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Iris Minkyung Kim, PhD, is a 2025 graduate of the PhD program in Counselor Education & Supervision, Antioch University, Seattle.

Dissertation Committee:

Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, PhD, Committee Chair

Keiko Sano, PhD, Committee Member

Najla Hrustanovic, PhD, Committee Member

Keywords

elderly Korean immigrants, life satisfaction, acculturation, social support, mental health

Document Type

Dissertation

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This study sought to understand the mental health of Korean-American elderly immigrants using the theoretical frameworks Erikson’s Stages of Psychosocial Development and Interpersonal Psychotherapy Theory (IPT). To achieve this purpose, this study incorporated a qualitative thematic analysis and conducted in-depth interviews with 10 elderly Korean immigrants living in the United States. From these interviews, eight themes were identified: (a) multifaceted immigration experiences, (b) immigration challenges, (c) complex language barriers, (d) personality constructs impacting experience, (e) the importance of relationships, (f) limited information and access to support, (g) life satisfaction and dissatisfaction, and (h) advice for future immigrants. These themes indicate that the participants endured numerous challenges after immigrating and embarking on a new life in the United States and relied on mental positivity, relationships with family and friends, and support from a wide range of sources to survive and persevere, which is important for mental health counselors to understand. This dissertation is available in open access at AURA (https://aura.antioch.edu) and OhioLINK ETD Center (https://etd.ohiolink.edu).

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Iris Minkyung Kim, PhD, 2025

ORCID Scholar ID# 0009-0006-0515-4625

Dr. Iris Minkyung Kim, PhD, LCAT, is a Counselor Educator, Supervisor, and Licensed Creative Arts Therapist based in New York City. She earned her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from Antioch University and a Master’s in Drama Therapy from New York University. Dr. Kim specializes in working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma-related challenges, and relationship difficulties. Her research focuses on the mental well-being of marginalized Korean American elderly immigrants, particularly in addressing acculturative stress. As a counselor, researcher, and educator, she is committed to a social justice-oriented approach to supervision, integrating theory and practice to support supervisees for ethical and socially responsive work in the field. Dr. Kim is the founder and president of Manhattan Creative Arts Therapy PLLC, a group practice dedicated to innovative and inclusive therapeutic care.

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