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Shihan Xu, PsyD, is a 2025 graduate of the PsyD program in Clinical Psychology at Antioch University, Seattle.

Dissertation Committee:

Christopher Heffner, PsyD, PhD, Committee Chair

Melissa Kennedy, PhD, Committee Member

Bonnie Benson-Palmgren, PsyD, Committee Member

Keywords

East Asian, international students, college student, mental health, social anxiety, eating concerns, loneliness

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This study examined the unique stressors encountered by international college students, with particular attention to East Asian international students, whose collectivistic cultural values contribute to their mental health status and reported symptoms. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise in stress levels and loneliness highlighted the need for further examination. Using data collected in 2024 through the Counseling Center Assessment of Psychological Symptoms-34 (CCAPS-34) and the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the study surveyed East Asian international students enrolled in universities in the United States to identify prevalent mental health concerns and explore the correlation between loneliness and self-reported symptoms among East Asian international students. Findings suggest that social anxiety, academic distress, and eating concerns are the most reported among high distress issues within this population. Notably, Pearson correlation analyses revealed that loneliness was significantly and positively correlated with depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and social anxiety. This dissertation discusses historical and culture-specific factors that may contribute to the elevated risk of mental health concerns among this population. Furthermore, the study offers valuable insights that inform universities and higher education institutions, emphasizing the necessity of culturally informed practices to reduce loneliness and effectively support the East Asian international students studying in the United States. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Shihan Xu, PsyD, 2025

ORCID iD 0009-0009-7738-2784

Shihan Xu earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Washington and her M.A. in Cognitive Science from Columbia University in 2019. She has worked at several community mental health centers across Washington, providing culturally informed care to diverse populations. During her doctoral training at Antioch University Seattle, Shihan has engaged in multiple projects focusing on the East Asian population within both psychopharmacology and clinical psychology. Her clinical and research interests center on multicultural mental health, international students, and the intersection of culture, identity, and emotional well-being. Her dissertation, Exploring Mental Health Concerns and Loneliness Among East Asian International Students at U.S. Universities, reflects her commitment to culturally responsive care and her dedication to understanding the lived experiences of underrepresented student populations.

Outside of her clinical work, Shihan is passionate about providing psychoeducation to Chinese communities. She plans to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship in private practice to continue advocating for minority mental health. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, exploring new cafés, and finding creative expression through reading Classical Chinese poetry and watercolor painting.

Xu, S. (2024). Exploring the Factors Contributing to Low Psychotropic Drug Utilization in the Chinese Population: A Comprehensive Investigation [Poster Presentation]. American Psychological Association Convention 2024.

Tuip, H. M., Xu, S., Harrison, H., Scheiderer, C., Hardcastle, K & Benincasa, C. (2023). Reproductive justice: A phenomenological exploration of female sterilization [Poster presentation]. Washington State Psychological Association Convention 2023, Seattle, Washington, United States.

Tuip, H. M., Falloria, A., Xu. S., Lo. S., Costa. C., Roberts. J., & Heffner, C. L. (2023). Gratitude, Resilience, Privilege Awareness, and Social Position: A Quantitative Study [Poster Presentation]. American Psychological Association Convention 2023.

Citation

Xu, S. (2025). Exploring Mental Health Concerns and Loneliness Among East Asian International Students at U.S. Universities.

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