Acculturative Stress, Depression and Drinking Problems of Korean International Students in the United States

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of drinking problems in Korean international students in the United States. METHODS: The subjects involved this study were 190 Korean international students in the United States. Data were measured using a drinking problems questionnaire, an acculturative stress scale for international student, and the CES-D. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 17.0 program to calculate mean, standard deviation, ANOVA, Sheffe test and pearson's correlation coefficient. and stepwise multiple regression. RESULTS: 1) The mean score of the degree of perceived acculturative stress was 2.15+/-0.63, of depression was 17.67+/-9.85, and of drinking problems was 15.03+/-15.52. 2) There were significant correlations between acculturative stress and drinking problems (r=.506, p<.001), between depression and drinking problems (r=.6726, p<.001), and between acculturative stress and depression (r=.453, p<.001). 3) In stepwise multiple regression analysis the most powerful predictor of drinking problems were acculturative stress (beta=.243, p<.001), and depression (beta=.562, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results, practical implications for reducing the acculturative stress and improving the psychological well-being of Korean students were discussed.