Factors affecting the mental health status of children from multicultural families in South Korea: a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of data from the multicultural adolescents panel study

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify factors affecting the mental health status of children from multicultural families in South Korea.Methods: This study was based on Dahlgren and Whitehead's (1991) rainbow model as a conceptual framework and used data from the second phase of the multicultural adolescents panel study conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, with <i>p</i><.05 considered to indicate statistical significance.Results: In the final model, stress (odds ratio [OR]=0.53, <i>p</i><.001), life satisfaction (OR=2.09, <i>p</i>=.004), self-esteem (OR=1.73, <i>p</i>=.032), and peer support (OR=1.46, <i>p</i>=.019) affected the mental health status of children from multicultural families. The living and working conditions and general socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions did not significantly influence the mental health status of children from multicultural families in the final model.Conclusion: As components of Dahlgren and Whitehead's model, individual hereditary and lifestyle factors, as well as social and community networks, affected the mental health status of children from multicultural families. Therefore, in order to improve the mental health of children from multicultural families, efforts are needed to alleviate their stress, increase life satisfaction and self-esteem, and strengthen their social support.

Factors Affecting the Life Satisfaction of School-Aged Children with Vietnamese Immigrant Mothers in Korea

“…In another study that used the same life satisfaction scale [28], the average life satisfaction score of all multicultural adolescents, including children of Vietnamese mothers, was 3.33. In another study of a panel of multicultural adolescents using the same scale [15], the average life satisfaction score was 3.35. These findings were consistent with those of a previous study that found that the life satisfaction of children of immigrant mothers differed according to the mother's country of origin [16].…”

“…However, life satisfaction among Koreans is not high [14], and it is believed that this is especially true for children and adolescents from multicultural families who are relatively vulnerable and are culturally different. According to previous studies, multicultural school-aged children in Korea had higher stress scores and lower self-esteem scores than those of children of Korean parents [15]. In addition, the school adjustment and life satisfaction of children of immigrant mothers in Korea differed according to the mother's country of origin [16].…”