Mechanisms Between Perceived Social Support and International Students’ Well-Being

This study investigated the mediating roles of hopeful career state and career engagement between perceived social support and well-being in a sample of 410 international students in US universities using structural equation modeling. Results revealed that perceived social support was positively associated with international students’ well-being. Hopeful career state served as partial mediator between perceived social support and well-being. Additionally, hopeful career state and career engagement formed a serial mediation effect. These findings highlight the importance of social support and career development in promoting the well-being of international students. Implications for counselors and counselor education to promote international students’ holistic well-being are discussed.