Loneliness and Depressive Symptoms Among International Students in Third-Level Education in Ireland

Aims: This study aims to provide an understanding of loneliness and depressive symptoms among international students attending third-level education in Ireland. This study assessed the difference in loneliness levels between international students and host-national students and the difference in loneliness between male and female international students. This study also examined whether loneliness, student demographic, and gender were predictors of depressive symptoms. Method: Access to the study questionnaire link was distributed to participants (N = 133) using various social media platforms and through the placement of posters around the National College of Ireland campus. The questionnaire link included the UCLA Loneliness Scale and the Quick Inventory Depressive Symptomology Self-Report Scale. Results: Results showed no significant difference in levels of loneliness between international students and host-national students. Male international students had a higher level of loneliness than female international students. Both gender and loneliness were found to be predictors of depressive symptoms in third-level students. Whilst student demographic was not a significant predictor. Conclusion: The findings provide a greater understanding of loneliness and depressive symptoms among international students in Ireland. Implications are discussed also