COVID-19 stress, social support, and coping in international students during the COVID-19 pandemic: a moderated analysis on anxiety and depression

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the associations between COVID-19 stress and anxiety and depression among international college students and assessed if this relationship was moderated by coping and social support.

Participants: 219 international students at a large US university.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey utilizing validated scales was conducted from October 1 to 25, 2020. Path analyses assessed the effects of COVID-19 stress on anxiety and depression, and whether coping and social support moderated these relationships in international students.

Results: COVID-19 stress was significantly associated with anxiety and depression in international students. Maladaptive coping moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and anxiety but did not moderate the relationship with depression. Neither adaptive coping or social support moderated the relationship between COVID-19 stress and anxiety or depression.

Conclusions: Results confirm the need for additional mental health services to reach international college students at risk of anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: Anxiety; COVID-19 stress; coping; depression; international college students; social support.