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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