Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Past research has shown that immigrants from East Asia may be at higher risk for depression than their Caucasian counterparts (Kuo, 1984). Motivation for emigration has been included in many models of migration as a critical determinant of acculturation and adaptation process (Berry, 1997). Literature suggests that preservation motivation (emigrating for physical, social and psychological security) reported poorer well-being and mental health than those higher in self-development motivation (personal growth as a reason for emigration) (Tartakovsky & Schwartz, 2001). Because there has been no research to date to identify the relationship between migration motivation and depression, the aim of this study is to identify the relationship between motivation for emigration to depression and general mental health in East Asian immigrants. By gaining further knowledge regarding possible determinants of depression in East Asian immigrants, further research can be conducted regarding prevention and intervention programs and culturally sensitive psychotherapies.