Abstract
AbstractThis study investigates how international students' identification with various social groups to which they belong influences their (mal)adjustment to the host country. One hundred and forty‐three international students were asked to report their identification with people from their home country, international students, and foreign people, as well as their perceived discrimination, homesickness, and loneliness. The results revealed more harmful effects of group identification than protective effects. Identification with people from their home country was positively associated with homesickness, but slightly buffered the harmful effect of discrimination on loneliness. Identification with international students was negatively associated with loneliness, but strengthened the harmful effect of discrimination on homesickness. Identification with foreign people was positively associated with discrimination and loneliness and also strengthened the harmful effect of discrimination on homesickness and loneliness.