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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 4/2006

01-10-2006 | Original Paper

Demography, Immigration Background, Difficulties with Living in Japan, and Psychological Distress among Japanese Brazilians in Japan

Authors: Takashi Asakura, Alice K. Murata

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 4/2006

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Abstract

This study examined the relationship of demography, immigration background, and concerns and difficulties associated with living in Japan to nonpsychotic psychological disturbance (i.e., “caseness”) measured by the GHQ-12. Data are from a sample of 265 Japanese Brazilians (JB) residing outside the Tokyo Metropolitan area. Employing multiple logistic regression analyses, it was found that JB who experienced lower economic conditions, lived alone, stayed relatively longer in Japan, migrated to Japan due to their dissatisfaction with the socio-economic conditions in Brazil, and who experienced severe family life concerns had a significantly higher ratio of “caseness,” that is psychologically distressed. In contrast, JB over the age of 25 years, who acquired moderate Japanese language proficiency and decided to return to Brazil as soon as possible, were observed to have a significantly lower ratio of psychological distress. Socio-cultural and situational interpretations of the findings are presented.
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Metadata
Title
Demography, Immigration Background, Difficulties with Living in Japan, and Psychological Distress among Japanese Brazilians in Japan
Authors
Takashi Asakura
Alice K. Murata
Publication date
01-10-2006
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 4/2006
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-006-9003-0

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