Self-Efficacy, Perceived Social Support, and Psychological Adjustment in International Undergraduate Students in a Public Higher Education Institution in Malaysia

Abstract

The globalization of the economy and society has had its impact on Malaysian higher education institutions, particularly universities. The Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education aims at intensifying globalization through increasing the number of international students. However, many international students struggle with adjusting to a new culture. The role of self-efficacy and social support on international students’ adjustment is important because international students encounter many academic and cultural challenges when they come to Malaysia. Thus, the present study examined the relationship between self-efficacy, perceived social support, and psychological adjustment of international students in a Malaysian public university. A total of 185 international students from various countries and regions completed questionnaires about their self-efficacy, perceived social support, and psychological adjustment. The General Self-Efficacy Scale (Schwarzer & Jerusalem, 1995) was administered to assess the international students’ self-beliefs to cope with a variety of difficult demands in life. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (Zimet et al., 1988) was used to assess international students’ social support. Psychological adjustment was measured with the Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985). As hypothesized, self-efficacy and only 1 dimension of perceived social support (support from friends and significant others) significantly related with psychological adjustment. Implications of the findings for better adjustment in university environment among international students and future research on international students; adjustment are discussed.