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Cultural and gender differences in perceiving stressors: a cross‐cultural investigation of African and Western students in Chinese colleges
Author(s) -
Hashim Ismail Hussein,
Zhiliang Yang
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
stress and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.009
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1532-2998
pISSN - 1532-3005
DOI - 10.1002/smi.978
Subject(s) - stressor , psychology , perception , interpersonal communication , coping (psychology) , sass , social psychology , clinical psychology , developmental psychology , neuroscience , computer science , programming language
This study was aimed to provide basic information about stress perceptions among overseas college students in China. In addition, it was also aimed at determining whether differences exist between cultures in their ways of perceiving stressors. To attain the research goals, Study Abroad Stress Survey (SASS) was administered to 82 Africans (46 men and 36 women), and 74 Westerners (32 men and 42 women) in 11 universities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Percentages of subjects' responses on SASS items were calculated to judge variations that exist between Africans and Westerners and between male and female in their perception of stressors. Results indicated that academic and interpersonal sources of stress were the most common stressors perceived by the two groups. High pressure and challenges perceived by both African and Western students were classified as daily strains. No group differences existed in subtotal perceptions for the four categories of stress measured. Group variations existed only in their sub‐divisional areas of stress. Both male and female students tend to experience the highest stress levels due to daily strains. Minor differences in perception of stressors such as attaining lower grades, missing too many classes, and working with unfamiliar peoples were concluded between male and female students. The study has suggested a need for cross‐cultural orientation of students in an effort to promote effective coping and health during a study abroad experience which will offer them an opportunity to learn and grow. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.