Kin and nonkin social supports in a community sample of Vietnamese immigrants

A two-wave longitudinal study is reported that examined the relationship between social support and depression among 79 Vietnamese immigrants living in a multicultural community in a large urban setting. Extending past work, the research employed a refined perspective on social supports, as measured by kinship networks, nonkinship networks, perceived satisfaction with the supports, and their influence on psychological distress as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Study Depression Scale. Results indicated that sociodemographic variables did not predict depression scores. However, the nonkinship factor was associated with a reduction in depression scores over time. These findings are discussed in terms of the apparent complexities of the social support and mental health link, particularly the need to consider culturally valid measures, interventions, and the social contexts in which the Vietnamese reside.