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Revisiting Social Support and Academic Adjustment among International Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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Title: Revisiting Social Support and Academic Adjustment among International Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Language: English
Authors: Citra Ayu Kumala Sari, Nono Hery Yoenanto, Pramesti Pradna Paramita
Source: Journal of International Students. 2026 16(1):161-182.
Availability: Journal of International Students. 4005 Spurgeon Drive #6, Monroe, LA 71203. Tel: 318-600-5743; Fax: 318-342-3131; e-mail: jis@ojed.org; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jis/index
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 21
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Information Analyses
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Literature Reviews, Meta Analysis, Foreign Students, Student Adjustment, Social Support Groups, Family Influence, Peer Influence, College Role, Cultural Influences, Higher Education
ISSN: 2162-3104
2166-3750
Abstract: International students face substantial challenges in adapting to academic environments, with academic adjustment playing a critical role in their educational outcomes. Social support has been widely recognized as a potential facilitator of this process; however, empirical evidence regarding its effectiveness remains inconsistent. This meta-analysis synthesizes existing evidence on the relationship between social support and academic adjustment among international students, following the PRISMA (2020) guidelines. Thirteen peer-reviewed quantitative studies (N = 6,233) identified through systematic searches of Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ERIC, and ProQuest were included. Using a random-effects model with the Hunter--Schmidt estimator, the pooled analysis revealed a significant positive association (r = 0.365, 95% CI [0.295, 0.435], p < 0.001). Nevertheless, substantial heterogeneity was observed (I[superscript 2 = 84.9%). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression indicated that gender, host country, and measurement instruments did not adequately explain this heterogeneity. Further research is therefore warranted to examine contextual and psychological moderators that may influence this relationship.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1495228
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Journal of International Students. 4005 Spurgeon Drive #6, Monroe, LA 71203. Tel: 318-600-5743; Fax: 318-342-3131; e-mail: jis@ojed.org; Web site: https://www.ojed.org/index.php/jis/index
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  Data: International students face substantial challenges in adapting to academic environments, with academic adjustment playing a critical role in their educational outcomes. Social support has been widely recognized as a potential facilitator of this process; however, empirical evidence regarding its effectiveness remains inconsistent. This meta-analysis synthesizes existing evidence on the relationship between social support and academic adjustment among international students, following the PRISMA (2020) guidelines. Thirteen peer-reviewed quantitative studies (N = 6,233) identified through systematic searches of Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, ERIC, and ProQuest were included. Using a random-effects model with the Hunter--Schmidt estimator, the pooled analysis revealed a significant positive association (r = 0.365, 95% CI [0.295, 0.435], p &lt; 0.001). Nevertheless, substantial heterogeneity was observed (I[superscript 2 = 84.9%). Subgroup analyses and meta-regression indicated that gender, host country, and measurement instruments did not adequately explain this heterogeneity. Further research is therefore warranted to examine contextual and psychological moderators that may influence this relationship.
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  Data: 2026
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  Data: EJ1495228
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      – Text: English
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      Pagination:
        PageCount: 21
        StartPage: 161
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Literature Reviews
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Meta Analysis
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Foreign Students
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Student Adjustment
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      – SubjectFull: Social Support Groups
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Family Influence
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      – SubjectFull: Peer Influence
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      – SubjectFull: College Role
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      – SubjectFull: Cultural Influences
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      – SubjectFull: Higher Education
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      – TitleFull: Revisiting Social Support and Academic Adjustment among International Students: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
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            NameFull: Nono Hery Yoenanto
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            NameFull: Pramesti Pradna Paramita
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              Y: 2026
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