Purpose
This study aimed to identify factors affecting the mental health status of children from multicultural families in South Korea.
Methods
This study was based on Dahlgren and Whitehead's (1991) rainbow model as a conceptual framework and used data from the second phase of the multicultural adolescents panel study conducted by the National Youth Policy Institute. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using SPSS version 26.0, with p<.05 considered to indicate statistical significance.
Results
In the final model, stress (odds ratio [OR]=0.53, p<.001), life satisfaction (OR=2.09, p=.004), self-esteem (OR=1.73, p=.032), and peer support (OR=1.46, p=.019) affected the mental health status of children from multicultural families. The living and working conditions and general socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental conditions did not significantly influence the mental health status of children from multicultural families in the final model.
Conclusion
As components of Dahlgren and Whitehead's model, individual hereditary and lifestyle factors, as well as social and community networks, affected the mental health status of children from multicultural families. Therefore, in order to improve the mental health of children from multicultural families, efforts are needed to alleviate their stress, increase life satisfaction and self-esteem, and strengthen their social support.

Citations

• Beyond Borders: Exploring the Clinical Journeys of Multicultural Nursing Students
  Lee Jiyoung
  Asian Nursing Research.2025; 19(2): 120.     CrossRef
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  Geun Myun Kim, Sunkyung Cha, Miran Jung, SeongKwang Kim
  Frontiers in Public Health.2025;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Determinants of Psychosocial and Mental Health Risks of Multicultural Adolescents: A Multicultural Adolescents Panel Study 2023
  Jeoungmi Kim, Vasuki Rajaguru
  Healthcare.2025; 13(19): 2409.     CrossRef
• Agresividad e impulsividad en niños y adolescentes, determinantes sociales y acceso a los servicios de salud mental
  Wanderley Augusto Arias Ortiz, Laura Katherine Varela Chagüendo
  Revista Salud Bosque.2025; 15(2): 1.     CrossRef
• Factors Affecting the Life Satisfaction of School-Aged Children with Vietnamese Immigrant Mothers in Korea
  Yoon-Hee Cho, Joohyun Lee
  Healthcare.2023; 11(17): 2465.     CrossRef