International Students Practicing their Wellbeing: Social Connections and Use of Professional Mental Health Services

Author

Lal Ruby Atesoglu, Wilfrid Laurier UniversityFollow

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Department

Social Work

Faculty/School

Lyle S. Hallman Faculty of Social Work

First Advisor

Magnus Mfoafo-M'Carthy

Advisor Role

Thesis Advisor

Second Advisor

Bree Akesson

Advisor Role

Committee Member

Third Advisor

Maryam Khan

Advisor Role

Committee Member

Abstract

International students are a growing group of immigrants in Canada, and in particular in Ontario. Literature has consistently showed that international students experience unique mental health challenges, with reasons ranging from uncertainty about the future to having to cultivate social networks from scratch. Despite these stressors, they access professional mental health services at a lower rate than domestic students. Research has also shown that international students turn to their social connections to address their mental health concerns frequently. The aim of this study is to explore how international students utilize professional mental health services as well as their social connections to talk about their mental health, and how these sources of support differ from each other. In doing so, I also interrogate the structural factors that impact and show up in their preferences to seek social or professional mental health support. The conceptual framework of the study is based on critical theory and empowerment theory, with an emphasis on desire-based approaches. The narratives of 9 international students from different ethno-racial backgrounds are analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Five themes were generated: the empowering nature of social connection, exploration of mental health needs and desires, The power of good professional support, prioritization of the Canadian experience over the international student experience, and the role of the immigration system in navigating mental health. I discuss the practice and policy implications based on participants' recommendations.

Recommended Citation

Atesoglu, Lal Ruby, "International Students Practicing their Wellbeing: Social Connections and Use of Professional Mental Health Services" (2025). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 2763.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/2763

Convocation Year

2025