British Journal of Social Work
Volume 34, Issue 7, 2004, Pages 1009-1024

The impacts of acculturative stress and social competence on the mental health of Mainland Chinese immigrant youth in Hong Kong (Article)

Wong D.F.K.* , Lam D. , Yan P. , Hung M.
  • a Dept. of Social Wk./Social Admin., University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Dept. of Social Wk./Social Admin., 1317 K K Leung Building, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • b Dept. of Social Wk./Social Admin., University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • c Save the Children Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  • d Haven of Hope Elderly Protect. Ctr., Haven of Hope Christian Service, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Abstract

Attempts were made to examine migration stressors, social competence, and mental health status of immigrant youth in Hong Kong and to examine the effects of social competence on stress and the mental health of immigrant youth. Data on 106 immigrant youth, which were collected through a structured questionnaire, were analysed. It was discovered that immigrant youth found survival issues and losses, rather than cultural differences and unfulfilled expectations, to be stressful. Male immigrant youth exhibited more psychological distress symptoms than female immigrant youth. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that social competence exerted moderating effects on stress and the mental health of immigrant youth. Immigrant youth who had a higher level of social competence, in terms of self-control, empathy, assertiveness and the ability to read social cues, had less stress and enjoyed better mental health. In conclusion, personal and socio-cultural reasons are put forward to explain the findings. Practice and policy implications are also discuss.

Author Keywords

Social competence Migration Mental health Mainland Chinese immigrant youth Youth in Hong Kong

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-8744289730&doi=10.1093%2fbjsw%2fbch126&partnerID=40&md5=15062f4c04bda397dcb1aa392bf6f532
DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bch126
ISSN: 00453102
Cited by: 30
Original Language: English