The study reported in this article investigated relationships among stressful circumstances, cognitive control (the individual's perception of control over life), and distress among Korean immigrants in the United States. Specifically, it was hypothesized that cognitive control mediated the effect of exposure to stressful circumstances on distress. A total of 159 Korean immigrants participated in the study. The result of the study provided strong support for the role of cognitive control in mediating the relationship between stressful circumstances and distress. The detrimental effect of exposure to stressful circumstances on distress was weakened by cognitive control. Implications for social work practice and future research are discussed.

Stressful circumstances Cognitive control Distress Structural equation modeling Korean immigrants

psychological aspect human social isolation middle aged Stress, Psychological mental stress Internal-External Control health status control Adaptation, Psychological ethnology Social Work Self Efficacy United States Humans Asian Americans male Asian American Acculturation female cognition adaptive behavior questionnaire self concept cultural factor Social Work, Psychiatric Article Questionnaires adult migration Emigration and Immigration attitude to health Texas Korea