Assessment of Acculturative Stress Awareness and Mental Health Preparedness among Pre-migrant Students in Nigeria

Adejoke F. Jaiyeoba & Mercy A. Onwuama
Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education
University of Lagos, Nigeria
Email: jokejaiye@gmail.com

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between acculturative stress and mental health preparedness among Nigerian pre-migration students intending to study in foreign countries. A cross-sectional survey research design was adopted for the study, the population comprised 385 participants recruited through immigration consultancies, foreign examination training and tutorial centers, using a purposive sampling procedure. Data was collected using validated standardized instruments, of the Perceived Stress Scale, Mental Health Assessment Scale, and the Connor Davidson Resilience Scale. The demographic data was analyzed using frequency count, percentages, mean, and standard deviation, while a cross-tabular analysis was used to analyze all research data. The study revealed a significant level of perceived stress and mental health conditions among the pre-migrant students, indicating a low level of mental health preparedness and a strong anticipated difficulty in overcoming acculturative stress in the course of acculturation. The study concluded that there was a low level of acculturative stress awareness and mental health preparedness among the pre-migrant students in Nigeria. Based on these findings, interventions that will address acculturative stress and mental health preparation for pre migrant students before their 1361elocateion for studies abroad are strongly recommended to equip them to navigate the complex psychological challenges of cross-cultural migration, manage potential acculturative stress, and develop effective coping mechanisms in unfamiliar social environments.