Multidimensional Acculturation Attitudes and Depressive Symptoms in Korean Americans

Abstract

This study explored the relationship between multidimensional acculturation attitudes and depressive symptoms in 78 Korean American adults. Approximately 30% of Korean Americans reported scores higher than 16 on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale, indicating the presence of elevated depressive symptoms. In multiple regressions controlling for family income, integration was negatively related to depressive symptoms, whereas marginalization was positively linked to depressive symptoms. Findings can be used in developing an intervention program that targets increasing integration and decreasing marginalization and, therefore, decreasing depressive symptoms of Korean Americans.