Abstract

Despite the rapid increase in the number of elderly Korean immigrants and documented depression in this group, there are few studies that define predictors related to depression among this group while adjusting to a new society. 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 Korean elders including social support, acculturative stress, stressful life events, and family relationships. Lazarus and Folkman's stress and coping theory was used as the theoretical basis for an explanation of stress related phenomena and their impact on depression among this group.

A community sample, consisting of 160 elderly Korean immigrants, was obtained from a Korean Agency using a purposive sampling method. The study used a cross-sectional, survey design. The subjects were between the ages 65 and 91 years old. Most of the Korean elders were coming to the United States at an older age and those who immigrated at older ages were more likely to be depressed than those who came earlier. The majority of the sample expressed a desire for independent living because they wanted to avoid burdening their adult children.

Korean elders who lived with their children perceived fewer sources of social support than the Korean elders who lived independently, however they also reported lower depression scores and lower levels of life stress than their counterparts. Therefore, the results indicated that family support and close relationships with family still play a very important role in adjusting to a new life and dealing with stressors.

Using multiple regression models, this study found that income levels, sources of income, health status, stressful life events, and acculturative stress were significant predictors of depression among Korean elders. This study also found that somatic symptoms were closely associated with depression. The findings highlight the importance of using culturally relevant clinical methods when assessing and treating depression among this population. The results also provide a comprehensive understanding of stress, depression, and changes in family relationships experienced by this group.