Emotional Confidants in Ethnic Communities: Social Network Analysis of Korean American Older Adults

Community agency directors' attitudes on depression treatment among older Korean Americans and barriers to providing services

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to explore Korean agency directors' attitudes about depression treatment and their current efforts and barriers to providing services for older Korean Americans.Methods: Interviews were conducted with 11 agency directors, providing services from ethnic community centers and health care agencies. A constant comparative approach was applied to detect emerging themes.Results: Findings revealed that the agency directors had a negative attitude about using antidepressants and counseling. Based on these beliefs, they were less likely to recommend individuals with depression to use medical treatment or counseling; instead, they recommended informal ways of treating depression, including reliance on peers, family, and religious activities. A lack of educational training, funding, collaboration, and Korean-speaking professionals were perceived to be barriers to providing services.Discussion: Findings indicate the importance of educational training to increase understanding of depression treatment and to support the agency directors in offering services for older Korean Americans.

Bridging Potential in Friend Networks and Cognitive Function in Older Korean Americans

OBJECTIVES

To examine the associates of bridging potential in networks of friends and its impact on cognitive function in older Korean Americans.

METHODS

Data came from 308 participants in Central Florida who were part of the Study of Older Korean Americans (SOKA). Using data from a name generator of three close friends in local Korean communities, non-overlapping networks were quantified for bridging potential. Linear regression models for bridging potential and cognitive function were examined.

RESULTS

Bridging potential was greater among those with stronger social ties with friends in general and higher levels of activity engagement. The direct benefit of bridging potential on cognitive function was also confirmed. In addition, bridging potential was found to mediate the effect of social ties with friends on cognitive function.

DISCUSSION

Findings underscore the interconnectedness of older immigrants' social and cognitive function and shed light on interventions.