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Acculturation and severity of depression among first-generation Vietnamese outpatients in Germany

Author

Listed:
  • Main Huong Nguyen
  • Eric Hahn
  • Katja Wingenfeld
  • Iris T Graef-Calliess
  • Anita von Poser
  • Malte Stopsack
  • Hannah Burian
  • Annegret Dreher
  • Simon Wolf
  • Michael Dettling
  • Ronald Burian
  • Albert Diefenbacher
  • Thi Minh Tam Ta

Abstract

Background: Challenges of migration, particularly concerning the process of acculturation are associated with an increased risk of mental illness. Vietnamese migrants constitute the largest Southeast Asian migrant group in Germany, yet there is no data on the relationship between the mental health status and acculturation among this population. Aims: Therefore, the present study examines the relationship between two well-established dimensions of acculturation, that is, dominant society immersion (DSI) and ethnic society immersion (ESI), the four resulting acculturation strategies (integration, assimilation, separation and marginalization), and severity of depression. Methods: A sample of N  = 113 first-generation Vietnamese outpatients from a psychiatric outpatient clinic for Vietnamese migrants in Germany was studied regarding their self-reported depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)) and acculturation (Stephenson Multigroup Acculturation Scale (SMAS)). Results: Consistent with the hypotheses, patients reported less severe depressive symptoms, when they reported higher orientation toward the German and the Vietnamese society. Moreover, the results showed that integrated patients reported a lower severity of depression compared to marginalized patients, who reported the highest severity of depression. Conclusions: The findings indicate that among a sample of first-generation Vietnamese patients with depression, an orientation to both, the mainstream society and one’s heritage society might serve as a potential resource. The rejection of any orientation to any society is associated with an increased risk for depression.

Suggested Citation

  • Main Huong Nguyen & Eric Hahn & Katja Wingenfeld & Iris T Graef-Calliess & Anita von Poser & Malte Stopsack & Hannah Burian & Annegret Dreher & Simon Wolf & Michael Dettling & Ronald Burian & Albert D, 2017. "Acculturation and severity of depression among first-generation Vietnamese outpatients in Germany," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 63(8), pages 708-716, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:63:y:2017:i:8:p:708-716
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764017735140
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kirmayer, Laurence J., 1989. "Cultural variations in the response to psychiatric disorders and emotional distress," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 29(3), pages 327-339, January.
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    2. Basak, Suleyman & Makarov, Dmitry, 2012. "Difference in interim performance and risk taking with short-sale constraints," Journal of Financial Economics, Elsevier, vol. 103(2), pages 377-392.

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