Articles

Psychological Distress in International University Students: An Australian Study

Nigar Gohar Khawaja^a1 c1 and Jenny Dempsey^a2

^a1 Queensland University of Technology, Australia. n.khawaja@qut.edu.au

^a2 Queensland University of Technology, Australia.

Abstract

Australia is a much sought-after destination of study for many thousands of international university students. However, tertiary study brings with it many challenges that may potentially precipitate psychological distress in international students. Psychological distress may be experienced in various ways. The aim of this study was to investigate the manner in which psychological distress is manifested in international students and the factors that contribute to their psychological distress. The participants consisted of 86 international students enrolled at a Queensland university who completed a battery of 9 self-report questionnaires. Results showed that obsessive–compulsiveness reflected by worry, ruminations and perfectionist tendencies was the most common symptom of psychological distress in international students. Dysfunctional coping was the only factor contributing to psychological distress. These findings have important implications for the international students with reference to the assessment of their mental health issues and the designing of suitable intervention programs.

Correspondence:

^c1 Address for Correspondence: Dr Nigar G. Khawaja, Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Beams Road, Carseldine QLD 4034, Australia.