Understanding of migration experiences and mental health among Korean immigrant youth

The Mental Health of Ethnic Minority Youths in South Korea and Its Related Environmental Factors: A Literature Review

“…Proximal family variables were the most studied environmental factors for assessing associations with psychological mental health in MY. Among family-related mental health risks, separation from parents is the most consistent predictor of mental health issues, which include depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation and attempts [19,33]. This is especially the case for immigrant MY, who experience family separation during the immigration process, which may have adverse mental health effects on them [33]; thus, the impact of long-term mental health on future integration in South Korea should be carefully considered.…”

“…MY with foreign-born fathers or foreign-born parents are at a greater risk of internalizing and externalizing problems, including depressive moods and suicidal behaviors, than MY with foreign-born mothers [14,19] or native Korean parents [16,18]. Moreover, foreign-born MY who migrated to South Korea experience a higher rate of social discrimination and peer victimization, and thus, report greater depressive moods as compared to Korean-born MY [32,33]. Specifically, family separation during the immigration process is a significant risk factor; the longer the separation from parents, the higher the level of depression and anxiety symptoms as well as suicidal ideation [33].…”

“…Moreover, foreign-born MY who migrated to South Korea experience a higher rate of social discrimination and peer victimization, and thus, report greater depressive moods as compared to Korean-born MY [32,33]. Specifically, family separation during the immigration process is a significant risk factor; the longer the separation from parents, the higher the level of depression and anxiety symptoms as well as suicidal ideation [33].…”

“…Family relationship quality, which is assessed as family cohesion, support, communication, and subjective satisfaction, also plays an important role in the overall psychological adaptation of MY. It decreases mental health risks such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation [28,31,[33][34][35][36] and improves self-esteem [37]. In contrast, the risk for depression was high among MY who spent less time conversing with their fathers and those whose parents showed a low degree of interest in them [29].…”

“…In general, perceived social support is associated with decreased internalizing symptoms [53,58], delinquent behaviors [57], improved self-esteem [27], and a more developed identity in MY [40]. Specifically, support at school from peers, teachers, and after-school teachers has been independently associated with low levels of depressive symptoms [28,33]. A path analysis further noted that social support acts as a buffer against stresses from discrimination or problematic peer relationships, and attenuates the psychological impact of such distress [53].…”