International students' perceived discrimination and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RISK assessment; STATISTICAL correlation; SELF-evaluation; PSYCHOLOGICAL distress; RESEARCH funding; UNIVERSITIES & colleges; QUESTIONNAIRES; ANXIETY; FOREIGN students; RESEARCH; STUDENT attitudes; DISCRIMINATION (Sociology); FACTOR analysis; PSYCHOSOCIAL factors; COVID-19 pandemic

This study examined the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological distress among international students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 188 international students from two large U.S. universities participated in the study. Perceived discrimination, psychological distress, and demographic information were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. COVID-related variables and perceived discrimination were significantly associated with international students' psychological distress. Their COVID-related anxiety mediated the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological distress. Initiatives to mitigate the perceived discrimination experienced by international students may improve their mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]