Stressors related to depression among elderly Korean immigrants

Abstract

While depression in the elderly is well documented, little is known about depression in specific groups of immigrant elderly. In this study, 160 elderly Korean immigrants completed measures of depression, stressful life events, acculturative stress, family relationships, social support, and demographic variables. Findings revealed that income, acculturative stress, and living place were significant predictors of depression. As income declined, depression increased; living with one's adult children was associated with less depression; depression increased in concert with acculturative stress. These findings suggest that maintaining family relationships may be a key factor in preventing and/or lessening depression in elderly Korean immigrants.