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Journals / Fırat Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi / 2026 / Cilt: 36 Sayı: 3

The Social Adaptation Process from the Perspective of International Students: Friendship and Sense of Belonging

Uluslararası Öğrencilerin Gözünden Sosyal Uyum Süreci: Arkadaşlık İlişkileri ve Aidiyet Duygusu

Sebahat Sevgi Uygur(DOKUZ EYLÜL ÜNİVERSİTESİ)0000-0001-8848-8968
Pages
1139–1153
Publication Date
2026-09-14
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Quantitative findings indicated moderate-to-high levels of psychosocial problems and social loneliness, while qualitative findings revealed that language proficiency, peer interaction, and emotional inclusion played a significant role in students’ adjustment.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study examined the psychosocial problems, loneliness levels, and social adaptation experiences of international university students studying in Türkiye.
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Key Findings & Data:Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the study first collected quantitative data through a convenience sample of 320 international students enrolled at public universities.
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Conclusion & Impact:Quantitative findings indicated moderate-to-high levels of psychosocial problems and social loneliness, while qualitative findings revealed that language proficiency, peer interaction, and emotional inclusion played a significant role in students’ adjustment.
🔬Design:Araştırma Makalesi
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Sosyal Uyum · Arkadaşlık İlişkileri · Aidiyet Duygusu

Abstract

This study examined the psychosocial problems, loneliness levels, and social adaptation experiences of international university students studying in Türkiye. Employing a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design, the study first collected quantitative data through a convenience sample of 320 international students enrolled at public universities. Participants completed the International Student Psychosocial Problems Scale, the Social and Emotional Loneliness Scale for Adults (SELSA-S), and a demographic information form. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analyses, and normality checks. In the qualitative phase, 21 students, selected based on scale scores and voluntary participation, were interviewed through semi-structured interviews. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis via MAXQDA software, and three main themes emerged: Social Adaptation Process, Friendship and Peer Relationships, and Sense of Belonging. Quantitative findings indicated moderate-to-high levels of psychosocial problems and social loneliness, while qualitative findings revealed that language proficiency, peer interaction, and emotional inclusion played a significant role in students’ adjustment. The study highlights the need for sustained culturally responsive support to enhance international students’ well-being and integration in Türkiye.

Özet

Bu çalışma, Türkiye’de öğrenim gören uluslararası üniversite öğrencilerinin psikososyal sorunlarını, yalnızlık düzeylerini ve sosyal uyum deneyimlerini incelemeyi amaçlamıştır. Araştırma, açıklayıcı sıralı karma desen kullanılarak yürütülmüştür. İlk aşamada, devlet üniversitelerinde öğrenim gören 320 uluslararası öğrenciye kolayda örnekleme yöntemi ile ulaşılarak nicel veriler toplanmıştır. Katılımcılara, Uluslararası Öğrenci Psikososyal Sorunlar Ölçeği, Yetişkinler İçin Sosyal ve Duygusal Yalnızlık Ölçeği (SELSA-S) ve demografik bilgi formu uygulanmıştır. Nicel veriler; betimsel istatistikler, güvenirlik analizleri ve normallik testleri ile analiz edilmiştir. Nitel aşamada ise ölçek puanları ve gönüllülük esas alınarak seçilen 21 öğrenciyle yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Nitel veriler, MAXQDA yazılımı kullanılarak içerik analizi yoluyla incelenmiş ve üç ana tema ortaya çıkarılmıştır: Sosyal Uyum Süreci, Arkadaşlık ve Akran İlişkileri ve Aidiyet Duygusu. Nicel bulgular, öğrencilerin orta-yüksek düzeyde psikososyal sorunlar ve sosyal yalnızlık yaşadıklarını göstermiştir. Nitel bulgular ise dil yeterliliği, akran etkileşimi ve duygusal aidiyet hissinin öğrencilerin uyum süreçlerinde belirleyici olduğunu ortaya koymuştur. Çalışma, uluslararası öğrencilerin iyi oluşunu ve Türkiye’ye entegrasyonunu desteklemek amacıyla sürdürülebilir ve kültürel açıdan duyarlı destek mekanizmalarının önemini vurgulamıştır.

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Cite This Article

Uygur, S. S. (2026). The Social Adaptation Process from the Perspective of International Students: Friendship and Sense of Belonging. Fırat Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, Cilt: 36 Sayı: 3, 1139–1153. https://doi.org/10.18069/firatsbed.1701479

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