Self-determined motivation, acculturation, academic burnout, and psychosocial well-being of Chinese international students in South Korea

Abstract

The majority of research on international students has been focused on Asian students in Western societies, centering on the differences in Asian and Western cultures, while little is known about Chinese international students in South Korea. This study explored the psychosocial well-being of Chinese international students in South Korea, in relation to autonomous/controlled motivation, acculturation, and academic burnout. A total number of 673 Chinese international students from 5 provinces in South Korea completed survey questionnaires. The results supported that controlled motivation was associated with lower levels of psychosocial well-being directly as well as indirectly via acculturation and academic burnout. On the other hand, autonomous motivation was associated with higher levels of psychosocial well-being directly and indirectly via lower levels of academic burnout. Findings were discussed from the self-determined motivation and acculturation perspectives. Limitations, future research, research and practical implications were addressed.