The impact of Chinese traditional culture-themed counseling programs on student mental health outcomes: a study based on Sino-Foreign cooperative universities
Journal: Region - Educational Research and Reviews DOI: 10.32629/rerr.v7i9.4448
Abstract
Students in Sino-Foreign cooperative universities (SFCUs) face unique acculturative stressors and identity conflicts due to their cross-cultural educational environment. This study examines the efficacy of an 8-week counseling program integrating Chinese traditional culture (CTC) themes ("Cultural Anchor Program") in improving mental health outcomes. A mixed-methods, quasi-experimental design was employed with 100 students (50 experimental, 50 waitlist-control) from a representative SFCU. Quantitative results showed statistically significant reductions in anxiety (GAD-7, p< .001, d= 0.85), depression (PHQ-9, p < .001, d = 0.78), and perceived stress (PSS, p < .001, d = 0.91) in the experimental group compared to controls, with gains maintained at a 2-month follow-up. Qualitatively, thematic analysis of interviews (n=15) revealed three key themes: 1) reframing duality through Yin-Yang, 2) "Wu Wei" as an antidote to academic striving, and 3) cultivating mindfulness through cultural heritage. The findings suggest that CTC-themed counseling is a highly effective, culturally resonant intervention for mitigating the specific psychological challenges faced by SFCU students, providing a valuable model for enhancing mental health support in cross-border educational settings.
Keywords
Sino-Foreign cooperative universities; Chinese traditional culture; mental health; acculturative stress; cultural identity; mindfulness; "Wu Wei"
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[3] Cohen S, Kamarck T, Mermelstein R. 1983. A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24(4): 385-396.
[4] Hwang KK. 2006. Constructive realism and Confucian relationalism: An epistemological strategy for the development of indigenous psychology. Indigenous and Cultural Psychology: Understanding People in Context, 73-107. Springer.
[5] Kroenke K, Spitzer RL, Williams JB. 2001. The PHQ-9: validity of a brief depression severity measure. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 16(9): 606-613.
[6] Deng J, Marshall T, Imada T. 2025. Cultural intelligence, acculturation, adaptation and emotional displays of other-condemning emotions and self-conscious emotions among Chinese international students in the UK. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 105.
[7] Li J, Xue E. 2022. Sino-Foreign cooperation of running schools in China. Opening Education to the Outside World. Part of the book series: Exploring Education Policy in a Globalized World: Concepts, Contexts, and Practices. Springer, Singapore.
[8] Bamber MD, Morpeth E. 2019. Effects of mindfulness meditation on college student anxiety: a meta-analysis. Mindfulness, 10: 203-214.
[9] Spitzer RL, Kroenke K, Williams JB. 2006. A brief measure for assessing generalized anxiety disorder: the GAD-7. Archives of Internal Medicine, 166(10): 1092-1097.
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[11] Yip KS. 2004. Taoism and its impact on mental health of the Chinese communities. Int J Soc Psychiatry, 50(1): 25-42.
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