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Gender Differences in Psychological Distress Among Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union

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Abstract

In this study we compared rates and correlates of psychological distress among immigrant women and men from the former Soviet Union. A demographic, migration, and social network questionnaire and the Symptom Checklist-90-R were administered to 935 female and 706 male immigrants. Older age and less time in the United States predicted distress in both gender groups. However, having less education, leaving relatives behind, and not being sponsored by friends or a religious organization predicted greater distress for women. Women reported significantly more distress than men except for those men who were married and retired.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anthropology, Wayne State University College of Nursing and, Detroit, Michigan

    Karen J. Aroian

  2. Boston College School of Nursing, Michigan

    Anne E. Norris & Lenny Chiang

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  1. Karen J. Aroian
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  2. Anne E. Norris
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Aroian, K.J., Norris, A.E. & Chiang, L. Gender Differences in Psychological Distress Among Immigrants from the Former Soviet Union. Sex Roles 48, 39–51 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022392528490

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