Acculturation Stress and Depression among Asian Immigrant Elders

Abstract

This study examines the association between acculturation stress and depressive symptoms in a regional probability sample (n = 407) of six groups of Asian immigrant elders (Chinese, Korean, Indian, Filipino,Vietnamese, and Japanese). Findings suggest that about 40 percent of the sample were depressed, indicating higher depression rates than found in other studies of older American or Asian elderly samples in the United States and Asia. Multiple regression analyses indicated that acculturation stress caused by elders' perception of a cultural gap between themselves and their adult children was associated with high depression levels. Other predictors of depression were poor perceived health, stressful life events, religiosity, proximity of children, assistance received from adult children, and longer residence in the United States. Data suggest that depression is prevalent among urban Asian immigrant elders and that there is great heterogeneity among Asian ethnic subgroups. Implications for social work practice are discussed.

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

“…Studies have examined the relationship between acculturative stress and depression among Asian immigrant elders (Kuo, 1984;Mui & Kang, 2006;Mui & Shibusawa, 2008), Chinese immigrant elders (Mui, 1996(Mui, , 1998, Japanese American elders (Shibusawa & Mui, 2002), and Korean American elders Jang & Chiriboga, 2010;Kang et al, 2009;Mui, 2000;Noh & Avison, 1996;Pang, 1995). Facing physical, psychological, social, and economic risk factors associated with aging, Asian immigrant elders also undergo difficulties associated with acculturation, including shorter lengths of residence in the United States, cultural conflicts, poorer health, more acculturative stress, more financial strain, limited English proficiency, dependence on family, social isolation, and lack of social support-all risk factors to depression (Casado & Leung, 2002;Han et al, 2007;Kang et al, 2009;Mui, 2000;Mui & Kang, 2006;Shibusawa & Mui, 2002;Stokes, Thompson, Murphy, & Gallagher-Thompson, 2002).…”

“…Facing physical, psychological, social, and economic risk factors associated with aging, Asian immigrant elders also undergo difficulties associated with acculturation, including shorter lengths of residence in the United States, cultural conflicts, poorer health, more acculturative stress, more financial strain, limited English proficiency, dependence on family, social isolation, and lack of social support-all risk factors to depression (Casado & Leung, 2002;Han et al, 2007;Kang et al, 2009;Mui, 2000;Mui & Kang, 2006;Shibusawa & Mui, 2002;Stokes, Thompson, Murphy, & Gallagher-Thompson, 2002).…”

“…Studies have shown prevalent depressive symptoms among Asian immigrant elders Mui, 1996Mui, , 2000Mui & Kang, 2006;Mui & Shibusawa, 2008;Shibusawa & Mui, 2002;Stokes et al, 2002). Despite prevalence, Asian immigrant elders' depressive symptoms have been unrecognized and underserved by the health care providers (Casado & Leung, 2002;Mui, 2000).…”

“…Even though some may tell their family about the problem, their family members would also keep it internal and seldom talk to a mental health professional. Asian immigrant elders tend to rely much more on traditional healers and remedies than on formal mental health services (Casado & Leung, 2002;Mui & Kang, 2006). They tend to report their somatic symptoms and not to acknowledge their psychological distress as depression.…”

“…Studies have yielded evidence that the level of acculturation and religiosity as well as self-esteem and mastery have had positive coping effects on psychological distress among Asian immigrant elders (Diwan, 2008;Diwan et al, 2004;Noh & Avison, 1996;Oh, Koeske, & Sales, 2002;Shin et al, 2007). A number of studies on Asian immigrant elders have shown that social support as a personal coping resource has been effective in alleviating acculturative stress and promoting better psychological wellbeing (Diwan et al, 2004;Han et al, 2007;Mui, 1996Mui, , 2000Mui & Kang, 2006;Noh & Avison, 1996;Shin et al, 2007). However, changing cultural values and norms as well as family relationships among immigrants may deteriorate the quality of family support (Mui & Kang, 2006;Mui & Shibusawa, 2008;Wong et al, 2006Wong et al, .…”