Investigating the impact of perceived cultural distance on academic performance of university students in Ho Chi Minh City: The Mediating Role of Adaptation and Attitude Mechanisms

Abstract

Perceived Cultural Distance (PCD) and its influences on Academic Performance (AP) of university students in Ho Chi Minh City through Psychological Adaptation (PA), Sociocultural Adaptation (SA) and School Attitude (SCA) are the objects of the research study. A structured survey helped collect data from 250 university students in the city. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis illustrated that PCD have a negative effect on AP, while PA, SA and SCA can play an intermediary role in this relationship. These findings underscore the role of adaptive mechanisms and attitudes towards learning in combating the detrimental effects of cultural distance on academic performance. Discussion and some implications are proposed based on the research findings to help students develop adaptive strategies and increase their academic performance