Relationships among English performance, self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression for Hmong refugees
Author(s):
Ostergren, Joan Caryl
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : University of Minnesota, 1991.
Pages:
192
Language:
English
Abstract:
This study examined the relationship between self-efficacy, English performance, depression, and anxiety for 128 Hmong refugees attending English as a Second Language programs. Several demographic variables were analyzed as well. Multiple regression analyses revealed that self-efficacy was a significant positive predictor of performance. Results also indicated that performance was a significant positive predictor of self-efficacy, such that subjects who performed better on a test of English ability also reported higher levels of self-efficacy. Anxiety was a significant positive predictor of depression, such that subjects who reported higher levels of depression also reported higher levels of anxiety. In addition, literacy level was a significant predictor of depression such that subjects who performed less well reported higher levels of depression. Finally, multiple regression results indicated that depression was a significant predictor of anxiety, such that subjects reporting higher levels of depression also reported higher levels of anxiety. Lower self-efficacy and poor English performance were associated with being female, older, with lack of literacy in Hmong, with lack of ability to speak Lao, and with lack of education in Laos. Suggestions for further research are presented and implications for community service providers, counselors, and resettlement agencies are considered.