International Journal of Culture and Mental Health
Volume 10, Issue 1, 2017, Pages 108-120

Migration experience, resilience and depression: a study of Iranian immigrants living in Australia (Article)

Hosseini A.* , Kakuma R. , Ghazinour M. , Davern M. , Evans W.P. , Minas H.
  • a Global and Cultural Mental Health Unit, Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
  • b Global and Cultural Mental Health Unit, Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
  • c Department of Social Work, Umeå University, Umea, Sweden
  • d McCaughey VicHealth Centre for Community Wellbeing, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
  • e Education and Human Development, University of Nevada, Reno, United States
  • f Global and Cultural Mental Health Unit, Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

Abstract

The challenges of migration can jeopardize mental health, but also can provide opportunities for growth. This study investigated the association between levels of depression and socio-demographic and migration variables, and the role of resilience as a mediator between these features. A cross-sectional study was conducted of 182 Iranian immigrants living across Australia who completed an online questionnaire. Higher levels of depression were found in participants who were unemployed, experienced high levels of discrimination, had an incomplete tertiary education, and were younger and unmarried (p < 0.05). Higher levels of education, experience of moderate levels of discrimination and being married were associated with lower levels of depression mediated by resilience. Higher levels of depression were correlated with lower levels of resilience (r = −0.50, p < 0.001). The results of this study suggest several possible approaches to prevention of depression in immigrants. These may include improving employment opportunities, reducing discrimination, approaches that reduce the stress of the settlement process and interventions that aim to strengthen resilience. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Author Keywords

Resilience socio-demographic and migration variables Depression Iranian immigrants in Australia

Index Keywords

[No Keywords available]
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85008668675&doi=10.1080%2f17542863.2016.1270977&partnerID=40&md5=f3ace3475196e4f8a1ea1162f509f771
DOI: 10.1080/17542863.2016.1270977
ISSN: 17542863
Original Language: English