Jeongyee Bae; Youngsuk Park

doi:10.4040/jkan.2010.40.3.389

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Original Article
A Structural Equation Model on Mental Health of Korean Immigrants in Canada: Jeongyee Bae, Youngsuk Park; Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2010;40(3):389-399.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2010.40.3.389
Published online: June 30, 2010

¹Professor, Department of Nursing, Inje University, Busan, Korea.

²Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, Korea National Open University, Seoul, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Park, Youngsuk. Department of Nursing, Korea National Open University, 169 Dongsung-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-791, Korea. Tel: 82-2-3668-4746, Fax: 82-2-3673-4274, anywayyoung@knou.ac.kr

• Received: December 26, 2009 • Accepted: June 9, 2010

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Abstract
REFERENCES

Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to construct a structural equation model that would further explain the mental health status of Korean immigrants living in Canada.
Methods
Survey using a structured questionnaire was conducted with 386 people in Canada (Vancouver and Toronto). Six instruments were used in this model. The analysis of data was done with both SPSS 14.0 for descriptive statistics and AMOS 5.0 for covariance structure analysis.
Results
Based on the constructed model, physical health status, immigrant life stress, self esteem, and quality of life were found to have significant direct effect on mental health. In addition, factors such as physical health status, immigrant life stress, quality of life, English proficiency, family cohesion and social support were found to indirectly affect mental health. The final modified model yielded Chi-square=34.79 (p<.001), df=13, χ²/df=2.68, GFI=0.98, AGFI=0.94, NFI=0.95, PNFI=0.44, PGFI=0.35, RMSE=0.07 and exhibited good fit indices.
Conclusion
This structural equation model is a comprehensive theoretical model that explains the related factors and their relationship with mental health in Korean immigrants. Findings of this study can contribute to the designing of an appropriate prevention strategy to further improve the mental health of immigrants in Canada.
Keywords: Immigrants; Stress; Quality of life; Self esteem; Mental health

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Figure 1

Testing for hypothetical model.

Figure 2

Testing for modified model.

Table 1

Descriptive Statistics for Observed Variables (N=386)

Table 2

Pearson Coefficient Correlations for Variables

Table 3

Model Fitness Index for Hypothetical and Modified Model (N=386)

Table 4

Direct Effect, Indirect Effect, and Total Effect in Modified Path Model

CR=Critical ratio; SMC=Squared multiple correlations.

Figure & Data

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