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Perceived discrimination, family functioning, and depressive symptoms among immigrant women in Taiwan

Archives of Women's Mental Health volume 17, pages 359–366 (2014)Cite this article

Abstract

This study examined the moderating effect of family functioning on the relationship between perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms in immigrant women. A total of 239 immigrant women were selected from four administrative regions in Central Taiwan. Questionnaires concerning perceived discrimination, family functioning (including family cohesion and family adaptability), depressive symptoms, and demographic characteristics were completed by either women themselves (N = 120) or their husbands (N = 119). The moderating effect of family functioning on the relationship between perceived discrimination and depression symptoms was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Findings showed that a higher level of perceived discrimination among immigrant women is associated with more severe depressive symptoms. Family functioning serves as a moderator between the relationship of perceived discrimination and depressive symptoms, but the moderating effect of family adaptability was evident only in data reported by immigrant women. The results indicate that perceived discrimination has negative mental health implications, and also point to the importance of family functioning for depression. Findings suggest that providers should consider addressing immigrant women’s mental health needs through declining their psychosocial distress at multiple ecological levels.

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Acknowledgements

This research was funded by a grant from the National Science Council, Taiwan (NSC99-2511-S-040-004-MY3) to the corresponding author. The authors would like to thank all participants in this study, their families, and the principals and teachers of the participating schools that assisted our research staff.

Conflict of interest

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, Chung Shan Medical University, No.110, Sec.1, Jianguo N. Rd., Taichung, 40201, Taiwan

    Hao-Jan Yang, Jyun-Yi Wu, Sheng-Shiung Huang & Mei-Huei Lien

  2. Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan

    Hao-Jan Yang

  3. Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Tony Szu-Hsien Lee

Authors
  1. Hao-Jan Yang
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  2. Jyun-Yi Wu
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  3. Sheng-Shiung Huang
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  4. Mei-Huei Lien
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  5. Tony Szu-Hsien Lee
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Correspondence to Hao-Jan Yang.

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Yang, HJ., Wu, JY., Huang, SS. et al. Perceived discrimination, family functioning, and depressive symptoms among immigrant women in Taiwan. Arch Womens Ment Health 17, 359–366 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-013-0401-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-013-0401-8

Keywords

  • Immigrant women
  • Perceived discrimination
  • Depressive symptoms
  • Family functioning
  • Moderation