Impact of ethnic identity on psychological well-being among Korean Americans in the United States.

摘要

The purposes of the study are (1) to identity the overall level of ethnic identity and psychological well-being; (2) to explore the differences in ethnic identity, acculturation, self-esteem, and depression across the background variables; (3) to explore the relationship among ethnic identity, acculturation, and psychological well-being; finally, (4) to find predictors of self-esteem and depression.;The quantitative methodology using a questionnaire package was adopted. The participants were 217 Korean American adults living in the Albany, New York area and New York City. The measurements used were Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measurement, Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans-II, Rosenberg Self-esteem scale, and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale.;The findings are as follows: (1) Females had stronger ethnic identity than males. Frequency of Korean church attendance was significantly related to ethnic identity. (2) The second generation was far more likely to fall into the Integration and Assimilation modes than the first generation. Length of residence and the frequency of Korean church attendance were significantly related to acculturation modes. (3) Ethnic identity was positively related to self-esteem and negatively related to depression. (4) The variables at the final step of the regression equation accounted for 29% of variance for self-esteem. Education, visits to Korea, length of residence, Integration, Assimilation, and ethnic identity were significant predictors of self-esteem. Ethnic identity had the strongest effect on self-esteem. (5) The variables at the final step of the regression equation accounted for 16% of variance for depression. Perceived discrimination and ethnic identity were significant predictors of depression.;The findings can be applied to multicultural social work practice. Further insight into ethnic identity and mental health issues will promote the development of prevention and intervention programs to strengthen mental health among culturally diverse clients, especially Korean Americans. The social policies should focus on not only the preservation of ethnic culture, but also helping immigrants adopt the mainstream culture. Moreover, the provision for higher education for culturally diverse groups and programs to lessen racial discrimination will enable better psychological well-being.