AU Student
Life!
An E-newsletter for American University students
produced by the Counseling Center
www.american.edu/counseling
Contents
1. Adjustment issues for international students
2. Be well! Great ways to enhance your psychological health
3. Dear Cyberdoc: Eating disorders in women of color
4. You can quote me on that!
5. Frequently asked questions about the Counseling Center
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Part 1: "Adjustment issues for international students "
For those who cross national and cultural borders for the purpose of study, the experience can be exciting and rewarding. However, when
facing the culture, values, and traditions of another country, it is normal to experience some difficult emotions as well. Emotions such as sadness,
loneliness, fear, and confusion can be normal reactions to such a life transition. It can be very challenging for international students to
adjust to their U.S. surroundings. Here is some information to help you manage this stress.
Learning a different culture
Learning a new culture, which may have different beliefs and values, can be difficult. Through this process, it is important to be in contact
with U.S. culture and also to take your time in this learning process. International students are encouraged to learn the values and
traditions of the U.S. slowly, while still remaining connected to their language, traditions, and cultural beliefs.
There is some evidence that participation in more than one culture can actually lead to healthy adjustment. When we learn other ways
to think and behave, we can develop adaptive strengths and flexibility. This can occur for both the international student population
as well as U.S. students. Since an enhancement of coping and adjustment can occur through cultural learning, many people
can benefit from a multicultural experience.
Difficulties with culture change
Many international students struggle with problems upon their entry into the U.S. Some of the problems may be related to
language, financial situation, academic stresses, social interactions with Americans, food, loneliness, and homesickness.
Other difficulties may be related to:
Classroom style. Classroom style is sometimes a difficult cultural difference for incoming international students.
The atmosphere and expectations may be very different from the academic atmosphere of the home institutions.
Separation from family and friends. The move to the U.S. often causes a separation from family and friends. The distance in this
support system can be difficult, especially if they were a source of support for difficulties at home.
Social interactions. Sometimes expectations regarding social relationships and friendships can vary from culture to culture.
Academic relationships. International students as well as their U.S. professors may be unaware of the significant impact
of their cultural differences. These differences may affect the student's academic performance through their psychological health and interpersonal challenges.
Reentry shock. An issue may not only be the “culture shock” of coming to the U.S., but also "reentry shock" when returning to
one’s home country. Often students do not expect to be faced with changes in themselves, their country, or family.
What are some possible ways to handle the adjustment?
The adjustment to a different culture is a part of coming to the U.S. to study, and cultural learning may be a part of your everyday experience.
It is important to manage the difficulties that may arise due to this stress. Here are some recommendations:
Become familiar with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) for support and information. You can contact them by phone at
(202) 885-3350, stop by their office at 410 Butler Pavilion, or visit their website at www.american.edu/iss. Contact ISSS for information on
the International Friendship Program, ISSS listserv, Coffee Hours, and other events that decrease the isolation of living in a new country.
Develop social networks and friendships with other students from your home country or other international students if possible.
These contacts may provide a sense of belonging, which helps with adjustment.
Stay in contact with family and friends from your home. Write letters, send emails, or make telephone calls when possible.
Seek help and support when needed. The Counseling Center offers a variety of services to assist you in managing numerous issues:
International Students: How to be Your Best at AU Workshop
Discussion about ways to make the most of your experiences at AU.
Tuesday, February 19 from 2:10–3:25 pm in MGC 203.
International Student Support Group
This group is for international students who wish to understand their experiences in a new culture and build communication skills in academic and social situations. The group provides information as well as an opportunity to discuss cultural adjustment, communication styles, relationship issues, and career/future plans.
Mondays, 2:30-3:45 pm. Contact the group leader, Dr. Keum Choi, to participate.
Individual Counseling
Some things that international students talk about in counseling include loneliness, homesickness, academic difficulties, confusion about U.S. culture, anxiety, relationship problems, and depression. Sometimes talking to a professional about these struggles can be helpful. Talking with a counselor is confidential.
To learn more, visit our website at www/american.edu/counseling or visit our office at MGC 214.
Recommended Reading: Furnham, A. (1986). Culture Shock: Psychological Reactions to Unfamiliar Environments.
Source: University of Cincinnati Psychological Services Center, Evening Clinic, Division of Student Affairs and Human Resources
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Part 2: Be well! Great ways to enhance
your psychological health
Workshops – all free,
and no advance registration is required
“BE YOUR BEST!” Workshops –
Tuesdays, 2:10-3:25, Mary Graydon Center (MGC)
"International Students: How to be Your Best at AU" - February 19, MGC 203
"Eating Disorders, Disordered Eating" - February 26, MGC 203
Online mental health screenings
Drink so much that you forget what happens? Starving yourself to lose weight? Feeling on edge or anxious? Concerned that you may be depressed?
A free, confidential, anonymous online assessment is available through the Counseling Center website at www.american.edu/counseling.
Topics include eating disorders, depression, alcohol, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder.
Confidential conversations with a professional counselor are also available. Contact the Counseling Center, MGC 214, x3500.
A free, confidential, anonymous online assessment is available through the Counseling Center website at
www.american.edu/counseling.
Topics
include depression, alcohol, anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder,
and post traumatic stress disorder.
Confidential conversations with a professional counselor are also available.
Contact the Counseling Center, MGC 214, x3500.
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Part 3: Dear Cyberdoc: Eating disorders in women of
color
Dear Cyberdoc,
My good friend has been skipping meals, exercising several hours each day, and losing a lot of weight in the past few weeks. It’s severe enough that I’m worried she might have an eating disorder. However, I’ve heard that eating disorders affect only Caucasian women, and my friend is of African-American and Latina heritage. What is known about eating disorders among women of color?
- Concerned friend
Dear Concerned Friend,
Eating disorders do not just affect Caucasian women. There is still much to learn about how eating disorders affect individuals of all races and ethnicities, and further research is needed to ensure that efforts to combat eating disorders are inclusive of all women and men.
Over the past few years, there has been increasing evidence of disordered eating occurring among racial and ethnic minorities in the United States. For instance, contrary to the persistent belief that eating disorders affect only young, white women, analysis of the Minnesota Adolescent Health Study found that dieting was associated with weight dissatisfaction, perceived overweight, and low body pride in all ethnic groups (Story et al., 1997).
It is sometimes speculated that women from racial and ethnic minority groups are "immune" to developing eating disorders because their cultural identity provides some amount of protection against body image disturbances. For example, it is frequently asserted that African-American culture embraces larger body types than does the dominant culture, thereby making black women less prone to body dissatisfaction. Thus, it has been hypothesized that as women of color experience acculturation or assimilation of dominant ideals, they become more susceptible to eating disorders.
Kempa & Thomas (2000) define acculturation as "the process of shifting values to the host culture from the culture of origin." As this occurs, the dominant standards of beauty are internalized and women from minority groups adhere to standards similar to those of white women.
Research results regarding this theory have been mixed, with some evidence supporting the idea that highly acculturated women are more vulnerable to eating disorders. Other researchers have suggested that the influence of acculturation on body image formation is much more complex than previously stated. Current research findings suggest that acculturation does matter, but the level of acculturation is not always predictive of vulnerability to eating disorders. It is important to recognize that there is no rigid formula for discerning how acculturation will affect an individual based solely upon race or ethnicity.
Sociocultural Factors and Stress:
Just as eating disorders have varying etiologies in Caucasian women, the same applies for women of color. Contemporary theories regarding the development of disordered eating include sociocultural, environmental, and genetic factors. These same factors are applicable to women of racial and ethnic minority groups as well.
Sociocultural factors, including the pervasive media images that embrace a narrowly defined conception of beauty, may be particularly disturbing for some women. However, sociocultural influences are not the only significant factors in the development of eating disorders. Environmental stress can trigger the onset of disordered eating patterns as well. Among women of color, the process of acculturation can be one such source of stress.
Yet women from racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States face substantially more stress resulting from their membership in multiple subordinate groups than that caused by acculturation alone. Given the multiple challenges that women of color may experience, they may, in fact, be more vulnerable to eating disorders.
Themes that are evident in disordered eating such as the pursuit of identity, power, validation, self-esteem, and respect, are also pervasive in the lives of oppressed individuals (Root, 1990). It is imperative that we all re-examine our assumptions about who is susceptible to disordered eating and ensure that our efforts to combat these issues are inclusive of all women and men.
Learn more:
There are numerous campus programs being offered as a part of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week later this month. See Part 2 of this newsletter for details. Also, check out the Counseling Center website at www.american.edu/counseling for additional resources, including a confidential online eating disorders screening, or visit our Self-Help Center in MGC 214.
Adapted from “Eating Disorders in Women of Color: Explanations and Implications”, available at www.edap.org.
References
Kempa, M.L., & Thomas, A.J. (2000). Culturally sensitive assessment and treatment of eating disorders. Eating Disorders, 8, 17-30.
Root, M. P. (1990). Disordered eating in women of color. Sex Roles, 22, (7/8), 525-535.
Story, M., French, S., Neumark-Sztainer, D., Downes, B., Resnick, M., & Blum, R. (1997). Psychosocial and behavioral correlates of dieting and purging in Native American adolescents. Pediatrics, 99, (4) e8.
Submit your questions for "Dear Cyberdoc" to bowers@american.edu. Your identity is confidential, and if your question is selected for this newsletter it will be posted without your name attached. If you'd like a personal response or if your concern is in any way urgent, don't write to “Dear Cyberdoc”! Instead, call x3500 to arrange to speak with a counselor.
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Part 4: You can quote me on that!
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within
me there lay an invincible summer.”
- Albert Camus
"To this day I believe we are here on earth to live, grow, and do what we can to
make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”
- Rosa Parks
" One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up
and show your soul. Struggling souls catch light from other souls who are fully lit and willing to show it.”
- Clarissa Pinkola Estes
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Part 5: Frequently asked questions about the Counseling
Center
- What exactly does the Counseling Center (CC) do?
Students come to the CC for help in dealing with all kinds of concerns,
from relationship issues to depression or anxiety, and everything in
between and beyond. We offer confidential individual and group counseling,
crisis intervention, resources, referrals, consultations,
and workshops, among other things. For more information, check out our website
and self-help web links at www.american.edu/counseling.
- Am I eligible for services and how much does it cost?
Any AU student, including you, can make an initial appointment with a counselor,
join a group, use the self-help library,
or attend a workshop. There is no charge. Ongoing counseling is available
on campus (limited to full-time students) and off-campus
(for part-time students or students who need more immediate or specialized
services than are available at the Center).
Whatever your concerns, a CC counselor can help you connect with appropriate
resources and supports.
- How do I make an appointment to talk with a counselor?
To make an appointment, call (202) 885-3500 or stop by Mary Graydon Center
214.
-How do I submit a comment to "AU Student Life!" or a question
to "Dear Cyberdoc?"
We welcome your feedback. If you have questions or comments about “AU
Student Life!”, or would like to submit a question to
the "Dear Cyberdoc" advice section, please submit them to bowers@american.edu.
Please do NOT contact “AU Student Life!”
if you'd like an individual response to your comment or question. Instead,
call x3500 to arrange to speak with a CC counselor.
The current year's issues of “AU Student Life!” are archived
on the website at www.american.edu/counseling.
REALITY CHECK: The material in this newsletter in no way substitutes for
professional counseling.
If you would like to speak with a counselor, please contact the Counseling
Center at (202) 885-3500.
