https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2133-4005
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Abstract
Objective
This study examined the associations between COVID-19 stress and anxiety and depression among international college students and assessed if this relationship was moderated by coping and social support.
Participants
219 international students at a large US university.
Methods
A cross-sectional online survey utilizing validated scales was conducted from October 1 to 25, 2020. Path analyses assessed the effects of COVID-19 stress on anxiety and depression, and whether coping and social support moderated these relationships in international students.
Results
COVID-19 stress was significantly associated with anxiety and depression in international students. Maladaptive coping moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and anxiety but did not moderate the relationship with depression. Neither adaptive coping or social support moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and anxiety or depression.
Conclusions
Results confirm the need for additional mental health services to reach international college students at risk of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Marcia Taylor and Kristen Zernick of the Office of International Services, USF World.
Conflict of interest disclosure
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest. The authors confirm that the research presented in this article met the ethical guidelines, including adherence to the legal requirements, of United State of America and received approval from the University of South Florida Institutional Review Board.
Data availability statement
Data is available through the author upon request.