Date of Graduation

Fall 12-2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

College/School

School of Education

Department

Education

Program

Organization & Leadership EdD

First Advisor

Seenae Chong

Second Advisor

Danfeng Koon

Third Advisor

Ursula Aldana

Abstract

This study examines the challenges and mental health issues faced by Chinese female international students in private Catholic female high schools in the U.S. It explores three main areas: the types of acculturation challenges students face, the impact of these challenges on their mental health, and the role of parental communication in shaping students' and parents' perceptions of acculturation and mental health. Using qualitative methods, the research involved interviews with nine students and five parents from a girls' Catholic high school in California. Data were collected via narrative-inspired Zoom interviews, and analyzed using phenomenological principles, focusing on understanding the lived experiences of participants within the microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem. The study finds that language barriers, peer relationships, and adapting to new cultural and educational settings significantly affect the students’ mental health. It also reveals the complexity of communication between parents and students, showing how family and cultural backgrounds shape their experiences and perceptions. These findings have significant implications for educational institutions and mental health professionals, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive support systems and effective communication strategies, highlighting a gap in fulfilling the educational mission of religious institutions in this context. It also highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the complexities surrounding mental health stigma and parental communication in the context of acculturation. Future research should broaden to include male students and further explore identity formation influenced by students' social interactions.

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