Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Volume 3, Issue 3-4, 2000, Pages 225-242

Acculturation, premigration traumatic experiences, and depression among vietnamese americans (Article)

Ngo D. , Tran T.V. , Gibbons J.L. , Oliver J.M.
  • a Saint Louis University, Department of Psychology, 221 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63103, United States
  • b Boston College, Graduate School of Social Work, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA, 02467, United States
  • c Saint Louis University, Department of Psychology, 221 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63103, United States
  • d Saint Louis University, Department of Psychology, 221 N. Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO, 63103, United States

Abstract

This study investigated the role of acculturation as a potential mediator or moderator for premigration traumatic experiences (PTE) and depression. The mediator effect refers to an effect in which acculturation mediates the negative impact of PTE on depression. On the other hand, the moderator effect signifies an interaction effect in which acculturation buffers the impact of PTE on depression. In other words, the negative impact of PTE on depression is hypothesized to vary according to different levels of acculturation. These two competing hypotheses were tested in a community-based sample of 261 adult Vietnamese Americans aged 25 and over. The sample consisted of 48% males and 64% of the sample were married. The average length of residence in the U.S. was 7 years. Multiple regression analyses did not support the mediator effect of acculturation, but did support its moderator effect as a buffer of PTE. Specifically, PTE had a much stronger effect on depression among those with lower levels of acculturation than those with higher levels of acculturation. Implications for future research and clinical practices are discussed. © 2000 by The Haworth Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

Author Keywords

Vietnamese Depression Acculturation Premigration trauma

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85009635262&doi=10.1300%2fJ137v03n03_14&partnerID=40&md5=7004edbc210c711075fa1ff9f4e759d9
DOI: 10.1300/J137v03n03_14
ISSN: 10911359
Cited by: 20
Original Language: English