Intimate Partner Violence, immigration, acculturation, and depression among Chinese immigrant women: A secondary analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread public health concern with serious mental health consequences. However, limited research has examined the relationship between IPV and mental health among Chinese immigrant women in the U.S. particularly in relation to broader sociocultural and immigration-related contexts. This study examined how various forms of IPV and immigration- and acculturation-related factors were associated with depression risk among 974 Chinese immigrant women in the U.S. using secondary data analysis. Measures included sociodemographic characteristics, physical, sexual, and emotional IPV, and immigration- and acculturation-related factors (immigration status, nativity, and language and social interaction preferences). Multivariable logistic regression and classification tree analyses were conducted. Emotional abuse was significantly associated with increased risk of depression, while bicultural or predominantly heritage-based social interactions were associated with reduced risk. The classification tree identified women aged ≥28 years with single-cultural social interactions and a history of emotional abuse, especially at risk for depression. Findings underscore the importance of addressing emotional abuse and promoting bicultural social engagement in efforts to reduce depression among Chinese immigrant women. Culturally responsive IPV screening tools and mental health services that support bicultural engagement may improve detection and intervention efforts in this population.