Correlates of depressive symptoms in married immigrant women in Korea.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify the correlates of depressive symptoms among women who have immigrated to Korea for marriage.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional data reflecting Korean language fluency, acculturation, acculturative stress, general stress, and marital satisfaction were collected from 223 married immigrant women.

FINDINGS

There was a significant negative correlation between depressive symptoms and Korean language fluency as well as between depressive symptoms and Korean acculturation. Multiple linear regression revealed that depressive symptoms among married immigrant women were predicted by levels of acculturative stress, general stress, marital satisfaction, and type of household. The model including each of these variables accounted for 41.9% of the variance in depressive symptoms in these women.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention programs for the management of depression in immigrant women should include an evaluation of acculturative conflict and stress and should consider marital and family conditions.