Social Activity and Depressive Symptoms in Korean American Older Adults: The Conditioning Role of Acculturation

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2011

Keywords

acculturation, social activity, depressive symptoms, Korean American elders

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1177/0898264310396214

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.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

Yes

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Journal of Aging and Health, v. 23, issue 5, p. 767-781

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