AFTER THE SA-I-GU (APRIL 29) LOS-ANGELES RIOTS - CORRELATES OF SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING IN THE KOREAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

Using 498 randomly selected Korean residents in Los Angeles from a rec ent epidemiological health telephone survey, correlates of subjective well-being in the Korean-American community were investigated includin g riot victim status, perceived riot effects, demographic variables (a ge, gender, and income), acculturation, and social support and social integration variables, approximately 6 months after the Sa-i-gu (April 29) Los Angeles Riots. Multiple regression analyses indicated that tw o indices of subjective well-being, general happiness and perceived ph ysical health status, though significantly correlated, appeared to be influenced by different psychological processes. Moreover, significant gender differences were found in various types of correlates in accou nting for the two indices of subjective well-being. Overall, of the co rrelates investigated, demographic (age and income) factors, perceived riot effects, acculturation indices, and social support/social integr ation contributed to both Korean-American men and women's subjective w ell-being. Certain effects of social support and social integration we re not consistent with past research. Implications for future research and limitations were discussed in terms of community psychology's foc us on extraindividual, as opposed to micro-level individual approaches .