Depression, stress, mastery, and social resources in four ethnocultural women's groups

This descriptive study was designed to examine the interrelationships of depression, stress, mastery, and social resources in four ethnocultural women's groups. The random sample (N=212) was comprised of Chinese (n=60), Vietnamese (n=46), Portuguese (n=56), and Latin American (n=50) immigrant women. Using the CES–D, high depressive symptoms were reported by all groups. Collectively, the major correlates and predictors of depression were perceived stress and mastery. Group‐specific analyses revealed different models for predicting depression in each ethnic group. The findings underscore the need for observation of the indicators of depression in immigrant women—regardless of their phase of resettlement—and a flexible, individualized approach to ethnic women's psychological health care.