Psychosocial Functioning of Youth Refugees from North Korea and Preventive Social Work Practice from Strengths Perspective

Abstract

Youth refugees from North Korea go through painful pathways from NK till coming this country, then their coming to South Korea involves serious acculturation stress, therefore their adaptation to S. Korea and overcoming cultural differences are very challenging. Previous research demonstrated both strengths and limitations of these youths and indicated the necessity of preventive approaches to these youth refugees in terms of multicultural social work practice. Thus this study examined: 1) their pathways from N. Korea to S. Korea and the acculturation processes; 2) factors involved in the acculturation; 3) protective and risk factors for their adaptation and growth; 4) considerations for preventive approaches to these youth refugees. The preventive approach needs to be established in multi-level tiers, such as for the 1st tier during their temporary stay in China or in the 3rd country before coming to S. Korea, 2nd tier when they are in the Hanawon, and the 3rd tier in the community when they are resided for school or work. Specific programs for the preventive service need to be based on ecosystems perspective, life course, social learning and social development, and positive psychology. Finally, several issues for content development appropriating for the youth refugees were suggested including extra-curricula activities, family support, gender-sensitivity, etc.