Contributing Factors of Depressive Symptoms Among Elderly Korean Immigrants in Texas

Abstract

This study examined various life stresses associated with relocation that may contribute to depressive symptoms among Korean immigrant elders in Texas. A sample of 120 elders was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Scale–Short Form and a 90-min face-to-face interview. Over 1/3 of respondents (37.5%) had symptoms of depression. Regression analyses (R² = .331) indicate that self-rated health, stressful life events, English language proficiency, satisfaction of visiting one's birth place, and watching TV were correlates of depressive symptoms among them. The findings of this observational study may be used as a baseline for designing service program for this population.

Keywords:

• life stressors
• depressive symptoms
• elderly Korean immigrants

Notes

This research was supported by a research grant from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health. We are grateful to the Korean immigrant elders who participated in this project.