"I live by myself, but at least God is with me": The effects of faith-based identity on mental health during transitions in social and legal status to the United States among Korean/Korean American immigrants

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Among Korean/Korean American immigrants, the tenth-largest immigrant population in the United States, approximately 30% of them reside in California. Christianity has played a significant role in supporting their mental well-being; however, little is known about how faith-based identity influences their mental health dealing with legal status challenges while adjusting to life in the Bay Area. Thus, this study sought to understand how faith-based identity, specifically Christianity, supports Korean/Korean American immigrants in overcoming mental health challenges and enhancing a sense of belonging during transitions in their social and legal status in the United States.METHODS: We used a mixed methods approach. First, we collected a quantitative online survey. Second, we invited a total of 24 survey participants to conduct a qualitative in-depth interview, the majority of whom participated in person (22 out of 24). Eligible participants met the following inclusion criteria: (1) both of their parents were of Korean ethnicity, regardless of nationality; (2) 18 years of age or older; (3) regular attendance at a Korean church in the San Francisco Bay Area; and (4) having an ability to read and understand English for both the survey and interview.RESULTS: We extracted four themes. First, most participants had been exposed to Christianity before coming to the United States, but their initial faith was generally weak. Second, later on, they deepened their Christian identity through various religious practices, such as attending Christian retreats, reflecting on beliefs, and praying to God. Third, by receiving support from the church and living with Christian teachings, they overcame challenges through faith, which positively contributed to their mental well-being. Lastly, many participants expressed a sense of God's calling in the San Francisco Bay Area, which provided them a clear direction for pursuing and achieving their goals.CONCLUSIONS: The study explains how Christianity influences the psychological well-being of Korean/Korean American immigrants in the United States. It highlights the importance of further understanding about the role of faith-based identity among immigrant populations, in order to support their mental health when experiencing transitions in their social and legal status in the United States.