Psychological features of stress response among international medical students

Abstract

Introduction: The active integration of Russian education into the multinational and multicultural landscapes serves to enhance the quality of professional training, foster scientific and innovative development, and create opportunities to improve intercultural relations and strengthen the international image of Russian culture. A key issue among these is the challenge of social and psychological adaptation that should facilitate the successful integration of international students into new linguistic, cultural, social, and economic environments. Materials and methods. Foreign (n = 34) and Russian-speaking (n = 77) students of both sexes enrolled in the Curative Medicine program were psychodiagnosed using the test of life sense orientations; the depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) and the COPE stress management questionnaire. The data obtained has been subjected to correlation analysis. This study aimed to identify the primary coping strategies international students employ to manage stress. Results. Our findings indicate that these students exhibit a heightened vulnerability to stress, largely attributable to underdeveloped coping mechanisms. Moreover, a lack of life meaning and satisfaction, poorly defined personal goals and prospects, and/or the rejection of externally imposed objectives not only hinder the ability to overcome academic and social stressors but also function as an independent source of psychological strain. Conclusion.The data obtained can be effectively applied to organize practical psychological support programs for international students.