Unspoken Discrimination Experiences of International Students At University of Cincinnati

Abstract

By Marley Fahmy, Psychology; Martez Shelborne, Psychology; Gulei Liu, Psychology

Advisor: Donna Chrobot-Mason

Presentation ID: 214

Abstract: Discrimination can damage students' mental health, particularly by causing stress and affecting well-being. UC attaches the equal rights of all students, and Title IX has been emphasized in every course. However, microaggressions and discrimination still occur. The primary purpose of this mixed methods study is to shed light on how UC international students experience bias or discrimination on campus and the effect that discrimination has on students' stress levels. Postsecondary students who belong to non-dominant groups experience discrimination that includes both subtle microaggressions and overt acts of bigotry and prejudice. There is growing evidence of the cumulative effects of perceived discrimination and stereotyping on the daily functioning, mental health, and academic outcomes of international students. Diversity research typically investigates race, gender, sex and does not place an emphasis on international status for students in UC. To address this gap, we will share the results from a larger mixed methods research study that was collected during Summer 2021. Data was collected from 327 students (62 international students, 260 U.S. students, and 5 no response) at UC. For this research, critical incidents of international students will be analyzed and the effects of microaggressions will be examined among students at the University of Cincinnati. We will conduct a thematic analysis of qualitative results of the types of discrimination experiences that international students face. We will also conduct correlational and t-test analyses to compare stress levels of international students to those of non-international student status and report the findings.