Yuri Jang1, David A Chiriboga. 1. Department of Aging and Mental Health Disparities, Florida Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. yjang@fmhi.usf.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the independent and interactive effects of acculturation and social activity on depressive symptoms. METHOD: Using a sample of community-dwelling Korean American older adults (N = 675), hierarchical regression models of depressive symptoms were estimated with an array of predictors: (a) demographic variables, (b) health-related variables, (c) acculturation, (d) social activity, and (e) an interaction between acculturation and social activity. RESULTS: After controlling for the effects of demographic and health-related variables, both acculturation and social activity were identified as significant predictors. Moreover, their interaction was significant (β = .09, p < .05). Further analysis showed that the beneficial effect of social activity on mental health was particularly strong among those with lower levels of acculturation. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that enhancing opportunities for social engagement may serve to protect and promote the mental health of vulnerable older immigrants, particularly those who are less acculturated.
OBJECTIVE: This study examined the independent and interactive effects of acculturation and social activity on depressive symptoms. METHOD: Using a sample of community-dwelling Korean American older adults (N = 675), hierarchical regression models of depressive symptoms were estimated with an array of predictors: (a) demographic variables, (b) health-related variables, (c) acculturation, (d) social activity, and (e) an interaction between acculturation and social activity. RESULTS: After controlling for the effects of demographic and health-related variables, both acculturation and social activity were identified as significant predictors. Moreover, their interaction was significant (β = .09, p < .05). Further analysis showed that the beneficial effect of social activity on mental health was particularly strong among those with lower levels of acculturation. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that enhancing opportunities for social engagement may serve to protect and promote the mental health of vulnerable older immigrants, particularly those who are less acculturated.
Authors: David A Chiriboga; Sandra A Black; Maria Aranda; Kyriakos Markides Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2002-11 Impact factor: 4.077
Authors: Miyong T Kim; Kim B Kim; Hae-Ra Han; Boyun Huh; Tam Nguyen; Hochang B Lee Journal: Am J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2014-11-25 Impact factor: 4.105
Authors: Nan Sook Park; Yuri Jang; Beom S Lee; William E Haley; David A Chiriboga Journal: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci Date: 2012-08-28 Impact factor: 4.077