The effects of worldview, acculturation process, acculturative stress, and social support among first-year international graduate students at Stanford University

The main purpose of this dissertation is to examine worldview and acculturation processes among first year international graduate students at Stanford University. Having a good understanding of worldview and acculturation processes is a critical factor for international centers that assist foreign student during their initial adaptation to the United States Universities. Furthermore, these acculturative factors are also important for mental health professionals for accurate conceptualization and treatment Implementation during therapeutic encounter(s) with foreign students.;The results indicate that there is a statistical significant difference between Asian and European international graduate students during the acculturation processes into Stanford University. This study found that Asian students' experience significantly more acculturative stress compared with European students. In addition, this study revealed that whereas European students decreased contacts with international center and campus student based organization overtime, Asians actually maintained contacts as part of their social support network.;Regarding worldview, this study indicated that overall, there were no statistically significant worldview changes at p < .05 level for both Asians and Europeans over the course of this study. This suggests that core worldview values that shape individual's essential identities are resilient among older graduate students and less likely to be influenced by acculturation process over a short period.