ABSTRACT
North Korean (NK) refugee women face unique challenges in their acculturation process in South Korea (SK), often leading to higher rates of depression among them. This study uses the Multidimensional Individual Difference Acculturation (MIDA) model to examine the role of societal and local community factors in facilitating cultural adaptation and influencing mental health issues, such as depression, among NK refugee women. The study focuses on three predictors from the MIDA model: out-group social support, attachment to NK culture, and daily life experience of discrimination. Data from a sample of 212 NK refugee women in SK were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings highlight the crucial role of the social and community environment in attaining a balance between embracing a new culture and preserving one's connection to one's heritage culture. This balance is essential for promoting stable cultural adaptation, sound mental health, and overall well-being, so as to reduce the incidence of depression among NK refugee women. Based on the results, specific intervention strategies are proposed to support the acculturation journey of NK refugee women in SK.
ABSTRACT
Exposure to adverse life events renders North Korean (NK) refugee women vulnerable to mental health problems, suicide risk being one of the most concerning. We examined bonding and bridging social networks as potential moderators of suicide risk among NK refugee women (N = 212). We found that exposure to traumatic events significantly increased suicidal behavior, but its impact was alleviated if they had a stronger bonding social network. The findings suggest that the negative impact of trauma on suicide can be reduced by strengthening bonding between people with similarities (i.e., family, individuals with the same country of origin).
