Socio demographic variables, social support and acculturative stress among international students in Ghanaian Universities

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between socio-demographic variables, social support, and acculturative stress among international students in Ghanaian universities, focusing on Methodist University Ghana (MUG) and Pentecost University Ghana (PUG). Using a pragmatic philosophical orientation, the study adopted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. The quantitative phase involved 148 participants selected through stratified random sampling, using the Acculturative Stress Scale for International Students (ASSIS) and the Index of Sojourner Social Support (ISSS). The qualitative phase applied Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore lived experiences behind the statistical results. Quantitative findings showed that personal safety (M = 30.16, SD = 8.15) and homesickness (M = 20.76, SD = 5.55) were the most significant stressors, while injustice had the least impact (M = 3.56, SD = 1.24). Regression analysis revealed that age and country of origin significantly predicted acculturative stress, while gender did not. Unexpectedly, social support was positively correlated with acculturative stress (β = .528, p < .001), suggesting that high support may sometimes intensify stress due to unmet expectations or overreliance on social ties. Qualitative results reinforced these findings, showing that while social networks helped students cope with discrimination and language barriers, they could also heighten stress. Francophone students reported greater challenges linked to communication difficulties and social exclusion. Overall, the study highlights the complex nature of acculturation and recommends that universities strengthen culturally sensitive support systems that acknowledge both the protective and burdensome aspects of social relationships, particularly for younger and culturally distant international students