Despite the rapid increase in the number of elderly Korean immigrants and documented depression, there are few studies that define predictors directly related to depression and also examine the relationship between somatic symptoms and depression. Further, there has been a lack of studies that explore changes in the traditional family relationships, which address family togetherness and family support for aged parents. The purpose of this study was to explore variables related to depression in elderly Korean immigrants. The variables examined were acculturative stress, stressful life events, family relationships, and social support. The relationship between somatic symptoms and depression was also examined. Lazarus and Folkman°¯s stress and coping theory was used as the theoretical basis. The study used a cross-sectional survey design. A community sample, consisting of 160 elderly Korean immigrants, was obtained. The majority of the participants expressed a desire for independent living instead of living with their adult children so that they were not burden on their children. Korean elders who lived with their children perceived fewer sources of social support than Korean elders who lived independently. Korean elders who lived with their children also reported lower depression scores and lower levels of life stress than their counterparts. Thus, the results indicated that family support still plays a very important role in dealing with stressors among this sample. Using multiple regression models, income levels, sources of income, health status, stressful life events, and acculturative stress were significant predictors of depression among elderly Korean immigrants. This study also found that somatic symptoms were closely associated with depression and might be viewed as a common presentation of depression in this sample. Therefore, the findings highlight the importance of using culturally relevant clinical methods when assessing and treating depression among elderly Korean immigrants. The results also provide a comprehensive understanding of stress, depression, and changes in family relationships experienced by this sample.
Session #1209 - Cultural Meaning & Health & Illness
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)