Korean Journal of Health Psychology
- KOREAN
- P-ISSN1229-070X
- E-ISSN2713-9581
- KCI
Browse Articles
e-SubmissionVol.30 No.5
Abstract
This study comprehensively compares and analyzes psychological interventions aimed at reducing alexithymia. To achieve this, a systematic literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, NDSL, DBpia, and Riss databases. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria, and a meta-analysis was performed on 11 additional studies that provided pre- and post-treatment means and standard deviations. Among the 22 studies, 19 (86.36%) reported a significant decrease in alexithymia following the interventions. Follow-up studies indicated sustained effects in 7 out of 10 (70%) of these studies. The meta-analysis revealed that psychological interventions had a high effect size (SMD -1.06, 95% CI -1.50 to -0.62, p < .00001). Group comparisons showed that both the clinical group (SMD -1.44, 95% CI -2.19 to -0.69, p = .0002) and the alexithymia group (SMD -1.43, 95% CI -2.74 to -0.13, p = .03) exhibited high effect sizes, while the non-clinical group showed a relatively low effect size (SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.10, p = .003). Follow-up studies indicated high effect sizes at both 4 weeks (SMD -1.73, 95% CI -2.80 to -0.65, p = .002) and 6 weeks (SMD -0.63, 95% CI -0.99 to -0.27, p = .0006), confirming that the effects of psychological interventions persisted for approximately six weeks. Unlike previous research, this study highlights a lack of psychological interventions addressing alexithymia in the context of physical illness. Future research should actively explore the relationship between reducing alexithymia in physical illness and pain reduction. Only two psychological interventions specifically targeting alexithymia were identified, and they did not differ significantly from existing interventions. Future studies should focus on developing face-to-face group programs that teach a variety of skills necessary for recognizing and expressing emotional experiences. The findings of this study reaffirm that psychological interventions can effectively reduce alexithymia. This research is significant as it analyzes various psychological interventions for alexithymia and presents a comprehensive assessment of their effectiveness.
Abstract
As individuals increasingly encounter various addictive behaviors and substances through digital devices and media, the boundaries between behavioral and substance addictions—once distinct—are becoming blurred in online environments. This shift heightens the risk of complex addiction issues. This study aimed to examine the convergence of different types of addictions in digital environments, drawing on the concept of digital convergence as discussed in international literature, and to identify mediating indicators of this convergence. Using a narrative review method, the study analyzed a total of 123 sources, including 111 international and 12 domestic academic and gray literature. While no domestic studies directly addressed digital convergence, the international literature predominantly focused on the convergence of gaming and gambling. This study conceptualizes the convergence of addictions in digital environments as a phenomenon where exposure to and engagement with various addictive behaviors and substances become more accessible within a single smart device or platform. This accessibility is driven by advancements in digital technologies and the expansion of network infrastructure, which weaken the boundaries between different addictions. The study identified six domains of mediating indicators of digital convergence: events and rewards, marketing services, curiosity-provoking messages, devices used, content, and technologies and functions. This research highlights the potential conceptual ambiguities surrounding digital convergence and proposes a conceptual framework along with practical strategies for prevention and intervention based on the public health model.
Abstract
This study analyzes and evaluates the current operation of the “Mobile Counseling Center,” a program designed to support firefighters vulnerable to mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, sleep disorders, and problematic drinking. It also proposes institutional improvements. Since its introduction in 2015, the “Mobile Counseling Center” program has demonstrated positive outcomes regarding accessibility to counselors and early intervention. By 2025, the program's budget has expanded to approximately 5.8 billion KRW, with the cumulative number of counseling sessions exceeding 410,000. However, structural limitations persist, including a lack of counselor expertise, discontinuity in counseling services, insufficient dedicated counseling spaces, regional financial disparities, and the absence of a systematic post-evaluation framework. To address these issues, this study proposes several institutional measures: training and managing professionals based on health psychology, institutionalizing an integrated mind-body management system for firefighters, enhancing counselors’ understanding of organizational structure and job characteristics, utilizing retired firefighters as counselors, securing funding through the Fire Security Tax, establishing dedicated counseling spaces, and developing a systematic post-evaluation framework. These improvements are expected to enhance the effectiveness of the “Mobile Counseling Center” and contribute to a sustainable psychological support system for firefighters' mental health.
Abstract
Smartphone addiction has become a significant societal concern due to its rising prevalence and severity. As a result, researchers are increasingly focused on identifying psychological predictors of this addiction. This study specifically investigated loneliness as a potential predictor of smartphone addiction and examined the psychological mechanisms that might explain this connection. We explored whether the anthropomorphism of smartphones mediates the relationship between loneliness and smartphone overdependence. Data were collected from adult participants who completed assessments of loneliness, smartphone anthropomorphism, and smartphone overdependence. The results revealed that higher levels of loneliness were linked to increased smartphone overdependence, with this relationship mediated by the degree to which individuals anthropomorphized their smartphones. These findings suggest that lonely individuals may view smartphones as human-like entities, forming emotional attachments that can lead to problematic usage. This study adds to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence for a new pathway to smartphone addiction, highlighting the mediating role of anthropomorphism. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the mediating effect of depression and the moderating effect of behavioral activation on the relationship between experiential avoidance and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in early adulthood. Additionally, it explored the moderated mediation effect, wherein behavioral activation influences the indirect pathway through depression. The sample comprised 300 adults aged 19 to 34 who had engaged in NSSI within the past year or earlier. Participants completed assessments measuring experiential avoidance (AAQ-II), depression (PHQ-9), NSSI (FASM), and behavioral activation (K-BADS). The results indicated that experiential avoidance had a significant positive direct effect on NSSI, and the indirect pathway through depression was also statistically significant. Behavioral activation significantly moderated the indirect pathway, with higher levels of activation diminishing the impact of experiential avoidance on NSSI via depression. However, behavioral activation did not significantly moderate the direct pathway from experiential avoidance to NSSI. This study elucidated the roles of experiential avoidance and depression in NSSI among young adults and substantiated the potential therapeutic efficacy of behavioral activation for individuals engaging in NSSI, mediated by these factors. The findings suggest that behavioral activation may serve as a protective factor, interrupting the negative cycle among experiential avoidance, depression, and NSSI. These results are pivotal in enhancing the understanding of NSSI in early adulthood and in proposing effective intervention strategies. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Abstract
Bipolar disorder(BD) is characterized by (hypo)manic episodes, which include elevated mood and excessive goal-directed activity. The Risk factors of BD have been identified as difficulties in regulating positive and negative emotions, sensitivity of behavioral activation system, and difficulties in goal regulation. In addition to these factors, this study aimed to examine the difficulties in regulating passion. This study verified the hypothesis that obsessive passion, which is passionate but difficult to control and disrupts harmony with other areas of life, leads to bipolar disorder symptoms via affective lability, and that decentering, which involves observing thoughts and emotions in a non-judgmental manner, alleviates this process. A total number of 264 cyber university students participated in the on-line survey, which included the Obsessive Passion Scale (PS), the Affective Lability Scale-Short form (ALS-SF), the Internal State Scale (ISS) to measure current bipolar symptoms, the Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS) to assess past manic episodes, and the Experiences Questionnaire (EQ). The result first showed a significant mediating effect of affective lability between obsessive passion and the bipolar symptoms in the past and the present. Next, this pathological mediating effect was moderated by decentering. This study suggests that even passion with prosocial values can be a vulnerability to bipolar disorder symptoms, and decentering is necessary to alleviate the adverse effects of passion.
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the sequential mediating effects of mentalization and the traumatized self-system on the relationship between childhood attachment trauma and interpersonal problems in early adulthood. A total of 393 early adults participated in the survey. All participants completed the CTQ-SF, SRMQ, TSSS, and KIIP-SC. There was a significant difference in mentalization, the traumatized self-system, and interpersonal problems between the high (top 25%) and low (bottom 25%) attachment trauma groups. The results showed that the sequential mediating effects of mentalization and the traumatized self-system were significant in the relationship between childhood attachment trauma and early adult interpersonal problems. Additionally, the high group exhibited a significant direct path from childhood attachment trauma to the traumatized self-system, unlike the low group. These results indicate that those who experienced childhood attachment trauma have a low level of mentalization, which contributes to difficulties in interpersonal relationships due to self-system damage. This study suggests a specific psychological mechanism for the effects of childhood attachment trauma on early adult interpersonal problems and confirms the differences in pathways based on attachment trauma levels. In conclusion, Mentalization-Based Therapy and Compassion-Focused Therapy will be effective therapeutic approaches for individuals who have suffered from childhood attachment trauma and are experiencing interpersonal problems. Specifically, this study identified the psychological pathway for individuals with interpersonal problems associated with childhood attachment trauma in early adulthood. It also highlights the need for level-specific interventions based on an understanding of the sequential mediating process from mentalization to the traumatized self-system.
Abstract
This study examined how marine sports activities, as part of a marine healing program, affect neurocognitive, psychological, and social functioning in individuals with burnout syndrome. Forty adults aged 19 to 49, diagnosed with burnout, were randomly assigned to either an experimental group participating in the marine healing program or a control group engaging in regular leisure activities. The 6-week intervention included weekly 3-hour sessions featuring snorkeling, stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga and meditation, and sound meditation on a cruise yacht. Pre- and post-intervention assessments evaluated cognitive performance (using the Stroop Test, Rey-Kim Memory Test, Digit Span, and COWAT), psychological well-being (assessed through stress scales, PANAS, resilience, and physical self-efficacy), and social functioning (measured by interpersonal relationship metrics). Results from repeated-measures ANOVA indicated that the experimental group experienced significant improvements in cognitive areas, particularly inhibitory control, delayed recall, working memory, and verbal fluency. Psychologically, participants reported lower stress levels, increased positive affect, reduced negative affect, and greater resilience and self-efficacy. Socially, they showed enhanced interpersonal skills, including increased trust, intimacy, and communication. These findings suggest that marine sports activities in nature-based healing environments can serve as a comprehensive intervention, fostering cognitive enhancement, emotionalregulation, and social connectedness. The results highlight the therapeutic potential of incorporating structured marine activities into mental health programs for individuals facing occupational stress and emotional exhaustion.
Abstract
This study aimed to develop and validate a psychometric scale to identify university students who may be at risk for drug use, taking into account their developmental and contextual characteristics. Based on the SPDA, which was previously validated for Korean adolescents, we revised the scale by removing 15 items and adding one relevant item. The final version included 25 items across six factors: personal characteristics, problem behaviors during adolescence, parental issues, relationships with parents, attitudes toward drug use, and drug use environment. We conducted an exploratory factor analysis (n=406) and a confirmatory factor analysis (n=401), which supported the theoretical structure and demonstrated good model fit. We also evaluated internal consistency, construct validity, convergent and discriminant validity, and criterion validity. A cutoff score for identifying potential risk groups was determined based on T-scores. This scale provides a valid tool for the early detection of at-risk students and serves as a foundation for developing evidence-based prevention strategies in university settings.