services. Proactive and personalised approaches to student support will be important for positive student experiences and the retention of students who are studying abroad in the UK higher education system.

KW - COVID-19

KW - COVID-19 - epidemiology

KW - Humans

KW - Pandemics

KW - Qualitative Research

KW - Students

KW - Universities

KW - higher education

KW - mental health

KW - social isolation

KW - students

KW - university

KW - well-being

U2 - 10.3390/ijerph19137631

DO - 10.3390/ijerph19137631

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 35805287

VL - 19

JO - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

JF - International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

SN - 1660-4601

IS - 13

M1 - 7631

ER -