| This study examined the relationship between acculturative stress and depressive symptoms among Afghan immigrants who migrated to the United States after 18 years of age. This study was conducted on a sample of 23 non-randomly chosen Afghan immigrants who were at least 25 years of age, migrated to the United States after 18 years of age, and lived in the United States for at least 2 years. The participants were recruited from different cities, such as San Francisco, Sacramento, Minneapolis, Hartford, and Los Angeles. In this study, acculturative stress was measured using Suinn Lew Asian Self Identity Acculturation Scale (SL-ASIA) and depressive symptoms were measured using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). Results indicate presence of a positive relationship between acculturative stress and depressive symptoms among Afghan immigrants who immigrated to the United States after 18 years of age. In the present study, individual identity, interpersonal relationships, language use, and cultural or traditional practices of most of the participants reflected and manifested Afghan heritage. Results further suggest that Afghan immigrants maintained their traditional customs and values while showing some acculturation to the U.S. culture. |
