Psychosocial-Adjustment Needs of North Korean Refugee Youth from the Perspectives of Alternative-School Members

Abstract

Abstract Research has shown that North Korean refugee (NKR) youth who defected to South Korea are at high risk for multiple psychosocial-adjustment problems. However, little is known about the perceptions of these difficulties on the part of alternative-school community members who interact with them on a daily basis, although such perceptions could provide a rich description of the cultural and environmental aspects associated with these issues. Using a rapid ethnographic assessment, this study explored NKR youth’s psychosocial-adjustment needs from the perspectives of community members of alternative schools that offer NKR students not only education, but food, housing and 24-hour care without charge. Twenty-seven free listing interviews identified that NKR students suffer from three major psychosocial issues: (a) not feeling loved/lack of affection, (b) identity confusion and (c) communication issues/language difficulties. The subsequent seven key informant interviews revealed the perceived symptoms, causes and effects of the psychosocial issues identified and strategies used to cope with them.