Search Results (48)

Background/Objectives: Family assistance by adolescents (e.g., cooking, cleaning, listening to family members) is a common phenomenon. However, the impact of such assistance on adolescent development remains a topic of debate. Increasingly, the importance of adolescents’ own perceptions and interpretations is being emphasized in understanding how family assistance influences their development. Adolescents in marriage immigrant families may face unique psychosocial challenges as they support their immigrant parents. This study explores the family assistance experiences of adolescents in marriage immigrant families. Methods: Data were collected through one-on-one in-depth interviews with 10 adolescents aged 13–18 years from currently married marriage immigrant families, all of whom were born in Korea. The interviews were conducted between October and November 2022. The data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: The family assistance experiences were categorized into three main themes, namely, “Old enough to help—naturally, and rightly so”, “Foreign mother whom I naturally come to help”, and “Unavoidable family assistance, even under pressure”, and 10 subordinate themes. The adolescents provided support naturally, grounded in familial obligation and empathy toward their immigrant mothers. When the native Korean father shared the responsibilities, the assistance was not perceived as burdensome. However, diminished paternal involvement, traditional gender role expectations, and unmet emotional or academic needs led to more negative perceptions and psychological stress. Conclusions: Support systems are needed to ensure that adolescents do not assume sole responsibility for both the native father’s and the immigrant mother’s roles within marriage immigrant families. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to identify the mediating effect of parental support on the relationship between immigrant mothers’ mental health and adolescents’ self-esteem. Methods: This study utilized data from 1077 Korean multicultural adolescents and their immigrant mothers from the 9th Multicultural Adolescents Panel data obtained in 2019. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, Baron and Kenny’s regression analysis, and bootstrapping using the process macro. Results: Immigrant mothers’ mental health was significantly and positively associated with their adolescents’ self-esteem (r = 0.14, p < 0.001), and parental support was also significantly and positively associated with adolescents’ self-esteem (r = 0.50, p < 0.001). Parental support had a mediating effect on immigrant mothers’ mental health and adolescents’ self-esteem. Conclusions: The self-esteem of adolescents from multicultural families was found to be influenced by the mental health and support of their immigrant mothers. These findings highlight the mediating role of parental support in the relationship between immigrant mothers’ mental health and adolescents’ self-esteem, contributing to a deeper theoretical understanding of family dynamics in multicultural contexts. Therefore, these factors should be considered when developing parent education programs for immigrant mothers. Full article

For heritage speakers (HSs), expectations of influence from the community’s dominant language are pervasive. An alternative account for heritage language variability is that HSs are demonstrating sociolinguistic competence: HSs may either initiate or carry forward a pattern of variation from the homeland variety. We illustrate the importance of this consideration, querying whether /u/-fronting in Heritage Korean is best interpreted as influence from Toronto English, where /u/-fronting also occurs, or a continuation of an ongoing vowel shift in Homeland (Seoul) Korean that also involves /ɨ/-fronting and /o/-fronting. How can patterns of social embedding untangle this question that is central to better understanding sociolinguistic competence in HSs? For Korean vowels produced in sociolinguistic interviews by Heritage (8 adult immigrants, 8 adult children of immigrants) and 10 Homeland adults, F1 and F2 were measured (13,232 tokens of /o/, 6810 tokens of /u/, and 20,637 tokens of /ɨ/), normalized and subjected to linear regression. Models predict effects of gender, age, orientation toward Korean language and culture, the speaker’s average F2 for the other shifting vowels, and duration. These models highlight HS’s sociolinguistic competence: Heritage speakers share linguistic and social patterns with Homeland Korean speakers that are absent in English. Additionally, heritage speakers lack the effects of factors attested in the English change. Full article

In the late Joseon dynasty, many Koreans crossed the border between Joseon and Qing for survival. They then migrated to Manchuria, in the Qing territory, around Mt. Baekdu. In the late 1900s, Japan seized diplomatic and military control of Korea, and in 1910, Korea was annexed by Japan. Many Koreans then moved to the Manchurian region of China. Religion played an important role in the large Korean community formed in Manchuria after the 1910s. During this period, Korean immigrant communities that were centered on religion were established in Manchuria. Among the many religions, Daejonggyo (大倧敎) places great emphasis on national consciousness, and it was an active component of the anti-Japanese armed independence movement to restore national sovereignty. In particular, Daejonggyo claimed that Dangun (檀君), the founder of the Korean people, came down from heaven, established the first nation of the Korean people on Mt. Baekdu, and governed the surrounding area. Accordingly, Daejonggyo considered the Manchurian region to be the ancient territory of the Korean people. In addition, Daejonggyo presented the concept of the Baedal nation as a Dangun lineage and included not only the Korean people but also various northern ethnic groups, such as the Manchurian people. By doing so, Daejonggyo converged not only the Korean Peninsula and the Joseon nation (minjok, 民族) but also the Manchurian region and various ethnic groups in Manchuria into its own territory and people. Through this, Daejonggyo believers not only secured the legitimacy of residing in Manchuria but also gained the justification to drive out the Japanese and restore the Korean peninsular ancient territory. Full article

This study examined social determinants associated with Korean American immigrant women’s mammography use in Korea after immigration to the United States. Data from a cross-sectional survey were obtained from 187 women in Los Angeles County, California. More than one-quarter (28.3%) of the respondents reported returning to Korea for a mammogram after immigrating to the United States. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that compared to those who had their first mammogram in Korea, Korean American immigrant women who had their first mammogram in the United States were less likely to return to Korea for subsequent screenings (AOR = 0.02, 95% CI: <0.001, 0.05); also, those who had employer-based health insurance in the United States were less likely to get a mammogram in Korea after immigration (AOR = 0.01, 95% CI: <0.01, 0.18). Findings suggest that women familiar with the Korean healthcare system and who are uninsured or have inconsistent healthcare coverage in the United States may seek care in Korea. To promote adherence to breast cancer screening guidelines among Korean American immigrant women residing in the United States, greater access to free or low-cost screening services and breast cancer screening education is warranted to reduce the risk of later stage breast cancer detection resulting from medical tourism. Full article

Immigrants in the United States, including Korean immigrants, are more vulnerable to intimate partner violence (IPV), yet they are less likely to seek help than non-immigrants. This qualitative study sought to understand barriers to seeking help for IPV among Korean immigrants and to explore age and gender differences in Korean immigrants’ understanding of these barriers. We conducted four focus groups with 38 adults grouped by age and gender. Thematic analysis was employed to understand Korean immigrants’ perceptions of IPV and barriers to help-seeking. As a result, four prominent themes emerged: (1) differential understanding of IPV, (2) Confucian cultural influences on IPV, (3) cultural barriers to help-seeking, and (4) practical barriers to help-seeking. Women participants showed an in-depth understanding of IPV, recognizing various forms beyond physical violence within the immigrant social context. Younger participants highlighted the intergenerational transmission of IPV. Cultural factors, rooted in Confucianism such as strict gender roles and women’s self-sacrifice, exacerbate IPV. Cultural barriers include shame culture, treating IPV as a private matter, and the emphasis on family unity. Practical barriers are linked to the challenges immigrants face. These insights illustrate the need for targeted IPV interventions tailored to distinct gender and age demographics within the community. Full article

This study investigated the health trajectories of married immigrant women in South Korea and examined the mediating role of psychosocial resources in linking acculturation profiles to health trajectories. A sample of 1635 mothers who participated in the Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study was examined. The results identified three distinct health trajectories, that is, high-stable, decrease-from-high, and low-stable. In addition, three acculturation profiles (maladaptive, Korean-oriented bicultural, and undifferentiated) indirectly predicted health class through self-esteem and social network. Specifically, self-esteem mediated the path from the maladaptive and Korean-oriented bicultural profiles to a stable-low health class. Further, social networks mediated the effect of the Korean-oriented bicultural profile on the decrease from the high health class. These findings highlight the heterogeneity of married immigrant women’s health and suggest the importance of considering the relationship between individual acculturation profiles and psychosocial resources to promote the health of married immigrant women. Full article

The shift toward modernity has come with many changes that affect religion. This article investigates some of those changes with the aim of showing how Korean Buddhism is adjusting to contemporary spirituality. The article begins with a consideration of the term ‘spiritual, but not religious’ (SBNR), a relatively new designation that indicates the shift a growing number of people are taking away from organized religious institutes towards beliefs and practices that they find more relevant and meaningful. To better understand SBNRs, the research of Mercadante is emphasized. The second half of this article aims to consider Korean Buddhism in the context of modern spirituality. Using Mercadante’s framework, which distinguishes between five types of SBNRs (dissenters, causals, explorers, seekers, and immigrants), an inquiry is carried out into each of these categories to show some of the ways in which Korean Buddhism is engaging with the spiritual and emotional concerns of modern, secular society. Thus, this work aims to show the direction Korean Buddhism is headed in and how it is relevant to modern, spiritual inclinations. Full article

There is limited research on the factors that impact mental distress among Korean American (KA) church leaders even though their unique social situation can create many barriers to seeking mental health assistance. This study compared factors impacting mental distress and help-seeking behaviors between KA church leaders (CLs) and church members (CMs) in the greater Los Angeles area. The respondents (N = 243) were mostly female, married, educated, first-generation immigrants with a mean age of 47.9 years (SD = 19.7). The Hopkins Symptoms Checklist 10 was used to measure anxiety and depression. Hierarchal linear regressions showed that health status exerted the strongest effect on both anxiety and depression among CLs and CMs. Beyond health status, education (only for depression), informal resource use, and resiliency impacted mental distress scores for CLs. Only resiliency and religious coping predicted depression scores among CMs. To effectively reach this population, community-based organizations and behavioral health specialists should consider collaborating with churches to promote and provide essential mental health support. Our findings also highlight that the needs of church leaders (CLs) and church members (CMs) differ, which should guide the development of culturally tailored interventions that build on the resilience of both groups. Full article

Older Korean immigrants are one of the most understudied and marginalized Asian ethnic groups in the United States, despite their rapid population growth. Many older Korean immigrants encounter distinct challenges in assimilating into their new country as first-generation immigrants, including cultural conflict, language barriers, low economic status, and a lack of social support. These issues may be compounded for those who live alone, which is considered a negative factor in their mental and physical health. However, little is known about the correlates and health issues of older Korean immigrants living alone. This study’s objective was to explore correlates and health issues among older Korean immigrants living alone. Based on established scoping review methodology five databases, CINAHL, PubMed, MEDLINE, SocINDEX, and Health Source Nursing/Academic Edition, were used to find relevant studies. Twelve articles were reviewed, and four major themes were identified as correlates and health issues among older Korean immigrants living alone in the United States: depression, changed family relationships, social interactions, and factors on general health and well-being. The findings have significant implications for healthcare professionals for understanding the unique culture, situation, and physical and psychosocial vulnerability of older Korean immigrants living alone. Full article

Given the significant role of culture and place in dementia caregiving, we conducted a qualitative study with Korean American family caregivers of persons with dementia. Guided by the sociocultural model of dementia caregivers’ service use, we explored the categories of care decisions, caregiving situations, and formal service use within the context of culture and place. Data from in-depth interviews with 16 Korean American dementia caregivers living in the greater Los Angeles area were analyzed using the constant comparison method. Across the three conceptual categories, we derived eight themes: (1) personal motivation; (2) family context; (3) attitude toward formal care; (4) strains; (5) rewards; (6) language and geographic region; (7) knowledge and awareness; and (8) social support and cultural stigma. Our findings demonstrate not only varied experiences in care decisions, caregiving situations, and formal service use but also their interconnectedness. Supporting the influential role of culture and place in dementia caregiving, the findings include positive and negative elements within each domain and provide implications for programs and services to respond to identified needs and barriers. Full article

This study examined the associations between maternal involvement in education and bicultural acceptance and school adjustment during the first year of middle school among adolescents from Korean multicultural families as well as the reciprocal relationships between bicultural acceptance and school adjustment during the three years of middle school. The present study used three-wave longitudinal data of 1185 dyads of adolescents (50.8% girls; mean age = 12.96 ± 0.35 years at the first wave) and their immigrant mothers (mean age = 43.54 ± 5.19 years at the first wave), who participated in the Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study. An autoregressive cross-lagged modeling analysis revealed that maternal involvement in education was significantly and positively associated with adolescents’ bicultural acceptance and school adjustment in the first year of middle school. Individual levels of bicultural acceptance and school adjustment among adolescents remained moderately stable over the three years. Whereas the positive effects of school adjustment on bicultural acceptance were significant over time, the effects of bicultural acceptance on school adjustment were not. Finally, this study highlights the roles of intervention programs (e.g., parent and multicultural education) in facilitating maternal involvement in education and school adjustment as well as in increasing bicultural acceptance among minority youths. Full article

In 1996, Helen Lee dubbed the departure of second-generation Asian Americans from the non-English-speaking immigrant churches that they were raised in as the “silent exodus”. This nationwide phenomenon was taking place largely because first-generation churches failed to provide the second generation with culturally relevant care that would enrich their ethnic, national, and spiritual identities. Glory, the church of focus in this study, was founded by and is home to many silent exiles. In hopes of being an enriching church for second-generation Asian Americans, pastoral staff and leaders have created spaces within Glory for racial identity and faith to be in conversation with one another. However, in regard to the music of the church, they were stumped on what could be done to make it uniquely and proudly Asian American. This conundrum inspired a key question in this study: What is distinct about the way that Asian Americans worship God through music? This study argues that the worship music at Glory Church is distinctly Asian American not by what is sonically perceived, but rather by what is physically performed and collectively experienced. The Korean-English, or Konglish, term nunchi bwa-ing (눈치 봐-ing) is utilized as a keyword to describes Christian musicking in a multilingual setting and foregrounds the Korean/Asian American worshiping body. This study concludes by looking forward and arguing that Asian Americans ought to amplify their worship music to the larger Contemporary Worship Music scene as it has the potential to be a powerful site of intergenerational healing. Full article

In this article, I explore the ways that women of the Korean diaspora engage in cultural meaning-making through material culture in efforts to redefine what it means for people, things, and ideas to be considered “authentically Korean”. Using the case study of famous internet chef Maangchi, I examine one of her best-selling cookbooks and her digital presence to identify the tactics she uses to exert agency in the meaning-making and community-building process, using Korean food and her role as a maternal figure as vehicles for analysis. Due to her roles as a mother and her positioning as a quintessential immigrant subject in the US context, I argue that Maangchi challenges colonial and Eurocentric models of cultural authenticity as part of a long history of women of color that actively disrupt social perceptions of value, expertise, and knowledge production. By exploring her business ventures, I consider how embedded pieces of knowledge, racialization, perceived expertise, and cultural assumptions are all connected to challenge the historical concepts and applications of authenticity in favor of a more inclusive, radical, and politically potent understanding of what truly makes something “Korean”. Full article

The factors motivating Joseonjok (Korean-Chinese) students to choose South Korean universities as their study abroad destination have been understudied. In this study, researchers examined the factors that affect Joseonjok students’ decision to pursue postgraduate education in South Korea by analyzing interview data collected from 15 Joseonjok graduate students studying at Korean universities using a case study approach. The study identified individual-level, family-level, and national-level push and pull factors motivating Joseonjok students to choose South Korea as their graduate study destination. At the individual level, academic achievement and educational barriers served as push factors, while emotional and ethnic solidarity with Koreans acted as pull factors. On the community level, study abroad trends and immigration patterns among the Joseonjok population were identified as push factors, and the presence of families, relatives, and friends in South Korea served as pull factors. At the national level, push factors included educational policies for minorities in China and fierce competition in higher education entrance exams and the job market. Conversely, national-level pull factors encompassed the ‘Study Korea Policy’ and policies for overseas Koreans. The current study has implications for policymakers and universities who are planning to recruit international students and educational practitioners intending to provide career counseling and guidance to minority students. Furthermore, we expect the results of the current study to contribute to the sustainable development of higher education in both China and South Korea. Full article