Korean Adults Research Articles

Relationship between dietary protein and amino acid intake and handgrip strength in Korean adults: data from the 2014–2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BackgroundSarcopenia contributes to an increased risk of falls and fractures, and reduced mobility, and mortality. Supplementation with dietary protein and amino acids has been suggested as a potential strategy to slow or prevent the associated loss of muscle mass and strength. However, most previous studies have focused on dietary protein or limited populations, such as older adults. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary protein and amino acid intake and handgrip strength (HG) in Korean adults.MethodsThis study used data from the 2014–2019 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. A total of 18,565 adults who participated in a 1-day 24-hour recall method were included. Protein intake was calculated as a percentage of total energy intake from food sources (animal and plant). Amino acid intake (g/day), including essential amino acids (EAAs), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and non essential amino acids (NEAAs), was assessed using a database expanded based on amino acid composition databases constructed by national institutions. Low HG was diagnosed based on the 2019 guidelines of the Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia.ResultsIn the fully adjusted model, total and plant protein intakes were positively associated with HG levels (kg) (β = 0.04 and 0.07 per 1% increase, respectively; p < 0.05 for both). Participants aged ≥ 65 years in the highest NEAA intake group had a 42% lower risk of low HG compared to those in the lowest intake group (odds ratio 0.58; 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.97; p for trend = 0.1026). A lower risk of HG was observed in older participants whose plant protein intake ranged from 8 to 10% of energy, compared to those consuming less than 7%. However, no association was found when intake exceeded 10% of energy.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that a high intake of NEAAs and a moderately high intake of plant protein may be associated with a lower risk of low HG among Korean older adults. Further prospective studies are needed to explore the effects of protein and amino acid intake on muscle mass and strength.

Evaluation of Safety, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacodynamic Characteristics of a Novel Dual mGluR5/5-HT2AR Antagonist (VVZ-2471) in a Randomized, Double-Blind, First-in-Human Study.

VVZ-2471 is a dual-target compound that simultaneously inhibits both metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 and serotonin receptor subtype 2A. Preclinical studies have supported VVZ-2471 as a promising candidate for opioid use disorder. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of VVZ-2471 capsules in healthy Korean adults. A phase I, double blind, placebo controlled, single ascending dose (SAD) and multiple ascending dose (MAD) study was conducted in healthy adult males. In the SAD study, participants received a single oral dose of VVZ-2471 ranging from 25 to 600 mg, including a satellite food-effect group receiving 200 mg. In the MAD study, participants received 200 mg once daily (QD), 200 mg twice daily, and 400 mg QD for 7 days. Plasma and urine samples were collected for the PK analyses. Safety analysis was based on adverse events, clinical laboratory tests, vital signs, physical examinations, 12-lead electrograms, oxygen saturation monitoring, and the Beck Depression Inventory-II test. The potential of VVZ-2471 for treating addiction was explored using a well-established questionnaire on smoking urges (QSU-Brief) consisting of ten items. A total of 49 and 24 healthy Korean adult males completed the SAD and MAD study, respectively. The overall demographic characteristics of participants who received VVZ-2471 or placebo in the SAD and MAD studies were generally comparable. Following a single oral dose of VVZ-2471 up to 600 mg, the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) increased proportionally with the dose. After repeated administration, the accumulation ratio of VVZ-2471 ranged from 1.4 to 2.0. In the fed state, the maximum plasma concentration and AUC of VVZ-2471 decreased to 0.78-fold and 0.61-fold, respectively, compared with the fasting state. Urinary excretion was marginal. The most common adverse events were nausea and dizziness. Among 29 smokers, participants given VVZ-2471 at 200 mg or higher had reduced smoking urges compared with the placebo. VVZ-2471 was well tolerated up to a single oral dose of 600 mg and a daily oral dose of 400 mg for 7 days. While preliminary, a trend of reducing smoking urges was observed in the VVZ-2471 group. Clinical Research Information Service (CRiS), Republic of Korea (a primary registry in the World Health Organization (WHO) Registry Network) identifier no. KCT000889.

Utilization of Dietary Supplements in People with the Atopic Triad in Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study Using KNHANES (2018–2021)

Background and Objectives: Studies investigating the types of dietary supplements associated with the atopic triad using large-scale data remain limited. We assessed the prevalence of the atopic triad, the types of dietary supplements used, and their associations in Korean adults using a 4-year national survey data. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study utilized data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2018–2021). Adults aged ≥ 19 years were included. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participants’ overall characteristics and estimate the national prevalence of the atopic triad, defined as a diagnosis of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or atopic dermatitis. Logistic regression analyses were conducted using each atopic condition as a dependent variable, with the types of dietary supplements currently used as independent variables. Covariates included socioeconomic status, lifestyle factors, frailty, and diet. Dietary supplements were categorized as multivitamins/minerals, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A/lutein, propolis, omega-3, probiotics, red ginseng, calcium, or iron. Results: A total of 18,182 adults were analyzed, representing an estimated 52.8 million adults (mean age: 47 years; 50% male). Of these, 21% reported a history of any atopic triad, and 61% were current supplement users. Logistic regression showed significantly higher odds of all three atopic conditions among users of propolis (asthma: OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.04–3.47; allergic rhinitis: OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.25–2.17; atopic dermatitis: OR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.18–3.52), and higher odds of allergic rhinitis among users of probiotics (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06–1.38) and vitamin D (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.16–1.75). Conclusions: A positive association was found between propolis use and all three atopic conditions. Also, a positive association was found between probiotics or vitamin D use and allergic rhinitis. We did not find significant associations with the other supplements. Further research in establishing causal relationships between the dietary supplements and atopic conditions are needed.

Health and Socio-Demographic Factors Affecting Happiness Among Korean Adults with Moderate and Severe Disabilities: A National Survey-Based Study

Background and Objectives: This study identified health-related factors that affect the happiness of Korean adults with disabilities based on the disability level. Materials and Methods: Data of 7581 adults with disabilities aged 20 or older were collected from the 2023 Survey on the Status of Persons with Disabilities. The collected data were analyzed using frequency and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: Among individuals with moderate disability, males were less happy than females. Those with elementary school or lower education levels were less happy than those with college or higher education levels. Those who experienced stress, sadness and despair, suicidal thoughts, or discrimination were less happy than those who did not. In contrast, married individuals were happier than unmarried individuals. Those who exercised, went out alone, engaged in paid work, or participated in social activities were happier than those who did not. Among individuals with severe disabilities, males were less happy than females. Those with lower levels of education were less happy than those with higher levels of education. Those who experienced stress, sadness and despair, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, difficulty in communication, or discrimination were less happy than those who did not. Those who perceived their body as very thin were less happy than those who perceived it as very obese. Those who suffered from chronic disease were less happy than those who did not. In contrast, those aged 20–29 were happier than those aged 80 years or older. Married individuals were happier than unmarried ones. Those who exercised, went out alone, engaged in paid work, or participated in social activities were happier than those who did not. Conclusions: Factors affecting the happiness of Korean individuals with disabilities differ depending on the disability degree. Therefore, health policies, plans, and support measures must be established based on the disability degree to support daily physical activities, along with health services facilitating physical activity.

Association of dietary inflammatory index with mortality risk: a prospective analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

The energy-adjusted dietary inflammatory index (E-DII), a tool developed based on comprehensive research and literature reviews, is used to assess the inflammatory potential of specific diets. Although previous research has demonstrated an association between E-DII and mortality, longitudinal studies investigating a causal relationship in Asian populations are lacking. This study aimed to explore the prospective association between E-DII and the risk of all-cause, cancer, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality using a population-based Korean cohort. The analysis included data from 40,596 individuals who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2007 and 2015. The exclusion criteria encompassed the diagnosis of cancer or CVD at baseline, pregnancy at baseline, and death within the first 2 years after baseline. The E-DII was calculated using data from 24-hour dietary recall interviews. Cox proportional hazard regression models were employed to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mortality risk across E-DII tertiles. Over an 8.2-year follow-up period, 2,070 deaths were recorded. Compared with the lowest E-DII, a higher index was associated with an increased risk of mortality from all causes (HR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.25 to 1.69), cancer (HR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.81), and CVD (HR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.07 to 2.18). The association between E-DII and all-cause mortality was particularly pronounced among individuals with metabolic conditions. Our findings suggest a strong positive association between high E-DII and increased mortality in Korean adults, especially those with metabolic disorders.

Iron Consumption and Colorectal Cancer in Korean Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major health concern in Korea, with its increasing incidence emphasizing the urgent need to identify risk factors. Recent studies suggest that heme iron elevates CRC risk, but evidence remains conflicting. This study examined the associations between total, heme, and non-heme iron intake and the incidence of colorectal, colon, and rectal cancer in Koreans. Methods: Using the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study Health Examinee (KoGES HEXA) cohort, a large community-based cohort of healthy Koreans, we constructed a database of iron content for foods listed in a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and assessed dietary iron intake for each participant. Colorectal, colon, and rectal cancer cases were identified via the national cancer registry up to 2018. The association between iron consumption and cancers was evaluated with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) using multivariable-adjusted Cox regression. Results: During the 9.1-year median follow-up of 109,908 participants (37,697 men and 71,401 women, median age: 53.8 years), 608 new CRC cases were identified. Moderate total iron consumption in the second quintile (5.00–6.27 mg/day) decreased CRC (HR: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.58–0.97) and colon cancer (HR: 0.71; 95%CI: 0.51–1.00) risk compared to the lowest consumption quintile (1.09–4.99 mg/day), as did non-heme iron intake in the second quintile (4.98–6.24 mg/day) compared to its lowest quintile (1.09–4.97 mg/day) (CRC HR: 0.75; 95%CI: 0.58–0.98; colon cancer HR: 0.70; 95%CI: 0.49–0.98). Conclusions: Moderate total and non-heme iron intake reduced colorectal and colon cancer risk in Koreans, possibly via the displacement of carcinogens and the increased intake of protective micronutrients from plant-based foods. Larger-scale studies may be instrumental in substantiating these results.

Predictors of self-assessed likelihood of future drug use among Korean adults: the role of health beliefs and personality traits

Substance use is a growing public health concern in South Korea. However, research on the predictive factors influencing future drug use remains limited. This study examined the self-assessed likelihood of future drug use in a sample of 3,000 Korean adults aged 19-59 years, focusing on health beliefs and personality traits as predictors. Using multiple regression analysis based on the health belief model (HBM) and selected personality traits, we explored how perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, hope for the future, and sensation-seeking influence the likelihood of drug use. The results indicated that demographic factors such as sex, age, and income had limited predictive power. In contrast, past drug use and recent violence-related trauma significantly increased the likelihood of future drug use. Higher perceived susceptibility was associated with an increased likelihood of drug use, whereas greater self-efficacy was associated with a reduced likelihood. Among the personality traits, hope for the future was found to decrease, and sensation-seeking to increase the likelihood of drug use. This study underscores the need for interventions to enhance self-control and reduce drug accessibility. However, limitations such as reliance on self-reported data and a cross-sectional design suggest the need for longitudinal studies and culturally adapted measures in future research. These advances are crucial for validating and extending these findings, ultimately contributing to more effective drug prevention strategies.

Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and allergic diseases in Korean adults: KNHANES 2013–2016

BackgroundThe prevalence of allergic diseases [e.g., asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), atopic dermatitis (AD)] has increased significantly in recent years, which is coincides with a shift in modern eating habits. The Mediterranean diet, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, may be beneficial in the prevention of allergic diseases. However, its effects on allergic diseases have not been sufficiently studied. We investigated the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and allergic diseases.MethodsThis study analyzed the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (using the modified Mediterranean diet score, mMED) and atopic dermatitis, asthma, and allergic rhinitis in 12,080 participants using data from the 2013–2016 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to control for confounding factors such as age, gender, education level, income, and lifestyle.ResultsIn multivariable adjusted models, participants with higher mMED had a significantly lower risk of developing AD (OR 0.57; 95% CI, 0.36–0.92; p trend = 0.0201). When stratified by sex, this risk reduction was more significant in females (OR 0.50; 95% CI, 0.27–0.96; p trend &amp;lt;0.05). Across mMED components, fish and peanut intake were negatively associated with the occurrence of AD and AR (OR 0.55; 95% CI, 0.40–0.76; p trend &amp;lt;0.05, OR 0.75; 95% CI, 0.65–0.87; p trend &amp;lt;0.05). There was no significant association between asthma and AR and mMED scores.ConclusionHigh adherence to the Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower prevalence of atopic dermatitis, especially in women. Fish and peanut intake have an important protective role against atopic diseases.

Prolonged social withdrawal ("hikikomori") and its associations with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among young adults in Korea: Findings from the 2022 Youth Life Survey.

Prolonged social withdrawal ("hikikomori") and its associations with depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among young adults in Korea: Findings from the 2022 Youth Life Survey.

Joint Association of Occupational and Leisure‐Time Physical Activity With Low Back Pain in Korean Adults

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the effect of the interaction between gender‐specific occupational physical activity (OPA) and leisure‐time physical activity (LTPA) on low back pain (LBP) risk.MethodsData were obtained from a large‐scale cohort survey of Koreans, comprising a total of 2750 participants recruited during 2011–2012. OPA and LTPA were assessed using validated questionnaires and classified into two groups: “&lt; 150 min/wk” and “≥ 150 min/wk.” LBP was defined based on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and visual analogue scale (VAS) criteria. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), and multiple linear regression analyses were used to estimate β coefficients with 95% CI to assess the associations between OPA, LTPA, and LBP.ResultsThe results showed that increased OPA was significantly associated with higher ODI scores (β = 0.02, p = 0.021), whereas increased LTPA was significantly associated with reductions in both ODI (β = −0.07, p = 0.012) and VAS scores (β = −0.01, p = 0.013). Furthermore, engaging in OPA for ≥ 150 min/week was associated with an elevated LBP risk (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.12–1.69), with significant gender differences observed. In contrast, for participants with &lt; 150 min/wk of leisure‐related physical activity, LBP risk increased (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.01–1.76), whereas for those with ≥ 150 min/wk, LBP risk decreased (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.66–0.95), a significant effect observed only in females.ConclusionThese findings suggest that ensuring adequate rest during OPA and promoting leisure‐related physical activity may be critical strategies for reducing chronic LBP.

Correlates of Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Korean Adults.

Background: Loneliness is a public health concern. Despite the increasing attention paid to loneliness globally, knowledge regarding the condition in Korea is scarce. This study aims to examine the correlates of loneliness and social isolation among Korean adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study used a nationally representative sample of adults aged 30 years and older from the 2021 National Mental Health Survey of Korea (N = 4696). The survey used the six-item loneliness and social isolation scale (LSIS-6) to assess loneliness and social isolation between June and August, 2021. Two ordinary least squares regression models were conducted. Model 1 included socio-demographic variables as correlates of loneliness and social isolation. Model 2 added a range of mental health conditions, such as depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, alcohol-use disorder, nicotine-use disorders, and physical inactivity. Mental health was measured in relation to whether the participant had experienced each disorder in his/her lifetime. Results: A total of 34.4% of participants reported that they felt lonely at least occasionally. After all adjustments, the experience of mental health conditions was associated with an increase in the LSIS-6 score (B = 2.32 for depressive disorder, B = 0.59 for anxiety disorder, B = 0.36 for both alcohol-use disorder and nicotine-use disorder; p < 0.01). In addition, greater loneliness and social isolation were associated with male gender, older age, a lower educational level, non-married status, a lower household income, having a smaller number of children, having a greater number of chronic conditions, and taking less frequent walks per week. Conclusions: In conclusion, loneliness is prevalent among Korean adults. Loneliness and social isolation correlated significantly with socio-demographic characteristics and the experience of mental health conditions.

The Influence of New Media Literacy on Brand Engagement: Mediating Effects of Perceived Interactivity and Openness and the Moderating Effect of Age

The shift toward new media has brought changes to market participants. New media literacy has emerged as a necessary competency for consumers, and brand engagement has become a key goal of brand communication. However, despite the established importance of new media literacy, how it affects perceptions and reactions toward brand communication has not been investigated. This study examined how functional and critical consuming literacy, which are components of new media literacy, influence brand engagement through the mediating roles of perceived interactivity and openness and the moderating effect of age. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 260 South Korean adults and a hypothetical brand’s social media post. The results showed that the effect of functional consuming literacy on engagement varied by age: functional consuming literacy in the younger group decreased perceived interactivity, perceived openness, and brand engagement. In the older group, functional consuming literacy preliminarily increased perceived interactivity. Critical consuming literacy enhanced perceived interactivity and openness, positively affecting brand engagement across all ages. This study reframes new media literacy as critical in shaping consumer behavior and brand interactions. These findings suggest that new media literacy is a critical variable in understanding consumer behavior in the new media era.

The association between noodle consumption and metabolic syndrome in Korean adults.

The proportion of noodles in the Korean diet is increasing, but the effect of noodle intake on metabolic syndrome has not been sufficiently investigated. Therefore, we investigated noodle consumption and its relation to metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. This study was conducted on 10,505 adults using the combined data of the 2012-2016 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). Noodle intake was evaluated with a food frequency question-naire (FFQ) based on 112 food items. To compute odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) controlled for confounders, multivariable logistic regression models were used. Compared to people in the lowest levels of noodle intake, the OR of the metabolic syndrome of those in the highest levels was 1.48 (95% CI, 1.16-1.90; p-trend = 0.002). This positive association was also found for hypertriglyceridemia and abdominal obesity, which were metabolic syndrome components. Specifically, the odds of having hypertriglyceridemia were 38% (OR, 1.38; 95% CI, 1.14-1.66; p-trend < 0.001) higher for people with high noodle consumption compared to those with low noodle consumption in the overall population. The tendency for people who consume a lot of noodles to have raised odds of metabolic syndrome was observed when analyzed by the type of noodles. This study suggested noodle intake was positively related to met-abolic syndrome and its components in Korean adults. Further clinical trials and prospective cohort studies are required to identify a causal relationship between noodle intake and metabolic syndrome in Koreans.

Association Between C-Reactive Protein and Suicidal Ideation: A Large-Scale Cross-Sectional Study.

Studies of C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and suicidal behaviours have shown inconsistent results previously. This study investigated the relationship between CRP levels and suicidal ideation in a large population-based cohort in Korea to enhance the understanding of the biological aspects of suicide and inform more accurate risk assessment models in clinical applications. A multivariate regression model was used to estimate the CRP levels by suicidal ideation and calculate the odds ratio (OR) for suicidal ideation per increase in CRP. People with suicidal ideation had higher CRP levels than those without suicidal ideation (1.35 mg/dL vs. 1.17 mg/dL). In the age- and gender-adjusted model, the OR for suicidal ideation per 1-SD increase in log (CRP) was 1.14 (p = 0.029). However, the fully adjusted model did not reach statistical significance. The relationship between CRP levels and suicide might not be evident among Korean adults. Key Words: C-reactive protein, Inflammation, Socioeconomic factors, Suicidal ideation, Public health problem.

Triglyceride-glucose parameters as predictors of diabetes mellitus incidence in Korean adults: a secondary analysis of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study

Triglyceride-glucose parameters as predictors of diabetes mellitus incidence in Korean adults: a secondary analysis of the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study

Predictive association between the γ-glutamyltransferase-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and all-cause mortality in the Korean genome and epidemiology study: health examinees cohort.

The ratio of γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) is a novel noninsulin-based marker for assessing the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, it is unclear whether the GGT/HDL-C ratio is related to all-cause mortality. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the longitudinal association of GGT/HDL-C on all-cause mortality in a large cohort of Korean adults. Data were assessed for 87,668 participants (25,767 men and 61,901 women) from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study-Health Examinees cohort. These data were combined with the death certificate database from the National Statistical Office. The participants were divided into four groups according to GGT/HDL-C quartiles. We prospectively assessed hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause mortality in the 11.7 years following the baseline survey using multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models including age, BMI, smoking status, and drinking habits, which are known to be major confounders. During the follow-up period, 3,214 individuals (3.6%; 1,728 men and 1,486 women) died. The respective HRs (95% CIs) of mortality for GGT/HDL-C quartiles 2-4 were 1.15 (0.99-1.33), 1.48 (1.28-1.71), and 1.97 (1.70-2.29) in men and 1.22 (1.02-1.45), 1.36 (1.15-1.61), and 1.69 (1.42-2.00) in women after adjusting for confounders. GGT/HDL-C may be a useful predictive marker for all-cause mortality in men and women. We believe that GGT/HDL-C ratio will provide a complementary tool to help clinicians make decisions about prevention and disease management to improve survival.

Effects of dietary sources and personal care products on paraben exposure in young Korean adults: A crossover intervention study.

Effects of dietary sources and personal care products on paraben exposure in young Korean adults: A crossover intervention study.

Impact of energy intake on the association between protein intake and the prevalence of frailty in older Korean adults: The Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2014-2018.

Findings regarding dietary protein and frailty are inconsistent. This inconsistency may be attributed to variations in energy intake adequacy. We hypothesized that the prevalence of frailty in older adults with sufficient energy intake is inversely associated with the intake of total, animal, and plant proteins; however, in those with deficient energy intake, this association may not be observed. This cross-sectional study included data of 5,768 adults aged ≥65 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014-2018. Frailty was assessed using a modified Cardiovascular Health Study frailty index. Protein intake was measured via a 24-h recall and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression. In older adults with sufficient energy intake, frailty was inversely associated with the intake of total (odds ratio [OR], 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.46-0.97; p = 0.032), animal (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.43-0.82; p = 0.001), and plant proteins (OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.50-0.92; p = 0.043). In those with deficient energy intake, total and animal protein intake showed no significant associations with frailty, whereas plant protein intake was inversely associated with frailty. Adequate energy intake appears essential for the protective effects of total and animal protein against frailty. Higher plant protein intake appears to confer benefits regardless of energy intake, highlighting its potential role in frailty prevention.

Double Mediation Effect of Social Interaction Anxiety and Experiential Avoidance between Internalized Shame and Social Media Addiction Tendency

Background: This study examined the pathway by which internalized shame influences the tendency toward social media addiction through the mediating roles of social interaction anxiety and experiential avoidance.Methods: Data were collected from 174 Korean adults who completed surveys measuring internalized shame, social interaction anxiety, experiential avoidance, and social media addiction. Linear regression and Process Macro were used for data analysis.Results: Internalized shame affected social media addiction by mediating experiential avoidance, and the mediation effect of social interaction anxiety was not significant. However, the double mediating effect of social interaction anxiety and experiential avoidance on the relationship between internalized shame and social media addiction was significant.Conclusions: People who chronically experience negative perceptions and shame about themselves seek stability through others; however, they experience anxiety in face-to-face interactions and use social media to control and avoid these anxieties. To effectively reduce the tendency toward social media addiction, intervention is required to avoid social interaction anxiety, rather than attempting to change maladaptive identity.

AI 휴먼 챗봇의 신뢰도 형성 과정 : 오피니언 리더와 일반 이용자의 스피치 역량과 인지된 상호작용 품질의 직렬다중매개효과

This study examines the differences in speech competence, perceived interaction quality, and trust in AI human chatbots between general users and opinion leaders. Furthermore, it investigates the structural relationships among user type, speech competence, perceived interaction quality, and trust in AI human chatbots. To this end, an experiment with a single-factor design was conducted, involving 240 South Korean adults aged 20 and older who had experience with AI human chatbots. Participants were classified into general users and opinion leader groups, and their speech competence, perceived interaction quality, and trust in AI human chatbots were compared. Additionally, user type was set as an independent variable, while speech competence and perceived interaction quality were treated as mediating variables, to analyze their structural effects on trust in AI human chatbots. The findings of this study are as follows. First, opinion leader users exhibited higher levels of speech competence, perceived interaction quality, and trust in AI human chatbots compared to general users. Second, the effect of user type on trust in AI human chatbots was fully mediated by speech competence and perceived interaction quality. This study elucidates the mechanism through which user type influences trust in AI human chatbots via speech competence and perceived interaction quality. Based on these findings, this work provides theoretical and practical implications for speech communication education strategies and the development and implementation of AI human chatbots.