The Variables Affecting Acculturative Stress of Women in International Marriages

Abstract

This investigation examined the association between demographic variables, acculturation and acculturative stress. Participants in the study were 360 Pilipino, Vietnamese, Chinese, Chinese-Korean and Japanese woman who had married internationally and were living in Jeonbuk-Do. Hierarchical regression analyses determined that among the independent variables examined, age, Korean language ability, marital satisfaction, and ethnic identity had significant predictive effects on the levels of acculturative stress experienced. Young women who had lower Korean language proficiency, lower marital satisfaction, and higher ethnic identity showed more higher level of acculturative stress. Implications of this research were discussed with particular attention given to possible support programs for women in international marriages.