Fitting into the Collective: A Cultural Regulatory Fit Perspective on International Student Adaptation in China

Jiayu Li^1*Ting Zhang^2*

• ¹Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China
• ²Zhejiang Industry Polytechnic College, Shaoxing, China

Against the backdrop of China's growing international student population, enhancing their subjective well-being has become a pressing issue in university management. Drawing on cultural regulatory fit theory, This study investigates the influence mechanism of cultural regulatory fit on the subjective well-being of international students in China based on data collected at three time points. The final valid sample size after matching across all three stages is N = 327. A dual mediation model was proposed, incorporating cultural adaptation and identity strain, with individualistic value orientation as a moderator. Results revealed that: (1) cultural regulatory fit promotes adaptation, reduces identity strain, and enhances well-being;(2) both mediators play significant roles in this process; and (3) individualistic orientation did not significantly moderate the main pathway, but multi-group analyses confirmed the model's cross-cultural applicability across Asian and non-Asian groups. This study contributes a novel perspective on the dynamic cognitive-emotional mechanisms of adaptation and offers practical insights for psychological support strategies in higher education.