An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experiences of Chinese international students seeking mental health support at UK universities

Mental health issues for Chinese international students in the UK higher education system is increasingly an important topic. Research shows that Chinese international students have a low utilisation rate of mental health services, and they do not engage with mental health services often until their problems are more severe. There is little research on Chinese international students’ mental health conditions and their experiences with professional mental health services in the UK. The aim of the study was to examine the experience of Chinese international students searching for and communicating with professional mental health support services. The study took on a critical realist stance, using an IPA methodology with eight semi-structured interviews to look at the subjective experiences and meaning making processes of the participants. The research found that shame and stigma around mental health issues, the belief in self-sufficiency, and a range of cultural as well as language factors were notable barriers in help-seeking. The research also found that positive peer-modelling, proactive mental health screening and culturally competent therapeutic practice may help to reduce shame and stigmatisation and mitigate low utilisation. Finally, this research offered recommendations to further research and implications for training institutes and education providers on areas of considerations to provide more effective care for the Chinese international student group.