Stress, Coping, and Depression Among Japanese American Elders

Abstract

This study examines the correlates of depression among Japanese American elders among 131 community-dwelling Japanese American elders aged 60 years or older. Predictors of depression were examined from a stress and coping framework. Depression was measured using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Close to 20% of the respondents were mildly depressed. Multiple regression analyses revealed that health, fear of dependency on family, number of close friends, and availability of emotional support were associated with depression. Previous studies indicate that traditional Japanese values of interdependence facilitate dependency on family among Japanese American elders. The findings of this study, however, suggest that the prospect of becoming dependent on family is a source of distress in this population. Culturally appropriate ways for social workers to address fear of dependency among Japanese American elders are presented.

Key Words:

• Japanese American
• dependency
• stress and coping
• depression
• social support