International Journal of Intercultural Relations最新文献

{"title":"Construction and application of an embodied-cognitive intercultural communicative competence model: An empirical investigation of critical thinking mediating mechanisms in the Insights into Chinese Culture course","authors":"Fang Chen ,&nbsp;Deliang Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102306","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102306","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Existing intercultural communicative competence theories offer limited explanations of how experiences transform into competencies. This study integrates embodied cognitive linguistics with intercultural communication theory to construct the Embodied-Cognitive Intercultural Communicative Competence (ECICC) model, examining how three cognitive mechanisms—sensorimotor activation, emotional-cognitive integration, and procedural memory formation—facilitate competence development. A year-long quasi-experimental study with 300 English major students employed mixed-methods analysis to validate the model. Results demonstrate that the ECICC intervention significantly enhanced intercultural sensitivity and communicative effectiveness. Critical thinking functions as a key mediator between experiential cognition and intercultural competence, with emotional-cognitive integration assuming a dominant role that challenges traditional rational-affective dichotomies. The research identified three parallel developmental pathways and a three-stage progression pattern, revealing multidimensional competence formation processes. The ECICC model advances theory by establishing a systematic cognitive transformation framework from experience to competence, addressing gaps in current theoretical explanations. As global interconnectedness deepens, these findings provide an empirical foundation for intercultural competence cultivation, indicating that effective educational practice requires integrated cognitive mediation, emotional engagement, and individualized developmental trajectories to foster adaptive capabilities in complex cultural contexts.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"109 ","pages":"Article 102306"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145267254","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of acculturative stress and sociocultural adaptation on international student satisfaction and loyalty","authors":"Erzsébet Malota ,&nbsp;Attila Mucsi","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102292","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102292","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper examines the interrelationship between experienced acculturative stress, sociocultural adaptation, satisfaction, and loyalty within the context of higher education and international students. It was hypothesized that acculturative stress negatively impacts sociocultural adaptation, satisfaction, and loyalty, whereas sociocultural adaptation positively influences satisfaction, and that satisfaction positively impacts loyalty. A sample of 426 international students from 56 countries was analyzed via PLS-SEM. This research is unique because it quantitatively demonstrates that acculturative stress has a significant negative impact on sociocultural adaptation, essentially hindering culturally appropriate behavior, and negatively impacts international student satisfaction, whereas sociocultural adaptation positively affects international student satisfaction. The construct of acculturative stress is slightly better explained by core culture shock items compared to interpersonal stress items. The primary factors contributing to core culture shock were students’ confusion about their identity in a receiving culture, encountering shocking and disgusting elements in a new environment, and feeling helpless when trying to cope with a new culture. The primary factor influencing the interpersonal stress among international students was their anxiety or discomfort when interacting with local individuals. The acquisition of culturally appropriate behavior in an academic setting contributed the most to the construct of sociocultural adaptation. Based on our insights, higher education institutions could optimize resource allocation by preparing students to handle acculturative stress and facilitating sociocultural adaptation. This is expected to enhance the satisfaction of international students and reduce recruitment costs through the positive word of mouth of loyal students.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"109 ","pages":"Article 102292"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145049535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism of Chinese migrant university students and their relationships with adjustment: A scale validation and exploratory investigation","authors":"Hanzhi Fu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102302","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102302","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>China is widely regarded as a large multicultural country where migrating within its borders usually necessitates cross-cultural adjustment, especially for university students who leave their familiar hometowns for new environments. Over decades, numerous variables have been identified as predictors of cross-cultural adjustment, but major value patterns have received nominal attention in this area. This study investigates the relationships of horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism with domestic migrant university students’ cross-cultural adjustment after first validating the individualism and collectivism scale (INDCOL) and the academic and social adjustment scale in contemporary Chinese contexts. A questionnaire survey was administered among 1296 migrant university students in the culturally diverse city of Shanghai. First, the adapted Chinese version of the above two scales were tested via exploratory factor analyses (EFA), confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), validity tests, reliability tests, and measurement invariance tests. Then, the differences between the four value dimensions in the Chinese version of the INDCOL (INDCOL-C) were examined. Finally, multivariate regression analyses were performed by using these four value dimensions as independent variables and two ingredients of cross-cultural adjustment (academic and social adjustment) as dependent variables. The aforementioned two instruments were validated in Chinese contexts. Horizontal individualism were shown to be the strongest value tendency among Chinese university students today. Horizontal and vertical individualism and collectivism were all revealed to predict cross-cultural adjustment of internal migrant university students.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"109 ","pages":"Article 102302"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145220730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From inclusive schools to inclusive societies: School diversity climate and adolescents' academic achievement and social well-being","authors":"Fabio Maratia ,&nbsp;Beatrice Bobba ,&nbsp;Abigail Cohen ,&nbsp;Babalwa Kwanele ,&nbsp;Aaminah Norris ,&nbsp;José R. Lizárraga ,&nbsp;Maha Elsinbawi ,&nbsp;Elisabetta Crocetti","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102215","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102215","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Schools are increasingly culturally diverse. Yet, it is unclear whether a positive school diversity climate influences students' academic achievement and social well-being, and the role of school belonging in explaining this effect. A total of 1156 adolescents (<em>M</em>_age = 15.69, 51.65 % females and 48.35 % males) residents in the Emilia-Romagna region, Italy, participated in a longitudinal study with four assessments across one year. Most participants (78.96 %) belonged to the majority group (i.e., both they and their parents were born in Italy), while 21.04 % had a migrant background (i.e., themselves or at least one of their parents was born outside Italy). Results highlighted meaningful associations between school diversity climate and adolescents' academic achievement and social well-being. Concurrently, both perceived equal treatment and support for contact and cooperation were associated with adolescents' higher academic achievement and social well-being. Longitudinally, perceived equal treatment by teachers led to a higher sense of school belonging, contributing to increased social well-being. Students' migrant background moderated the impact of school diversity climate on youth's social well-being. Overall, findings highlight how inclusive schools can generate more inclusive societies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102215"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144169131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Love beyond east and west: How cultural models of selfhood predict frequency of being in love","authors":"Ayu Okvitawanli ,&nbsp;Olga Gajewska ,&nbsp;Mohsen Joshanloo ,&nbsp;Vivian L. Vignoles ,&nbsp;Victoria Wai Lan Yeung ,&nbsp;Maciej R. Górski ,&nbsp;Brian W. Haas ,&nbsp;M. Azhar Hussain ,&nbsp;Joonha Park ,&nbsp;Plamen Akaliyski ,&nbsp;Farida Guemaz ,&nbsp;Mahmoud Boussena ,&nbsp;Ángel Sánchez-Rodríguez ,&nbsp;Nuha Iter ,&nbsp;Olha Vlasenko ,&nbsp;Michael Harris Bond ,&nbsp;Vivian Miu-Chi Lun ,&nbsp;Liman Man Wai Li ,&nbsp;Nur Amali Aminnuddin ,&nbsp;İdil Işık ,&nbsp;Kuba Krys","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102233","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102233","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The purpose of this paper is to understand the implications of different dimensions of cultural models of selfhood for the frequency of being in love across cultures. This is achieved by analyzing large cross-cultural datasets encompassing 49 and 70 countries. In doing so, this paper extends the current discussion regarding the impact of cultural contexts and individual mindsets on the experience of being in love by correlating eight dimensions of independent and interdependent selves (Vignoles et al., 2016). Across eight different self-construal dimensions, we found that the strongest correlate of being in love was the self-expression (vs. harmony) dimension, where a higher frequency of feeling in love, measured by Likert scale from never to all the time, was associated with greater self-expression, both at the country and at the individual levels. Our results refine the discussion on the impact of Individualism/Collectivism on love experiences by demonstrating that it is specifically the self-expression aspect of individualistic/modernized countries that contributes to a higher frequency of being in love.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102233"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144632064","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling the lingering traces: Impact of COVID-19 perceptions on home culture connectedness among international tourists","authors":"Yu Pan ,&nbsp;Yamei Liu ,&nbsp;Chris Ryan","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102228","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102228","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The traces of COVID-19 still persist in daily life, and its impact on international tourism has not yet fully dissipated. Based on the perceptions-behavior link, we propose that in the aftermath of the pandemic international tourists may value less a sense of home culture connectedness (HCC). This occurs because COVID-19 perceptions reduce general self-efficacy, thereby weakening positive self-identity. As home culture is a partial determinant of self-identity, these perceptions paradoxically reduce HCC. Three experiments, when priming COVID-19 perceptions or using the willingness to visit COVID-19-related sites as a proxy, found that higher COVID-19 perceptions lead to a decreased desire to connect with home culture. This effect remains consistent whether the desire is to connect with general or specific aspects of home culture. The findings have implications for the planning of COVID-19-related sites as tourism attractions and the management of tourism information in a post-COVID-19 world, while also providing valuable insights into other similar adverse effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102228"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144263552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Moderating effects of stigma-related barriers on ethnic identity dimensions and mental health service utilization among Black adults in the US","authors":"Rongxiu Wu ,&nbsp;Nhi-Ha T. Trinh ,&nbsp;David Mischoulon ,&nbsp;Aderonke Bamgbose Pederson","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102243","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102243","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Significant disparities in mental health service utilization persist, particularly among Black adults in the United States. We focused on ethnic identity dimensions of centrality and assimilation and addressed their distinction from the commonly used term of acculturation.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>This study utilized gamma regression to examine the relationship between ethnic identity and help-seeking behavior within a large sample of Black adults (N=1117) and investigated the moderating effects of stigma-related barriers on this relationship.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The findings revealed statistically significant differences in <em>centrality</em> (extent to which a person identifies with their race), and <em>assimilation</em> (desire for integration into the mainstream parts of society) across gender, ethnicity, and age groups. Participants aged 45–65 scored higher in <em>centrality</em> compared to those aged 25–44. In terms of <em>assimilation</em>, males scored higher than females, and African/Afro-Caribbean immigrants scored higher than African Americans. Stigma-related barriers, including stigma within the workplace and concerns about being perceived as an unfit parent were notable deterrents to seeking mental health care. <em>Centrality</em> and <em>assimilation</em> were negatively associated with help-seeking intentions, such that higher levels of centrality and assimilation were related to lower intentions to seek mental health care for personal/emotional issues and suicidal thoughts. Stigma-related barriers moderated the relationship between education and help-seeking behavior. As stigma-related barriers increased, Black adults with higher education levels experienced a 17 % decrease in help-seeking likelihood for personal/emotional issues (RR = 0.83, <em>p</em> &lt; .01) but a 16 % increase in help seeking for suicidal thoughts (RR = 1.16, <em>p</em> &lt; .05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings highlight the moderating effect of stigma-related barriers in relationships between ethnic identity dimensions and mental health service utilization among Black adults, underscoring the need for targeted, culturally informed interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102243"},"PeriodicalIF":2.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144633070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Happiness across cultures: Considering the relationship between general well-being and Hofstede's culture dimensions","authors":"Fatih Özdemir ,&nbsp;Bertjan Doosje","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102262","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102262","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper examines the relationships between Hofstede's culture dimensions and happiness at both the country and individual levels. Study 1 was conducted with the scores of 60 countries obtained from open-source datasets. Results indicated that countries with lower collectivism and power distance scores had higher levels of happiness, after controlling for income level. Study 2, a survey-based research, tested the relationships between internalized culture dimensions by Turkish people living in Türkiye (<em>n</em> = 312) or Dutch people living in the Netherlands (<em>n</em> = 201) and happiness-related variables. After controlling for demographics, (i) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation, masculinity and power distance scores were more satisfied with their lives; (ii) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation score and lower power distance score had higher psychological well-being; (iii) Turkish people with higher long-term orientation and masculinity scores felt more grateful for the life they have. Additionally, (i) Dutch people with higher long-term orientation score had higher psychological well-being; (ii) Dutch people with lower power distance score felt more grateful for the life they have. The current studies demonstrate that, even after controlling for countries' income level and individuals' demographic characteristics, culture dimensions are associated with happiness at the country level in Study 1 and happiness-related variables at the individual level in Study 2. The results provide meaningful insights and practical implications for policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals who aim to enhance happiness through culturally sensitive approaches and to develop more sustainable social systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102262"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144721281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Chinese EFL learners’ English self-efficacy and ideal L2 self on intercultural sensitivity: A cross-sectional and longitudinal study","authors":"Hao Gong ,&nbsp;Yarong Zhu","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102259","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102259","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Most of the extant research discussed how intercultural sensitivity is promoted by the influence of external cultural environments. However, little information has been provided about the impact of psychological factors in language learning on intercultural sensitivity, with even scarce longitudinal evidence. In view of this, the present study aimed to explore the relations between EFL learners’ English self-efficacy, ideal L2 self and their intercultural sensitivity based on both cross-sectional and longitudinal data collected from Chinese university EFL students. Utilizing the structural equation modeling technique, two mediation models and two cross-lagged panel models were constructed to examine the effects on the overall intercultural sensitivity and its five subcomponents. The cross-sectional findings confirmed the positive predictive effects of English self-efficacy and ideal L2 self on intercultural sensitivity and demonstrated the mediating roles of ideal L2 self in the relation between English self-efficacy and intercultural sensitivity. Results of the cross-lagged panel analysis further revealed that while ideal L2 self positively predicts subsequent intercultural sensitivity, the longitudinal impact of English self-efficacy is not supported. By establishing ideal L2 self-images with positive future visions as competent intercultural communicators, learners with stronger self-efficacy will show greater sensitivity and inclusiveness to cultural differences. Based on these major findings, multiple pedagogical implications for intercultural training projects and curriculum designs were offered. One particular revelation is that the present study calls for the establishment of an imagined global English community that also integrates non-native speakers who are communicating interculturally into the target community in English language teaching. This suggestion is designed to help EFL learners, especially those who are less self-efficacious, develop a more integrative language learning motivation under the global English context, thereby fostering their intercultural sensitivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102259"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144772519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring language diversity dimensions and differences in meaningful experiences during short-term study abroad (STSA)","authors":"Marina Iskhakova ,&nbsp;Dana L. Ott ,&nbsp;Andrew Bradly","doi":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102270","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijintrel.2025.102270","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The purpose of this paper is to explore whether and how students' engagement in meaningful experiences during short-term study abroad (STSA) programs differ across varying language diversity dimensions. While STSA has become one of the most widely adopted forms of international experience by universities worldwide, the role of language diversity dimensions has been under-examined. Drawing on experiential learning theory we investigate differences in meaningful experiences based on whether participants are monolingual, bilingual, or multilingual and whether the host country is English-speaking or non-English-speaking. Then, we explore the intersection of these two language diversity dimensions to better understand whether students’ engagement in meaningful experiences during STSA differs when both language repertoire and host country language are combined. Our findings are based on the learning journals of 116 undergraduate business students who participated in a two-week immersive study tour. Through our exploration, we provide important implications about the role of language in STSA. We also highlight recommendations for global mobility providers and higher education institutions who design and develop international education opportunities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":48216,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Intercultural Relations","volume":"108 ","pages":"Article 102270"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144886112","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}