Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Limited English proficiency, social network characteristics, and depressive symptoms among older immigrants
1School of Social Work, San Jose State University, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95192, USA. sdiwan@sjsu.edu
Objectives:
The purpose of the study was to examine differences in social network characteristics and their relationship to depressive symptoms among two groups of older Asian Indian immigrants: those with limited English proficiency and those proficient in English.
Methods:
Telephone surveys were conducted with 226 English-speaking (Sample 1) and 114 Gujarati-speaking (Sample 2) immigrants in Atlanta.
Results:
The samples differed significantly in demographics and patterns of social integration. Sample 2 had shorter residence in the United States, a more traditional ethnic identity, greater reliance on family for social activities, greater participation in religious events, lower likelihood of having good friends nearby, and less frequent interactions with friends. Rates of depressive symptoms did not differ, and network composition was unrelated to symptoms. For both samples, poorer health and a more traditional ethnic identity were related to depressive symptoms. Quality of relationship with children was predictive of symptoms for Sample 2.
Discussion:
I found no differences in depressive symptoms despite differing social network structures. This may be due to the differing expectations of social ties among older immigrants. Interventions to improve well-being should focus on issues that generate acculturative stress. Cognitive and social support interventions may help individuals develop the adaptive coping strategies needed to live in a different culture.
Related Concept Videos
Surveys
Importance of Need for Affiliation
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Relationship Formation
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Long-term Depression