Cross-cultural adaptation: The impact of online social support and the role of gender

• Jian Wang

  Central China Normal University

• Jian-Zhong Hong

  Central China Normal University

• Zhong-Ling Pi

  Central China Normal University

We examined the impact of online social support on cross-cultural adaptation, and the moderating effect of gender in the relationship between online social support and cross-cultural adaptation. Data were collected from 454 international students in China using the Psychological Adaptation Questionnaire, the Socio-Cultural Adaptation Scale, and the Online Social Support Scale. The results showed that: (a) online social support had a positive impact on both the psychological and sociocultural adaptation of the international students, and (b) compared with the men, the impact of online social support on psychological adaptation was more significant for the women, showing that gender moderated this relationship. However, the same moderating effect of gender was not found in the relationship between online social support and sociocultural adaptation.

1. Jian Wang, Central China Normal University

   Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, and School of Psychology

2. Jian-Zhong Hong, Central China Normal University

   Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, and School of Psychology

3. Zhong-Ling Pi, Central China Normal University

   Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior (CCNU), Ministry of Education, and School of Psychology

• PDF
  (USD 29)