Hwabyung Experiences Among Korean Immigrant Women in the United States

Hwabyung is an indigenous psychiatric illness commonly found among Korean women. Using hwabyung, this article describes the psychological ramifications of immigration experiences among Korean immigrant women in the United States. Data collected from an anonymous survey of adult Korean immigrant women (n = 143) were used for a statistical analysis. The findings highlight the significant effects of self-esteem, social support, financial hardship, and family cohesion on the changes in the hwabyung symptoms among Korean immigrant women. Based on the findings, the implications for practice and future study are discussed. Also discussed are the global significance of migrant women and their mental health issues