Gender differences in psychological distress among immigrants from the former Soviet Union

In this study we compared rates and correlates of psychological distress among immigrant women and men from the former Soviet Union. Ademographic, migration, and social network questionnaire and the Symptom Checklist-90-R were administered to 935 female and 706 male immigrants. Older age and less time in the United States predicted distress in both gender groups. However, having less education, leaving relatives behind, and not being sponsored by friends or a religious organization predicted greater distress for women. Women reported significantly more distress than men except for those men who were married and retired.