Acculturative Stress and Depressive Symptoms Among Korean Immigrant Elders Residing in Non-Korean Ethnic Enclaves

ABSTRACT

This cross-sectional structured survey examined the relationships of personal factors, acculturative stress, and depressive symptoms among Korean immigrant elders (N = 108) residing in areas without any Korean ethnic enclave. Multiple regression and path analyses indicated that personal factors such as levels of acculturation and socioeconomic status might influence acculturative stress and depressive symptoms negatively; however, acculturative stress was the most significant risk factor for depressive symptoms. Culturally relevant programs and services are important vehicles through which to enhance personal resources and reduce lingual and cultural barriers among Korean immigrant elders residing in non-Korean ethnic enclaves.

KEYWORDS:

• Acculturative stress
• depressive symptoms
• Korean immigrant elders
• non-Korean ethnic enclaves

Acknowledgments

The author wishes to thank Dr. David Royse of the College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, and other reviewers for their comments. The author would also like to express her deepest gratitude to Korean immigrant elders who participated in this study.