This study examined the relationship of demography, immigration background, and concerns and difficulties associated with living in Japan to nonpsychotic psychological disturbance (i.e., "caseness") measured by the GHQ-12. Data are from a sample of 265 Japanese Brazilians (JB) residing outside the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Employing multiple logistic regression analyses, it was found that JB who experienced lower economic conditions, lived alone, stayed relatively longer in Japan, migrated to Japan due to their dissatisfaction with the socio-economic conditions in Brazil, and who experienced severe family life concerns had a significantly higher ratio of "caseness," that is psychologically distressed. In contrast, JB over the age of 25 years, who acquired moderate Japanese language proficiency and decided to return to Brazil as soon as possible, were observed to have a significantly lower ratio of psychological distress. Socio-cultural and situational interpretations of the findings are presented. © Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2006.

Japanese Brazilians Psychological distress Difficulties with living in Japan Immigration background

immigrant demography multivariate logistic regression analysis human risk assessment immigration daily life activity language ability sample middle aged Stress, Psychological controlled study priority journal Logistic Models Health Surveys ethnology social status Humans family life Adolescent male Japan Acculturation Socioeconomic Factors female risk factor Risk Factors socioeconomics cultural factor Article social adaptation Questionnaires adult major clinical study distress syndrome General Health Questionnaire Emigration and Immigration Brazil health hazard