North Korean Adolescent Refugees Research Articles

Posttraumatic growth and psychopathological symptoms as predictors in the integration of North Korean adolescent refugees: Latent profile analysis.

This study is to explore identifiable psychological differences and predictors for the subgroup of refugees who at a very early age moved from a totalitarian country to a westernized democracy, ultimately to improve policies and reduce the maladaptation of refugees to a new society. More specifically, it is to fill in significant gaps in understanding and predicting refugee tendencies toward depression, social withdrawal, aggression, and posttraumatic growth. Latent class analysis was conducted to identify subgroups based on symptom profiles within a sample of 201 North Korean adolescent refugees residing in South Korea. Four subgroups were identified: (a) High growth, (b) Low trauma with high adaptive aggression, (c) Low trauma with high social withdrawal/depression, and (d) High trauma with high comorbidity. Predictors were physical health, self-esteem, peer support, teacher support, and school adjustment. Current refugee policies in South Korea would benefit from refining services to allow customization to the specific needs and characteristics of each adolescent rather than continue the current model of homogeneity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Posttraumatic growth experiences of North Korean adolescent refugees living in South Korea: A qualitative case study.

This study aimed to explore the posttraumatic growth (PTG) experiences of North Korean adolescent refugees. The qualitative context of PTG experiences and influencing factors was explored based on the experiences vividly described by North Korean adolescent refugees. I recruited participants for a qualitative case study, targeting "high-growth type" and "low-growth type" adolescents classified through latent profile analysis. A 1:1 in-depth interview was conducted with five high-growth and four low-growth adolescents who agreed to participate in the study. Their PTG appeared to coexist with posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms such as anxiety and depression. In addition, the PTG of North Korean refugee adolescents was particularly remarkable in the areas of "personal strength" and "relating to others." The influencing factors of PTG were described in the qualitative contexts of "constructive rumination process," "self-disclosure," "peer network from both South and North Korea," and "role of significant others." This study confirmed that North Korean adolescent refugees actively strive for growth after trauma. In order to lead their PTG better, specific interventions are required for intentional rumination process, human support resources, and self-opening that affect PTG. This study has academic value in that it compares and verifies the factors affecting PTG by interviewing high- and low-growth adolescents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Nutritional status and dietary behavior of North Korean adolescent refugees based on Nutrition Quotient for Korean adolescents: a preliminary study

Nutritional status and dietary behavior of North Korean adolescent refugees based on Nutrition Quotient for Korean adolescents: a preliminary study

Routes Out of Child Abuse to School Adjustments: A Comparison Between North Korean Adolescent Refugees and Native South Korean Adolescents.

This study aimed to examine pathways from child abuse to school adjustment and the roles of self-control and academic stress on the link among North Korean adolescent refugees living in South Korea and native South Korean adolescents. A total of 610 students (adolescents from South Korea = 325 and adolescents from North Korea = 285) living in South Korea, from juniors in middle schools to seniors in high schools, were interviewed in 2017. Multigroup structural equation modeling was used to examine differences in the country of origin on the pathways from abuse to school adjustment via self-control and academic stress. North Korean adolescent refugees were less likely to adjust to their school life than South Korean adolescents. Academic stress was found as a significant mediator between self-control and school adjustment in both South Korean and North Korean adolescents. Child abuse was associated with self-control of South Korean adolescents. Childhood abuse from parents can have an overall influence on individual characteristics and school life for adolescents. By paying attention to this process, comprehensive solutions are urgently required not only to intervene in the problem of abusive parenting behaviors but also to block the path of the expanding negative consequences among both groups of adolescents.

A Qualitative Investigation of Leisure Engagement and Health Benefits Among North Korean Adolescent Refugees

The purpose of this study was to investigate the leisure behaviors of adolescent defectors from North to South Korea and the mental health benefits they derive from leisure participation, a topic not previously addressed in the literature. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 participants. Qualitative analysis based on acculturation theory revealed three salient themes of leisure benefits: (a) creating a sense of belonging, (b) increasing psychological well-being, and (c) facilitating acculturation. The results indicate that participants gained social and psychological benefits through leisure activities. They also suggest that the provision of recreation programs that encourage inter/intragroup participation can be an important component of these young refugees’ cultural and social adjustment.

The Effect of Traumatic Experiences of North Korean Adolescent Refugees upon Their Negative Health Perception: Focusing on Multiple Moderating Effect of Problem-Focused versus Social Support-Focused Coping Strategies.

The health problems of North Korean (NK) refugees living a new life after surviving the dangers of life and death traumas is an issue that must be taken very seriously. Adolescent refugees may be particularly vulnerable to adverse physical and mental health issues because of major physical, cognitive, and psychosocial developmental changes during adolescence. This study examines the positive roles two active coping strategies—problem-focused coping and social support-focused coping—can play in NK refugee adolescents’ health self-awareness. The analysis found that “social support-focused coping” alleviates the negative relationship between traumatic experience and health perception, acting as a protective factor. Contrary to our prediction, the protective effect of adopting “problem-focused coping” in this study was not verified. The findings suggest that providing interventions for developing appropriate coping strategies help them live healthier, both physically and mentally, in South Korean society.

북한이탈 청소년의 외상 후 성장 연구: 잠재프로파일 분석을 통한 성장 유형화 및 결정요인 검증

본 연구는 기존의 주류적 접근인 병리적 접근에서 벗어나 향후 중요한 인적자원이 될 북한이탈 청소년의 성장적 측면에 주목했다는 점에서 차별성을 지닌다. 이에 본 연구는 202명의 국내북한이탈 청소년을 대상으로 외상사건 이후 나타나는 ‘외상 후 성장’ 경험에 주목하였다. 더불어 구체적인 성장 개입방안을 모색하기 위해 잠재프로파일 분석(LPA)을 통해 외상 후 성장을 유형화하였으며, 다항 로지스틱 회귀분석을 통해 외상 후 성장의 결정요인을 검증하였다. 주요분석결과는 다음과 같다. 잠재프로파일 분석결과, 북한이탈 청소년은 고성장형 집단(34.2%), 중간성장형 집단(55.6%), 저성장형 집단(10.2%)의 3가지의 이질적인 잠재집단으로 유형화되었다. ‘고성장형’ 집단을 기준으로 타 집단(중간성장형, 저성장형)과의 비교를 통해 성장의 결정요인을 검토한 결과, 공통적으로 또래애착, 사회적 지지 크기, 정서지원 및 의료지원이 고성장을 예측하는 중요한 요인으로 나타났다. 즉, 이는 이들의 외상 후 성장을 증진시키기 위해서는 해당 부분에 대한 집중적인 개입이 필요함을 시사한다. 반면 추가적으로 밝혀진 ‘저성장형’ 집단의 결정요인인 자기효능감과 교사애착 변인에 대해서는 공통적인 접근과 함께 별도의 추가적 개입을 통해 이들의 성장을 견인할 수 있을 것으로 사료된다. 이에 본 연구는 주요 연구결과를 토대로 북한이탈 청소년의 성장을 위한 정책적·실천적 함의와 연구의 한계점에 대해 논의하였다.

The Mediating Effect of Internal Locus of Control in the Relationship between Family and Friend Support and Acculturative Stress of North Korean Adolescent Refugees

This study examined the mediating effect of internal locus of control in the relationship between family and friend support and acculturative stress of North Korean adolescent refugees. Participants consisted of 101 North Korean adolescent refugees (40 males and 61 females) aged 13 to 24, who live in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province, and Busan. SPSS 25.0 and Mplus 5.12 were used to analyze data. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were calculated and structural equation modeling (SEM) examined the mediating effect. The results of this study are as follows. First, a higher level of family support and friend support were associated with a higher level of internal locus of control. A higher level of internal locus of control was associated with a lower level of acculturative stress among North Korean adolescent refugees. Second, the level of internal locus of control mediated the relationship between friend support and acculturative stress. This study is meaningful in that it examines the specific paths affecting acculturative stress of North Korean adolescent by examining family and friend support, which are environmental factors, and internal locus of control, which is internal factor of individuals. The study results suggest that improving friend support as well as increasing the level of internal locus of control for North Korean adolescent refugees can be an effective way to prevent or intervene acculturative stress. Keywords: North Korean adolescent refugees, acculturative stress, family support, friend support, internal locus of control

The Relationship between Internet Addiction and the Mental Health of North Korean Adolescent Refugees in Alternative Schools

Objectives ： North Korean adolescent refugees have mental health difficulties and adaptation problems in South Korea due to psychological trauma. Recently, the prevalence of internet addiction, which is known to be closely related to mental health, among adolescents has increased. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the mental health of North Korean adolescent refugees and internet addiction. Methods ： The study subjects were 95 North Korean adolescent refugee alternative school students. The participants completed questionnaires on demographic variables, which considered factors related to North Korean defection and the following self-rated scales to assess depression, impulsivity, and internet addiction : The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11), and the Kimberly Young Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Results ： Among the North Korean adolescent refugees who participated in the study, age (t=-2.226, p=0.029), sex (t=2.964, p=0.004), and CES-D scores (t=3.788, p＜0.001) were significantly correlated with IAT scores. Conclusion : Our results showed that depression and internet addiction were highly correlated in North Korean adolescent refugees. This study will be helpful to understand North Korean adolescent refugees with internet addictions.

Structural Equation Model for Psychosocial Adjustment in North Korean Adolescent Refugees

Structural Equation Model for Psychosocial Adjustment in North Korean Adolescent Refugees

Moral Universality and Diversity in Culture - With a focus on the moral personality of North Korean adolescent refugees -

Moral Universality and Diversity in Culture - With a focus on the moral personality of North Korean adolescent refugees -

Factors Affecting Depressive Symptoms among North Korean Adolescent Refugees Residing in South Korea.

We examined factors affecting the depressive symptoms and the relationship between depression and quality of life among 131 North Korean adolescent refugees aged 12–24 years. We compared sociodemographic, social, and individual characteristics and perceived the quality of life between participants with and without depression. Thirty-seven refugees (28.2%) had clinically significant depressive symptoms. The refugees with depression were younger (t = 2.67; p = 0.009), more likely to be male (χ2 = 6.98; p = 0.009), and more likely to have a Chinese father (χ2 = 9.05; p = 0.003) than those without depression. The refugees with depression had lower levels of psychological social support (t = 2.96; p = 0.004) and resilience (t = 4.24; p < 0.001) and higher levels of alcohol problems (t = −2.08; p = 0.043), aggression (t = −3.15; p = 0.003), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD; t = −2.89; p = 0.004). They also reported lower levels of life satisfaction (t = 3.31; p = 0.001) and had a more negative view of their future (t = 2.68; p = 0.010). Interventions to increase resilience, to decrease the impact of traumatic events, and to provide psychological support may be helpful for North Korean adolescent refugees at risk of depression.

Missional Ministry of North Korean adolescent Refugees

Missional Ministry of North Korean adolescent Refugees

The Experience Research on the Integrative Arts Psychotherapy for Trauma Resolution of North Korean Adolescent Refugees

The Experience Research on the Integrative Arts Psychotherapy for Trauma Resolution of North Korean Adolescent Refugees

The Multicultural Competence of Teachers and Christian Alternative Education for North Korean Adolescent Refugees

The Multicultural Competence of Teachers and Christian Alternative Education for North Korean Adolescent Refugees

An Analysis of the Experiences of School Life Adaptation of North Korean Adolescent Refugees

An Analysis of the Experiences of School Life Adaptation of North Korean Adolescent Refugees

A Study of Predictive Factors Affecting Health: Promoting Behaviors of North Korean Adolescent Refugees.

Objectives:The present study aimed to analyze the factors that could affect the health-promoting behaviors of North Korean adolescent refugees residing in South Korea.Methods:Questions about their sociodemographic variables, subjective health status, healthy living habits, and health-promoting behaviors were asked.Results:Statistically significant differences were found in religion (t=2.30, p<0.05), having family members in South Korea (t=2.02, p<0.05), and subjective health status (t=4.96, p<0.01). Scores on health-responsible behaviors were higher with higher age (t=2.90, p<0.01) and for subjects without family or friends (t=2.43, p<0.05). Higher physical-activity behaviors were observed in males (t=3.32, p<0.01), in those with better subjective health status (t=3.46, p<0.05) and lower body mas index (t=3.48, p<0.05), and in smokers (t=3.17, p<0.01). Nutritional behaviors were higher in those who followed a religion (t=2.17, p<0.05). Spiritual growth behaviors were higher in those who followed a religion (t=4.21, p<0.001), had no family in South Korea (t=2.04, p<0.05), and had higher subjective health status (t=5.74, p<0.01). Scores on interpersonal relationships and stress-management behaviors were higher for those with higher subjective health status. A multiple regression analysis showed greater effects on health-promoting behaviors when subjective health status was better. Older people and non-smokers exhibited more health-responsible behaviors, while more physical-activity behaviors and spiritual growth activities were observed when subjective health status was better. Interpersonal relationship behaviors had positive effects on those with good subjective heath status and on non-smokers.Conclusions:Based on the results of the current study, an alternative was suggested for promoting health in North Korean adolescent refugees.

Understanding social exclusion and psychosocial adjustment of North Korean adolescents and young adult refugees in South Korea through Photovoice

A growing number of North Korean refugees residing in South Korea face significant challenges in cultural adjustment. However, psychosocial adjustment of North Korean young refugees is not fully understood. To address this research gap, this study explores the life experiences of 10 North Korean adolescent and young adult refugees who resettled in South Korea. Using Photovoice as a participatory research tool consisting of individual interviews, group discussions, and visual representations, six major themes emerged: friends, what we have lost, the world we live in, culture, life goals, and values. Participants reported experiencing social exclusion and peer discrimination as barriers to successful adjustment in South Korea. They also defined their new homeland as a place where competition, material wealth, and social status are highly valued, while traditional values and nature are shunned. Despite these barriers, all of the participants have made efforts to adapt to their new homeland and create new life goals with support from the group home where the participants resided in South Korea. Recognizing and understanding complex issues related to psychosocial adjustments of these refugees can inform the development of culturally relevant psychosocial interventions that foster a sense of belonging and promote coping mechanisms for these young people.

A Qualitative Study on School Adjustment of North Korean Adolescent Refugees: A Comparison Between Alternative and General High Schools

A Qualitative Study on School Adjustment of North Korean Adolescent Refugees: A Comparison Between Alternative and General High Schools

Socially engaged art practice and character education: Understanding others through visual art

Abstract This article examines to what extent socially engaged art practice encourages students by promoting creativity, a sense of citizen responsibility, critical thinking, reflection, an interest in social justice, and consideration of people living in the local community, and ultimately contributing significantly to character education. In community-based art education, which enables the building of character, learners overcome the limitations of knowledge-oriented education to understand others, thus adding more meaning to their lives and helping them cultivate democratic citizenship so that they may serve society. This article discusses a key feature of socially engaged art practice through a case study by focusing on the service learning of an alternative school for North Korean adolescent refugees. The theoretical roots of socially engaged art practice and service learning for developing democratic citizenship are examined. The case of art education at alternative schools for North Korean adolescent refugees is discussed through the lens of community-based art education. North Korean adolescent refugees and South Korean graduate school students taught and were taught through reciprocal participation in service learning.