Effects of Chinese Language Learning Anxiety on the Mental Health of International Students in China: The Chain Mediating Effect of Campus Adaptation and Academic Resilience

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown that Chinese language learning anxiety among international students in China can negatively affect their psychological adjustment. However, the specific effects and conditions of learning anxiety need to be further investigated. This study explored the mediating effects between Chinese language learning anxiety and psychological adjustment of international students in China. METHODS: Chinese Learning Anxiety Scale, Campus Adaptability Scale for International Students in China, Academic Resilience Questionnaire for International Students in China, Zung’s Self-Rated Depression Scale were administered to 307 international students from Nanjing Normal University in China, including 165 male students and 131 female students, aged 19–28 (M =21.42; SD = 1.528). RESULTS: Chinese language learning anxiety significantly predicted the psychological well-being of international students after controlling for gender and age variables. Furthermore, Chinese language learning anxiety predicted the mental health of students through the independent mediating effect of campus adaptation and academic resilience, as well as the chain mediating effect of campus adaptation and academic resilience. CONCLUSION: The study has theoretical and practical significance for improving international students’ psychological adaptation and health, and implications for those involved in the management and teaching of international students in China. The research conclusions are as follows: firstly, when the Chinese learning anxiety of international students in China is strong, their campus adaptation and psychological resilience are reduced, and levels of depression increase; secondly, grades are significantly correlated with anxiety dimensions, and higher grades are associated with lower anxiety levels; finally, the mediating effects of campus adaptation and academic resilience were significant, together with a significant chain mediating effect of campus adaptation and academic resilience.