The Korean Journal of Health Psychology
- KOREAN
- P-ISSN1229-070X
- E-ISSN2713-9581
- KCI
Browse Articles
e-SubmissionVol.29 No.5
Abstract
This study aimed to identify future research directions for health psychology based on an analysis of papers published in the Korean Journal of Health Psychology and Health Psychology by the APA. By comparing domestic and international studies through their titles and abstracts, it was discovered that domestic research tends to focus more on mental health, whereas international studies adopt a more integrated approach to both physical and mental health. In terms of research topics, both domestic and international studies most frequently examined the relationship between behavior and disease, followed by investigations into treatment and intervention. These findings indicate that the Korean Health Psychology Association should prioritize research that encompasses both mental and physical health, as well as studies that offer policy recommendations and enhance the role of health psychologists. Furthermore, the study recommended that health psychology researchers and societies pay attention to emerging issues such as the reproducibility crisis in psychological research and the implications of generative AI.
Abstract
This study systematically reviewed the literature to examine effects of virtual reality(VR) interventions in reducing psychological distress and improving quality of life of dementia patients for informal caregivers. Following systematic review manual of the National Evidence-based Healthcare Collaborating Agency(NECA), 320 studies published in international journals from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected using a three-step selection process based on inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the final four selected studies, including one non-randomized controlled trial and three pre-post design studies. Due to the high heterogeneity among the studies, the results are described using qualitative synthesis. Quality assessment revealed a high risk of bias. Those studies were primarily focused on enhancing caregivers' understanding and empathy by providing immersive experiences in VR, such as caregiver education and stress reduction. VR interventions were found to have a positive and beneficial impact in reducing caregivers' burden. These results suggest that VR interventions might positively influence psychological factors related to caregivers' quality of life (e.g., caregiver burden, depression, perceived stress). Finally, the significance and limitations of this study as well as suggestions for future VR-based research for caregivers of dementia patients, are discussed.
Abstract
This study conducted a systematic review to evaluate the validity and diagnostic utility of digital games as screening tools for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The analysis was focused on literature published between 2014 and 2024, revealing that game-based screening tools demonstrated wide range of sensitivity (64.3%-96.5%) and specificity (50%-96.1%) in diagnosing MCI, with performance comparable to or better than traditional cognitive function tests. Early detection of MCI is crucial as it provides a critical intervention window to delay and prevent the progression to dementia. This study suggests that digital games can be effectively utilized to detect cognitive decline in older adults and delay the progression of dementia. Results of this study also highlight the need to improve user interfaces and develop multidimensional assessment tools that encompass various neurocognitive domains. This study contributes to the exploration of digital tools for early MCI screening, enhancing the potential for dementia prevention and early treatment.
Abstract
Hwa-Byung is characterized by feelings of anger about unreasonable social violence. It is known that the prevalence of Hwa-Byung is high in middle-aged people. However, recent evidence has shown that the number of younger patients with Hwa-Byung is increasing, showing different disease courses from middle-aged patients. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively analyze young Hwa-Byung patients’ experiences of symptoms and psychological characteristics related to antecedent events. Eight women in their 20s were interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires to perform an in-depth study on their experiences related to Hwa-Byung. Interview data were subjected to content analysis. As a result, 5 main categories(‘antecedent events occur due to other’s mistake’, ‘antecedent events repeated without resolution’, ‘emotional symptom’, ‘physical symptom’, and ‘Hwa-Byung symptom has a lot of influence’), 19 generic categories, and 40 sub-categories were identified. Based on results of this study, discussion and implications of this study were presented.
Abstract
Fearlessness about death(FAD) is considered a significant factor associated with suicidal capability. It is primarily measured as a continuous variable using self-report instruments. This measurement approach operates under the assumption that the latent structure of FAD adheres to a dimensional model. However, suicide phenomena may manifest qualitatively distinct states from general psychological conditions, complicating the exclusion of the possibility that FAD follows a categorical model rather than a dimensional one. This study aimed to systematically analyze the latent structure of FAD using taxometric procedures. A total of 1,050 adults participated in this study and responded to a self-report instrument measuring FAD. Collected data were analyzed using three non-redundant taxometric techniques (MAMBAC, MAXEIG, L-Mode). Analysis results indicated that a dimensional model is more fitting for FAD. Theoretical and clinical implications of the study findings were subsequently discussed.
Abstract
The present study hypothesized that social connectedness and social avoidance could mediate the relationship between covert narcissism and depression. To test this hypothesis, covert narcissism, social connectedness, social avoidance, and depression were measured for 411 adults. Results of this study are summarized as follows. First, covert narcissism, social connectedness, social avoidance, and depression showed significant correlations. Second, social connectedness and social avoidance had simple and significant mediating effects on the relationship between covert narcissism and depression. Third, social connectedness and social avoidance showed sequential mediating effects on the relationship between covert narcissism and depression. Based on these results, implications and limitations of this study and the necessity of further research were discussed.
Abstract
The theory that evaluative concerns (EC) perfectionism influences depression has been empirically supported. This study aimed to expand this basic model to explore origins of perfectionism, depression-inducing mechanisms, and its alleviating mechanisms. We explored if possible origins of perfectionism could go back to insecure attachment and subsequent contingent self-esteem (CSE), and whether the mechanism of perfectionism to elicit depression was repetitive negative thinking (RNT). In addition, we attempted to test if self-compassion (SC) could alleviate these pathological effects. Experiences in Close Relationship-Relationship Structures Questionnaire (ECR-RS), Contingent Self-Esteem Scale (CSE), Evaluative Concerns Perfectionism, Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and Self-Compassion Scale were administered to 232 adults in an online survey. The serial mediation model was tested using SPSS Process Macro 6, and the moderated mediation model was tested using Macro 87. These research models were tested by dividing into attachment subtypes: attachment avoidance and attachment anxiety. First, the mediation model starting from attachment avoidance and reaching depression through CSE, EC perfectionism, and RNT was supported. Additionally, in this model, the effect of RNT on depression was alleviated by SC. Thus, a moderated mediation model was established. Meanwhile, in the analysis using attachment anxiety as an independent variable, the mediation effect was supported, although the moderated mediation effect of SC was not established. It was discussed that unstable self-esteem brought about by insecure attachment might play a role as a possible origin of perfectionism, The need for intervention focusing on SC was examined. Finally, limitations of this study and implications for future research were discussed.
Abstract
The present study aimed to examine short-term longitudinal influence of future-oriented goals of college students at the beginning of the semester on levels of self-esteem at the end of the semester (four months later). The moderating role of autonomy was also investigated. Specifically, whether effects of intrinsic and extrinsic types of future-oriented goals on self-esteem could be moderated by the level of autonomy related to developmental tasks of college students was examined. For this purpose, a self-report questionnaire measuring future-oriented goals, autonomy, and self-esteem was administered at the beginning and end of the semester to 162 college students recruited from three universities in South Korea. Results showed that intrinsic future-oriented goals at the beginning of the semester significantly predicted subsequent self-esteem, whereas extrinsic future-oriented goals did not. Additionally, the impact of intrinsic future-oriented goals on subsequent self-esteem was moderated by the level of autonomy. Specifically, intrinsic future-oriented goals only predicted self-esteem when autonomy was low. These findings suggest that considering future-oriented goals and levels of autonomy of college students, who are in early stages of adulthood, might be useful for enhancing their self-esteem.
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the sense of self-control necessary for enhancing university students' achievement motivation influences this motivation through self-efficacy as a mediating factor. To achieve this, surveys from 300 university students across the nation were analyzed using SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 24.0. The research findings are as follows: First, the hypothesis that self-control among university students affects achievement motivation was supported. Second, the hypothesis that self-control influences self-efficacy was also supported. Third, the hypothesis that self-efficacy impacts achievement motivation was confirmed. Finally, the hypothesis that self-control affects achievement motivation through the mediation of self-efficacy was supported. These results are significant as they clarify the relationship between self-control and achievement motivation while confirming the mediating role of self-efficacy.