Factors Related to the Mental Health of Elderly Chinese Immigrants in Australia

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the factors related to the mental health of elderly Chinese-Australians. Using the framework of Berry (1997), the study examined how individual variables such as social support, length of time in Australia, English competency, self-efficacy and sense of personal control were related to the life satisfaction of elderly Chinese-Australians. The participants consisted of 157 elderly Chinese male and female immigrants (aged 50 or above) recruited through various community groups. Participants completed a questionnaire with several scales on the above issues, and a section on demographic information. The results indicated that life satisfaction was related to age, age at migration, English proficiency, locus of control, social support, and self-efficacy. Implications for service provision were also discussed.