Under-use of counseling services by low acculturated Chinese international students

Abstract

This study??s primary focus was to determine why Chinese international students are not readily accessing counseling centers for help. A literature review explored issues of culture shock, acculturation, as well as help-seeking attitudes among this population. Additionally, the review addressed barriers to pursuing counseling and cultural considerations for counselors to make when working with international students. The students were selected using the Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale (SLASIA) and the Asian Values Scale (AVS) for selection criteria. This was an exploratory descriptive study and participants were interviewed regarding their beliefs, values, opinions, and feelings regarding counselors and the counseling process. Participants were also asked to provide suggestions for more effective marketing of counseling services to the international student population. Limitations of the study and future directions were addressed.