Title

Friends, Depressive Symptoms, and Life Satisfaction Among Older Korean Americans

Journal Title

Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health

Publication Date

2015

Abstract

This study examined the interactive effects of social network support and depressive symptoms on life satisfaction among older Korean Americans (KAs). Using data from a sample of 200 elders in a large metropolitan area (M age = 72.50, SD = 5.15), hierarchical regression analysis was used to examine the interaction between social network support and depressive symptoms on life satisfaction among older KAs. After controlling for demographic variables, both social network support and depressive symptoms were identified as predictors for life satisfaction. Interaction effects indicated strong associations between higher social network support specifically from friends and lower depressive symptoms with higher levels of life satisfaction. Findings highlight the important role that friends play in terms of social network support for the mental health of older KAs, and the need for geriatric practitioners to monitor and assess the quality of social network support—including friendships—when working with older KAs.

Keywords

Depressive symptoms, Social network support, Life satisfaction, Older Korean Americans

Document Type

Article

Disciplines

Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Work

Volume

17

Issue

4

First Page

1091

Last Page

1097

DOI

10.1007/s10903-014-0021-z

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