College Students In South Korea Research Articles

Exploring COVID-19 Phobia among International Chinese College Students in South Korea Before Ending COVID-19 Restrictions

BackgroundCollege students, considered to be the driving force of society, are highly vulnerable to COVID-19. At a time when facing a new pandemic wave in 2022, China’s policy was in contrast with that of Korea. We investigated the phobia levels of international Chinese college students studying in Korea.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between the frequency of use and trust of information sources, and COVID-19 phobia (C19P) among Chinese college students studying in Korea before ending related restrictions.MethodsThis study employed a cross-sectional design, conducting an online survey among Chinese college students studying in Korea from April 8–15, 2022 (before Korea ended the limitations due to COVID-19). Data about 319 respondents were analyzed, including socio-demographics, information variables, knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and C19P. Hierarchical regression analysis with different models was used to examine the relationship between information trust, KAP, and C19P.ResultsResults showed that students performed well in knowledge and preventive practices, had diverse sources of getting information related to COVID-19, and highly depended on the internet and news. Students who perceived a higher severity of infection showed higher levels of COVID-19 phobia. The tendency to wear masks with family/friends, avoid crowded places, and not agree with Korean government mitigation policies reported higher levels of COVID-19 phobia.ConclusionsMore authority and proactive communication strategies, such as consultations or education programs, are needed for international students to alleviate their phobias and psychological stress.

대학생의 학과만족 척도 개발 및 타당화

Objectives This study aims to develop Satisfaction with Academic Department Scale (SADS) and testing measurement invariance by gender and major field for university students in South Korea.
 Methods The survey dataset of 1,775 students was randomly split into two samples. One of them was used for exploratory factor analysis, and the other one was used for confirmatory factor analysis.
 Results The results of the exploratory factor analysis indicated that SADS consisted of four factors (i.e.,‘course satisfaction’, ‘relationship satisfaction’, ‘perception satisfaction’, ‘general satisfaction’). The confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the SADS consisted of 4 factors with 20 items in satisfactory model fit indices. Moreover, measurement invariance by gender and major field (humanities⋅social science/natural sciences⋅engineering/ arts⋅physical education) were strictly supported. The internal consistencies of the items for each sub-factor of SADS were also reliable.
 Conclusions It is expected that SADS will be useful instrument to measure the satisfaction with academic department for university students regardless of gender and major field.

“I Am A Feminist, But . . .” Practicing Quiet Feminism in the Era of Everyday Backlash in South Korea

In this study, we investigate the practice of feminism among young South Korean women in the era of backlash. Drawing on interviews with 40 female college students in South Korea, we found that most of the participants self-identify as feminists who engage in feminist activities primarily in private offline settings on their college campuses. To understand this phenomenon of quiet feminism, which contradicts the global trend of postfeminist attitudes and online feminism, we link the students’ offline practice of everyday feminism with what we term everyday backlash. Our findings reveal that these young women have encountered widespread antifeminist sentiments in both online and offline everyday contexts since the rapid popularization of feminism in South Korea in the late 2010s. We argue that this pervasive everyday backlash not only motivates the students to create safe spaces within their college campuses but also discourages them from publicly disclosing their feminist identities. Through this research, we contribute to the literature on contemporary feminist practice and its relationship with backlash by offering a nuanced understanding of the local context in South Korea.

Optimizing the Educational Potential of Virtual Reality: The Effects of Virtual Reality and Pop Quizzes on Spatial Presence and Efficacy Perceptions

Reflecting the trend of virtual reality (VR) studies in crisis and disaster communication, this study designed VR content on fire evacuation and aimed to investigate the effects of VR for educational purposes on perceptual and cognitive factors. Using a 2 (viewing condition: video vs. VR) × 2 (quiz: presence vs. absence) between-subjects design, an experiment was conducted with 176 university students in South Korea. Findings revealed that participants who were exposed to VR (compared with video) experienced greater spatial presence and, in turn, had higher response efficacy and self-efficacy. The inclusion of pop quizzes in the material hindered the evaluation of the direct and indirect effects of VR. The findings of this study can contribute to expanding the theoretical framework of VR research and identifying learning-related factors to develop more effective educational materials related to fire evacuation.

Development and Validation of the Learning Leader Competency Test for University Students in South Korea

Development and Validation of the Learning Leader Competency Test for University Students in South Korea

한국 거주 고려인대학생의 학교생활과 진로에 관한 연구: 광주광역시 A대학교 고려인학생 사례

한국 거주 고려인대학생의 학교생활과 진로에 관한 연구: 광주광역시 A대학교 고려인학생 사례

Do Addictive Behaviors Differ by Region? Comparison of Drinking and Gambling Problems among College Students in South Korea and Hawai‘i

Addiction is a global social issue that poses significant crisis to individuals and their families’health and social aspects. The characteristics of addiction can vary depending on the region, culture, and context. Addictive behaviors such as drinking and gambling are associated with various psychosocial factors. We examined whether and how psychosocial factors (i.e., ego-resiliency, family cohesion, and social support) affect addictive behaviors, specifically drinking and gambling problems, by comparing the occurrences of both problems and related factors between college students in South Korea and Hawai‘i. We collected data from college students in South Korea (n= 503) and Hawai‘i (n= 217). Our findings showed that respondents from the Korean sample were more involved in drinking and gambling problems. In addition, we found that region was a factor associated with problem drinking and that there was a significant effect of social support on problem gambling. In conclusion, we discussed our key findings in-depth and suggested strategies to prevent and intervene early in addictive behaviors among college students.

Positive social comparison mechanism based on social comparison theory: Independency and interdependency on SNS in younger generation in Korea

AbstractPeople utilize social networking services (SNSs) as a means of self‐expression. Therefore, it is necessary to create a positive environment for users to share such content. In this study, we investigated the social comparisons made by SNS users based on the social comparison theory. Furthermore, we examined the posting tendency according to the social comparisons made by young people on SNS, specifically in terms of luxury products. The study employs the social comparison theory, as well as passive reactions to posts by SNS users, to offer insights into various aspects of SNS usage behavior, ranging from reading and posting to the satisfaction of uploading. We surveyed college students in South Korea to test our hypotheses. The findings reveal that the younger the users engage in positive social comparisons through social media activities, the stronger their tendency to create independent posts. Thus, this study extends the social comparison theory by suggesting the possibility of promoting a positive environment for social comparisons among SNS followers, thereby strengthening the virtuous cycle structure of SNSs, where followers become publishers. In addition, the study findings suggest that SNS operators and marketers will be able to provide practical help in establishing operational strategies aimed at promoting the posts of SNS users and generating positive effects.

국내 대학생의 진로개발역량에 관한 연구동향 분석

The purpose of this study was to analyze research trends on the career development competencies of college students in South Korea. A total of 25 papers were analyzed, selected from the Academic Information Service (RISS) using keywords 'undergraduate' or ‘college’ and 'career development competencies'. Key findings are as follows. First, studies on career development competencies of college students have been consistently published since 2002, peaking in 2015, primarily in education-related journals. Second, the majority of research subjects were 4-year college students. Third, most studies focused on enhancing career education by exploring the relationship between career development competencies and related variables. Fourth, in terms of research method, it was found that quantitative research conducted as cross-sectional studies were the most. Fifth, the measures of Heejin Sung and Seung-il Na(2012) were the mostly used to measure the career development competencies. In addition, the sub-factors were self-understanding, major and occupational knowledge, career decision certainty, decision-making efficacy, relationship utilization efficacy, and job search skills. Sixth, career development competencies of college students were most often used as a dependent variable and had a positive relationship with employment support service experience, career exploration behavior, employment possibility, major satisfaction, and career decision-making. Based on the research findings, several future research directions in the area of the career development competencies are provided.

Effect of gender sensitivity on attitudes toward marriage and childbirth among university students in South Korea

This research delves into the intricate domain of gender sensitivity, a cognitive process rooted in the awareness of gender equality and the ability to actively endorse and practice it. The study focuses on a cohort of university students on the brink of marriageable and childbearing age, aiming to scrutinize the potential influence of gender sensitivity on their attitudes towards marriage and childbirth. Employing a convenience sampling method, 196 students spanning from first to fourth-year were enlisted as participants. Data were collected through online surveys conducted between April 5 and April 12, 2022. Our findings illuminate that male participants harbor a more affirmative disposition towards both marriage and childbirth compared to their female counterparts. Moreover, a significant positive correlation surfaces between attitudes towards marriage and childbirth. Intriguingly, the study exposes a notable inverse relationship between gender sensitivity and attitudes towards marriage (β = -.49, t = -7.13, p < 0.001) as well as childbirth (β = -.44, t = -6.45, p < 0.001). In light of these revelations, the study underscores the paramount importance of integrating gender sensitivity into strategies aimed at enhancing university students' perspectives on marriage and childbirth. Moreover, it advocates for a policy-oriented approach to ameliorate gender inequality on a societal scale. The study's profound significance lies in its revelation that, in a society lacking in gender sensitivity, the prevalence of marriages and fertility rates may exhibit a negative correlation with gender sensitivity. This underscores the imperative need for sustained governmental efforts to augment gender sensitivity.

국외 대학 디지털 리터러시 수업 사례 검토

This study lays the groundwork for designing digital literacy classes for university students in South Korea by reviewing theoretical discussions and previous classroom practices. Based on an analysis of previous research and related materials, the study examines the syllabi of introductory courses at 10 institutions to explore their digital literacy curricula, determine the contents and values taught at each institution, and the intersection of these curricula with previous theoretical discussions on digital literacy. Evidently, there are inherent limitations due to the size of the dataset. However, it is possible to assess the approach of each institution regarding digital literacy education and explore the current status of education. The results are significant because the study identifies commonalities and differences among them. Moreover, the results can serve as a basis for designing digital literacy classes that fit the Korean context and provide directions for future research to identify other notable aspects.

Gender differences in willingness for childbirth, fertility knowledge, and value of motherhood or fatherhood and their associations among college students in South Korea, 2021

BackgroundSouth Korea is a country with a very low fertility rate and there is a tendency for young adults to postpone marriage and childbirth, which affects adverse pregnancy outcomes. It is important for young adults to predict and prepare in advance for future fertility-related issues, especially by identifying their willingness and thoughts about childbirth for both women and men. This study aimed to investigate gender differences in willingness for childbirth, fertility knowledge, and the value of motherhood or fatherhood among college students in South Korea and to explore the factors influencing willingness for childbirth.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study among 286 unmarried college students who were recruited through a campus email and online communities for college student conducted from June 20, 2021 to July 19, 2021. The data were analyzed using the chi-square test and t-test to identify gender differences in general characteristics, willingness for childbirth, fertility knowledge, and value of motherhood of fatherhood. The factors influencing willingness for childbirth were examined using multiple logistic regression.ResultsFemale students showed lower willingness for future childbirth than male students (χ2 = 26.85, p < .001). Women valued motherhood significantly less than men valued fatherhood (t = 6.34, p < .001). Women had a lower fertility knowledge score than men (t = 2.53 p = .012). The value of motherhood or fatherhood was an important influencing factor in both male and female college students (AOR = 8.57, 95% CI = 3.79–19.41 and AOR = 10.42, 95% CI = 3.65–29.80, respectively), whereas the monthly allowance was also an important influencing factor in female students (AOR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01–1.03).ConclusionThe findings indicate the future direction to develop effective interventions considering gender differences which will promote healthy pregnancy and childbirth in the future for informed reproductive decision-making for college students.

Entrapment, Hopelessness, and Cognitive Control: A Moderated Mediation Model of Depression.

The present study aimed to examine the roles that hopelessness and cognitive control play in the relationship between entrapment and depression. Data were collected from 367 college students in South Korea. The participants completed a questionnaire that consisted of the Entrapment Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Beck Hopelessness Inventory, and the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Results showed that hopelessness partially mediated the relationship between entrapment and depression. In addition, cognitive control moderated the relationship between entrapment and hopelessness: greater cognitive control weakened the positive association between entrapment and hopelessness. Finally, the mediating effect of hopelessness was moderated by cognitive control. The findings of this study expand the understanding of the protective role of cognitive control, especially when an increased sense of entrapment and hopelessness intensifies depression.

창의적 메타인지 척도(CMCS)의 개발 및 타당화

This study developed the Creative Metacognition Scale (CMCS), a specific type of measure that reflects creativity characteristics, and examined the validity of the scale. This study developed a multidimensional scale including creative problem solving stages (problem identification, idea generation, idea development, and idea implementation) and metacognitive control components (planning, monitoring, regulation) as the constituent factors of the scale. This is due to the lack of considering the creative process and metacognitive control in recent studies dealing with creative metacognition and a measure assessing the concept with the multidimensional factors. In the initial stage, we developed 80 items consisting of four upper factors (12 sub-factors) and completed the final scale including four upper factors (12 sub-factors) and 36 items through item analysis and validity examinations. Data were collected from a total of 341 college students in South Korea. We explored the component factors of the scale (exploratory factor analysis) and examined its construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis) and concurrent validity. For exploratory factor analysis, data from 191 students were used, and data from 150 students were used for confirmatory factor analysis and concurrent validity examination. The results showed that the Creative Metacognition Scale developed in the current study had good construct validity and concurrent validity.&#x0D; Theoretical and practical implications and future directions were discussed.

대학생의 직업윤리의식 함양 멘토링 프로그램

대학생의 직업윤리의식 함양 멘토링 프로그램

Who has a high level of food literacy, and who does not?: a qualitative study of college students in South Korea.

Unhealthy food choices among young adults are common globally, and the incidence of chronic diseases, such as obesity, is rising. Food literacy (FL) is important for improving and maintaining individual health in a rapidly changing food environment and can form the basis for following a sustainable diet. Therefore, it is essential to improve FL among young adults, particularly college students, who are in the formative years of their lifelong food habits. This study examined the facilitators and barriers of FL and related dietary behavior among college students in South Korea. This study recruited 25 college students with different residence types using convenience and snowball sampling. In-person, telephone, and video interviews were conducted from March to November 2021. The interview data were analyzed using framework analysis based on the socio-ecological model. At the individual level, prior good experiences with food were the most frequently mentioned facilitator. In contrast, the major barriers were a lack of knowledge, financial hardship, irregular schedules, and academic stress. At the interpersonal level, the influences of family and peers, such as early exposure to healthy eating habits and opportunities to have easy accessibility to farms and farming, are major facilitators, but the lack of a sense of community was the major barrier. At the environmental level, the major barriers were unfavorable food environments at home and in neighborhoods, such as the absence of kitchens in housing and large packaging of produce at markets. Many factors affected the students' FL and related healthy eating practices. These findings suggest that a campus-based FL program should be developed by reflecting on these facilitators and barriers.

Dietary supplement use and its related factors among Chinese international and Korean college students in South Korea.

The consumption of dietary supplements has shown an increase among young people in their 20s. We aimed to compare the use of dietary supplements and related factors between Chinese international and Korean college students living in South Korea. We conducted online surveys of 400 Chinese international students and 452 Korean college students from January to February 2021. We analyzed the factors related to the use of dietary supplements by these students using multi-group structural equation modeling and logistic regression analysis. Approximately 65% of the Chinese international students and 93% of the Korean college students consumed dietary supplements at least once in the year preceding the survey. The common types of dietary supplements consumed by both groups of students were vitamin and mineral supplements, Lactobacillus products, and red ginseng products. Structural equation modeling showed that perception of the consumption of dietary supplements by family and friends positively influenced attitude toward dietary supplements. This effect was higher for Korean college students than for Chinese international students (P < 0.01). Attitude toward dietary supplements positively influenced their use, and this effect was higher for Chinese international students than for Korean college students (P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that the use of dietary supplements by Chinese international students was significantly associated with age, self-reported health status, interest in health, perception of and attitude toward dietary supplements, and length of residence in South Korea. Among Korean college students, it was associated with exercise frequency and attitude toward dietary supplements. This study showed significant differences in the use of dietary supplements and related factors between Chinese international and Korean college students. Therefore, nutrition education programs on dietary supplements need to have differentiated content for each group. Such differences also suggest that the industry should consider the relevant characteristics of college students while developing and marketing dietary supplements.

Impact of COVID-19 Fear on COVID-19 Policy Support Among University Students in South Korea.

Objective: As the fourth wave of COVID-19 spread in South Korea in 2022, society experienced various adverse effects, including COVID-19 phobia, depression, and loneliness. Addressing these factors became a vital part of the anti-COVID-19 individual and public mental health efforts, conducted partly by fostering COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and compliance with public prevention practice guidelines under the controversial policy of living "with COVID-19". Method: The study used a cross-sectional online survey-based design. Participants comprised a convenience sample of Korean university students (n = 460). A survey was distributed to the participants to measure their agreement/disagreement with the policy "with COVID-19" and a structural equation model and path analysis to examine the impact of the latent variables of COVID-19 phobia and COVID-19 knowledge, attitudes, and practice as of April 2022. Results: The mean COVID-19 phobia score was 48.13/100, with psychological and social phobia scores higher than in previous studies, while psychosomatic and economic phobia scores were lower than in previous research. Higher psychological phobia significantly increased COVID-19 practices and attitudes. Conversely, higher psychosomatic phobia decreased practices and attitudes. Moreover, higher psychological phobia was significantly associated with disagreement with the policy. Conclusion: The results suggest that efforts to increase South Korean university students' acceptance of easing COVID-19 restrictions should focus on mitigating psychological phobia.

Beliefs, self-efficacy, subjective norms, and eating behaviors according to the breakfast frequency among female university students in South Korea.

Skipping breakfast is prevalent in young adult women. This study examined the psychosocial factors and eating behaviors according to the breakfast frequency among female university students. The subjects were female university students in Seoul, South Korea. A survey was done, and the data from 291 students were analyzed. The subjects were categorized into a high breakfast group (HBG) and low breakfast group (LBG). Analysis of covariance and multiple linear regression were mainly used in data analysis. The subjects had breakfast 3.6 days/week on average. The HBG (47.4%) and the LBG (52.6%) differed significantly in breakfast status, including place, people eating together, breakfast menu, and breakfast preparers (P < 0.001). The HBG agreed more strongly with the advantages of breakfast than the LBG (P < 0.001). The disadvantages/barriers of breakfast were stronger in the LBG (P < 0.001). The HBG felt more confidence in having breakfast (P < 0.001) and confidence in general eating behaviors (P < 0.05). The two groups also differed in the subjective norms from parents/professionals (P < 0.001) and siblings/friends (P < 0.01). The HBG showed desirable eating behaviors more frequently (P < 0.001) and undesirable eating behaviors less frequently (P < 0.001). Multiple regression showed that the following were significantly related to the breakfast frequency, explaining 57.3% of the variance: self-efficacy regarding having breakfast (P < 0.001), perceived barriers of breakfast (no appetite/habit/indigestion, P < 0.001), desirable and undesirable eating behaviors (P < 0.01), subjective norms from parents/professionals (P < 0.05), and perceived barriers due to lack of time/preparation difficulties (P < 0.05). Psychosocial factors and eating behaviors were significantly related to the breakfast frequency. Nutrition education might include strategies to increase self-efficacy for breakfast, modify the beliefs, particularly the disadvantages/barriers of breakfast, adopt desirable eating behaviors, and elicit support from significant others.

Latent Profile Analysis of Protean and Traditional Career Orientations and Career Competencies: Focused on the Cyber University Students in South Korea

This study aimed at identifying latent profiles based on career orientations and career competencies and examining differences in subjective career success(employability), objective career success(salary, hierarchical position), and affective organizational commitment. Cross-sectional data were collected from 356 working adults enrolled at one Korean cyber university, and latent profile analysis was conducted. First, participants were classified into four latent profiles: ‘traditional and competent(7.6%)’, ‘mixed/averaged(82.8%)’, ‘protean and competent(4.2%)’, and ‘traditional and incompetent(5.4%)’. Our findings highlight that a mixed and averaged orientation is dominant among Korean adults who work and study. Second, one-way ANOVA was conducted to test the differences in career outcomes according to the generated profiles. The ‘Traditional and competent’ type perceived greater employability than the ‘traditional and incompetent’ group, and the ‘traditional and competent’ group exhibited stronger affective organizational commitment than the ‘protean and competent’ profile. Based on the findings, the importance of developing career competencies was discussed regarding continuing education for working adults.