Honors Theses
Date of Award
Fall 12-6-2023
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Biology
First Advisor
Hannah Allen
Second Advisor
Victoria Zigmont
Third Advisor
Kirsten Dellinger
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Background. Burnout has become increasingly prevalent among college students in recent years. A potential risk factor for burnout among Asian and Asian American college students is internalization of the Model Minority Myth, for it may cause psychological distress within Asians. This study has two aims: 1) to examine the association between internalization of the Model Minority Myth (i.e., achievement orientation, unrestricted mobility) and burnout (i.e., exhaustion, cynicism, and efficacy) among Asian college students; and 2) to assess whether the association between internalization of the Model Minority Myth and burnout among Asian college students differs by international student status.
Methods. A survey was sent to current students at the University of Mississippi. Participants were eligible for the study if they were 18 years old or older and identified as Asian or Asian American. Standard questions were used to collect data on age, sex, race/ethnicity, international student status, degree type, and class standing. Internalization of the Model Minority Myth was assessed using the IM-4, and burnout was assessed using the MBI-SS. Linear regression models were used to analyze associations in the whole sample and when the sample was stratified by international student status.
Results. The sample was 81% female and had a mean age of 23 years old. The majority identified ethnically as East Asian (43%). About 65% of participants were undergraduate students, and 71% were domestic students. The negative relationship between unrestricted mobility and exhaustion was approaching significance in the whole sample and among international students. There was a significant, negative relationship between unrestricted mobility and cynicism among international students.
Conclusion. Results show that that internalization of the Model Minority Myth may be protective against exhaustion and cynicism among Asian and Asian American college students. Particularly for international Asian students, the belief that the U.S. offers social and economic opportunity for Asian individuals may reinforce the importance of their decision to pursue education in the U.S. and protect against feelings of burnout. Campus programming should bolster the international student experience and provide tailored support for all students who belong to racial/ethnic minority groups.
Recommended Citation
Truong, Tu, "Associations Between Internalization of the Model Minority Myth and Burnout Among Asian College Students" (2023). Honors Theses. 3117.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/3117
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