Examining Acculturative Stress and Copings Among Korean Immigrant Parents of Children with Developmental Disabilities

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study seeks to (a) examine the relationship among demographic variables of Korean immigrant parents of children with developmental disabilities (DDs), (b) predict which demographic characteristics impact acculturative stress, and (c) investigate the effect of coping strategies while controlling for those demographics. Korean immigrant parents of children with DDs who reside in the United States (n = 64) completed modified versions of the acculturative stress scale from the National Latino Asian American Study (NLAAS), and coping pattern scale from the Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP). Measures were translated into Korean. The hierarchical multiple regression found that the country where the participants attained their highest level of education, coping patterns for maintaining social support, and psychological well-being on positive self-esteem were significant variables at predicting the level of acculturative stress. The recognition of cultural characteristics and cultural sensitivity to support Korean immigrant parents were identified as implications for research and practices. Further discussion of the findings and limitations are provided.