Economic development of countries of origin and distress among married immigrant men and women in Toronto

We investigate if the “immigrant health paradox”, as measured by distress, is evident among male and female partners married before immigration to Canada. We also examine if initial-status and change in distress are modified by the level of economic development of the origin-country. Our analysis of married immigrants to Toronto, Canada (N = 615), suggests that, contrary to findings of an “immigrant health paradox,” recent immigrants from less developed countries experience elevated rates of distress in the first 5 years post-arrival, which declines with time in Canada. Immigrants from developed countries do not experience a difference in initial status or a subsequent change in distress with increase in time.