General well-being of Korean immigrant elders: the significance of religiousness/spirituality and social support

Abstract

This study examined how religiousness/spirituality (values/beliefs, private religious practice, religious/spiritual coping, and religious support) and social support are related to the general well-being (positive well-being, general health, vitality, self-control, anxiety, and depression) of 177 Korean immigrant elders (KIEs). Regression analysis revealed a significant association between religious/spiritual coping, religious support, and social support and the general well-being of KIEs. Social workers need to provide spiritually sensitive religious support and coping skills to KIEs to enhance their well-being. A future study needs to use a probability sampling method to confirm generalizable findings concerning the relationship between religiousness/spirituality and general well-being among KIEs.