THE IMPACT OF PERCEIVED DISCIPLINARY MANAGEMENT AND ACADEMIC STRESS AMONG CHINESE INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN THAILAND

Abstract

This study aims to explore the relationship between academic stress and perceptions of discipline management, with the goal of determining whether the perceived school climate mediates this relationship. A questionnaire survey was conducted with 630 Chinese university students in Bangkok, Thailand, and the data were analyzed using a structural equation model. The findings indicate that among Chinese students in Thailand, perceptions of discipline management have a strong negative direct effect on academic stress, as well as an indirect effect through positively influencing perceptions of the school climate. Perceived school climate significantly mediates the link between perceived discipline management and academic stress. This study provides valuable empirical and practical insights to Thai higher education institutions, particularly regarding the enhancement of international student management policies and campus support systems, to improve the quality of cross-cultural education.