Factors Influencing the Experience of Depression among School-aged Children from Multicultural Families

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors affecting the experience of depression in school-aged children from multicultural families. Methods: Data from 1,812 school-aged children of multicultural families were collected from the 2015 National Multicultural Family Survey. Logistic regression was conducted based on complex sample analysis using SAS 9.4. Results: Significant predictors for experiencing depression were lower self-esteem, lower Korean proficiency, less time spent conversing with the father, lower degree of parental interest, poorer school adjustment, greater difficulties with schoolwork, and experiencing violence at school. Conclusion: This study showed that factors related to the individual, family, and school environment influenced the experience of depression. Based on a consideration of these factors, it is necessary to develop an effective program to prevent depression by establishing high-risk criteria for depression.

Keywords

• Cultural diversity
• Child
• Depression
• Environment