북한 이탈 청소년의 국내 정신건강 관련 연구 동향

Trends in Domestic Research on Mental Health of North Korean Refugee Adolescents in South Korea

Purpose: This study was conducted to analyze a trend in domestic mental health of North Korean refugee adolescents in South Korea. Methods: Relevant database (riss4u and KISS) was searched up to December 2018, and a total of 119 abstracts and full-text articles were assessed according to research type by year, studies’ fields, designs, and key word. Results: Of the 119 studies, 50 (42.0%) were for thesis studies for a degree, 69 (58.0%) for academic journals. There were 76 quantitative studies, 42 qualitative studies and 1 hybrid model. The most frequently used study design was a descriptive research. The majority is the field of social science research. Most key words were adaptation, Self-esteem, social support, stress, multiculturalism, phenomenology, qualitative research, depression. Conclusion: It is recommended that the North should conduct more qualitative research for a deeper understanding of the physical and emotional trauma experiences of young North Koreans, including their experiences, crises and adaptive difficulties. Given the characteristics of nursing in pursuit of overall health, it is recommended that the government develop and apply a wound healing program aimed at enhancing overall health so that North Korean youths can live an adaptive life by achieving healthy growth and development through healing wounds.