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British Journal of Social Work 2004 34(7):1009-1024; doi:10.1093/bjsw/bch126
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British Journal of Social Work Vol. 34 No. 7 © BASW Trading Ltd 2004 all rights reserved

The Impacts of Acculturative Stress and Social Competence on the Mental Health of Mainland Chinese Immigrant Youth in Hong Kong

Daniel Fu Keung Wong, Debbie Lam, Phyllis Yan and Marion Hung

Dr Daniel Fu Keung Wong is based in the Department of Social Work and Social Adminstration at the University of Hong Kong.

Dr Debbie Lam is Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Adminstration at the University of Hong Kong.

Dr Phyllis Yan is Programme Director for Save the Children Hong Kong.

Miss Marion Hung is a Social Worker at the Haven of Hope Elderly Protection Centre, Haven of Hope Christian Service in Hong Kong.

Correspondence to Dr Daniel Fu Keung Wong, Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work and Social Adminstration, 1317 K K Leung Building, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.E-mail: dfkwong{at}hkucc.hku.hk

Summary

Attempts were made to examine migration stressors, social competence, and mental health status of immigrant youth in Hong Kong and to examine the effects of social competence on stress and the mental health of immigrant youth. Data on 106 immigrant youth, which were collected through a structured questionnaire, were analysed. It was discovered that immigrant youth found survival issues and losses, rather than cultural differences and unfulfilled expectations, to be stressful. Male immigrant youth exhibited more psychological distress symptoms than female immigrant youth. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that social competence exerted moderating effects on stress and the mental health of immigrant youth. Immigrant youth who had a higher level of social competence, in terms of self-control, empathy, assertiveness and the ability to read social cues, had less stress and enjoyed better mental health. In conclusion, personal and socio-cultural reasons are put forward to explain the findings. Practice and policy implications are also discussed.

Keywords: mental health, social competence, Mainland Chinese immigrant youth, youth in Hong Kong, migration


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