AN EARLY STUDY ON PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ADJUSTMENT AMONG INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: THE CASE OF A HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTION IN MALAYSIA

The globalization of the economy and society has had its impact on Malaysian higher education institutions, particularly universities. The Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education aims at intensifying globalization through increasing the number of international students. However, many international students struggle with adjusting to a new culture. The role of social support on international students’ adjustment is important because international students encounter many academic and cultural challenges when they come to Malaysia. Thus, the present study examined the relationship between perceived social support and psychological adjustment of international students in a Malaysian public university. A total of 185 international students from various countries and regions completed questionnaires about their perceived social support and psychological adjustment. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was used to assess international students’ social support. Psychological adjustment was measured with the Satisfaction With Life Scale. As hypothesized, the two dimensions of perceived social support significantly related with psychological adjustment. Implications of the findings for better adjustment in university environment among international students and future research on international students; adjustment are discussed.