Determinants of Stress-Coping among Korean-Chinese Middle-aged Adults

The purpose of this study is to investigate levels of stress, stress-coping, and self-esteem, along with their mutual relationships among Korean-Chinese middle-aged adults. Data were collected from 106 Korean-Chinese middle-aged adults aged 40 to 64 years living in Yanji, China from January to March 2017. To measure the level of stress, stress-coping, and self-esteem, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a Ways of Coping Scale, and a Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used. SPSS 23.0 was used for descriptive analysis, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation tests, and multiple regression analysis. The results show that, among the sub-factors of stress-coping, stress was positively associated with wishful thinking, while self-esteem was positively associated with problem focus, wishful thinking, social support, and positive viewpoint. The most important determinant of stress-coping was found as self-esteem. The results suggest further research on how to increase self-esteem as a way to intensify stress-coping among Korean-Chinese middle-aged adults.