Factors associated with posttraumatic growth among North Korean defectors in South Korea

Mi Kyung Lee,Kyoung-A Kim,Sang Hui Chu,Ocksim Kim

doi:10.1038/s41598-022-07945-3

Abstract

Refugees experience various kinds of trauma during the migration process, which can cause psychiatric problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder. However, in the process of overcoming traumatic experiences, they may also experience posttraumatic growth (PTG). This study examined the level of PTG and its associated factors among North Korean defectors, including posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). In total, 212 North Korean defectors completed self-report questionnaires measuring PTG (PTG inventory), PTSS (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, PCL-5), quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF), and various sociodemographic variables. Participants completed the survey online, from July 27 to August 4, 2020. Participants reported a moderate level of PTG scores (51.7 ± 15.4, range 0–80). To determine the impact of PTSS on PTG among North Korean defectors, we conducted a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. In the final model, several sociodemographic factors (years in South Korea, education in North Korea, religion, and employment status), overall quality of life (β = 0.321, p < 0.001), and PTSS (β = 0.162, p = 0.035) were positively associated with PTG, whereas living with family (β = − 0.1261, p = 0.040) and loneliness (β = − 0.401, p < 0.001) were negatively associated with PTG, accounting for 36.6% of the variance in PTG scores (p < 0.001). This is the first large-scale study describing the level of PTG and its associated factors among North Korean defectors residing in South Korea. Further, our study provides suggestions for future research in this area, and interventions for improving PTG among this group.

Highlights

Refugees experience various kinds of trauma during the migration process, which can cause psychiatric problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder
This study aimed to explore posttraumatic growth (PTG) and its factors among North Korean defectors living in South Korea, through an examination of the relationship between posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and PTG, and identifying factors associated with PTG, considering sociodemographic factors as covariates
PTG scores did not differ significantly between men and women (p = 0.110), according to educational level in North Korea (p = 0.075), years spent in South Korea (p = 0.336), and living with family (p = 0.244)

Summary

Introduction

Refugees experience various kinds of trauma during the migration process, which can cause psychiatric problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder. As PTSS and PTG in trauma survivors can have vastly different psychological consequences, North Korean defectors can experience both distress and growth through their hardships in North Korea, the process of entering South Korea, and even after their resettlement. While pathological phenomena such as PTSS and mental disorders among North Korean defectors have been the focus of considerable research, there has been less attention on PTG, which contributes to their overall growth and quality of life[5,20]. Current trauma-focused treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, involve higher costs, as they require trained clinicians and other resources

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