Date of Graduation
2015
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
PhD
College
College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences
Department
Sport and Exercise Psychology
Committee Chair
Samuel Zizzi
Committee Co-Chair
Grace Atebe
Committee Member
Damien Clement
Committee Member
Monica Leppma
Committee Member
Jack Watson
Abstract
International students face multiple challenges due to cross-cultural transition. Physical activity plays a significant role in maintaining health and well-being for college students. Little research has explored how international students' physical activity interacts with their acculturation. Using a longitudinal qualitative approach with individual interviews and non-participant observation, the current study explored how physical activity interacted with new international students' first-year transition to studying in the United States. Nine participants who engaged in regular physical activity were enrolled. Each individual was interviewed twice in the middle and at the end of their first year. Three-month of field work was applied to capture international students' physical activity experience. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach. Results suggested that international students' cross-adjustment occurred academically, socially, and culturally in support of previous research. Physical activity played a role in those areas. Practical implications, limitations, and future research recommendations were discussed.
Recommended Citation
Li, Shuang, "The Influence of Physical Activity on International Students' Cross-Cultural Adjustment: A Qualitative Longitudinal Study" (2015). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 6074.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/6074