Host name-liking and subjective well-being of international students in western society: Self-esteem as a mediator

Abstract

Abstract Studies have indicated that original name-liking is a predictor of self-esteem and subjective well-being. However, it has been customary for Chinese international students to adopt host names, that is, English names, as a part of their East-West cultural transition. Using a sample of 218 Chinese international students in the UK, this study explored whether host name-liking followed a similar psychological mechanism to original name-liking and predicted subjective well-being, particularly via self-esteem. The findings indicated that, similar to original name-liking, host name-liking was positively associated with self-esteem and subjective well-being, and self-esteem played a mediating role in the association between host name-liking and subjective well-being. The findings provided insight into the relationship between host name-liking and subjective well-being, as well as practical suggestions for minorities.