DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/8MNX-PC88
Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7616-8094
Defense Date
2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Dr. Denise Burnette
Second Advisor
Dr. Kyeongmo Kim
Third Advisor
Dr. Sarah Kye Price
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Rosalie Corona
Abstract
The impact of acculturative stress on the quality of life among older adults has been widely acknowledged in previous literature. However, few studies have explored the role of religiosity and resilience in this relationship among older Korean immigrants. This dissertation explores the relationships between acculturative stress, religiosity, resilience, and quality of life among 300 older adults aged 65 years and over who live in an ethnic Korean enclave of Queens, New York. The study employs path analysis and multiple regression analyses to test hypothesized relationships among these variables.
The key findings of the study are as follows: (1) higher acculturative stress was associated with lower quality of life after controlling for sociodemographic variables; (2) religiosity did not mediate the relationship between acculturative stress and quality of life; (3) resilience partially mediated the relationship between acculturative stress and quality of life; and (4) religiosity and resilience did not sequentially mediate the relationship between acculturative stress and quality of life. These findings highlight the importance of resilience in mediating the negative impact of acculturative stress on the quality of life among older Korean immigrants.
Implications for social work practice, education, and future research are discussed, emphasizing the development of targeted interventions to address acculturative stress and enhance resilience among older Korean immigrants and exploring the potential roles of religiosity and other coping resources in this population. Additionally, the study underscores the need for ongoing professional development to improve cultural competence and sensitivity when working with older Korean immigrants.
Rights
© Sunghwan Cho 2023
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-8-2023
Completed Degree Verification