International Journal of Aging and Human Development
Volume 81, Issue 3, 2015, Pages 189-203

The impact of employment and self-rated economic condition on the subjective well-being of older Korean immigrants (Article)

Kim B.J.* , Lee Y. , Sangalang C. , Harris L.M.
  • a Myron B. Thompson School of Social Work, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Manoa, HI 96822, United States
  • b School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
  • c School of Social Work, College of Public Programs, Arizona State University, Tucson, AZ, United States
  • d School of Social Work, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States

Abstract

Extensive research has demonstrated a relationship between socioeconomic factors and health among older adults, yet fewer studies have explored this relationship with older immigrants. This study aims to examine the influence of employment and self-rated economic condition on the subjective well-being of older Korean immigrants in the United States. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional study of 205 older Korean immigrants, aged 65 to 90, in Los Angeles County. Hierarchical regression was employed to explore the independent and interactive effects of employment status and self-rated economic condition. The study found that employment and self-rated economic status were positively associated with subjective well-being. Also, the interaction between employment and self-rated economic status was significantly associated with higher levels of subjective well-being, such that the influence of self-rated economic condition was stronger for unemployed older Korean immigrants compared with those who were employed. This population-based study provides empirical evidence that employment and self-rated economic condition are directly associated with subjective well-being for older Korean immigrants. © The Author(s) 2015.

Author Keywords

Self-rated economic condition Older Korean immigrants Employment Subjective well-being

Index Keywords

statistics and numerical data male Emigrants and Immigrants Asian Americans female South Korea Aged Asian American Republic of Korea ethnology employment human Humans migrant

Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84963830535&doi=10.1177%2f0091415015607675&partnerID=40&md5=9c6977aafc1e64dec6630953712c9a5a

DOI: 10.1177/0091415015607675
ISSN: 00914150
Cited by: 1
Original Language: English