Purpose
This study aimed to develop and examine the effects of a psychosocial adaptation program for North Korean adolescent defectors.
Methods
This quasi-experimental study was conducted with 28 North Korean adolescent defectors who were recruited through alternative schools. The experimental and control groups consisted of 14 participants each. A program was conducted across eight sessions, each lasting about 90-120 minutes. The data were analyzed using the x² test, t-test, paired t-test, and analysis of covariance.
Results
No significant differences were observed in the score changes for psychosocial adaptation (t=0.25, p=.808), post-traumatic stress symptoms (t=0.32, p=.749), cultural adaptation stress (t=0.05, p=.957), and self-efficacy (t=0.35, p=.726) in either group before and after the intervention. No intergroup differences were observed for psychosocial adaptation (t=0.12, p=.902), post-traumatic stress symptoms (t=0.07, p=.946), cultural adaptation stress (t=0.01, p=.994), and self-efficacy (t=0.58, p=.570).
Conclusion
These findings suggest that psychosocial adaptation, stress, and self-efficacy cannot be improved by a short-term intervention program alone. It was also determined that the cultural characteristics of the North Korean adolescent defectors were not sufficiently considered before implementing the program. Therefore, it is essential to provide an in-depth orientation for the participants before implementing the program.

Citations

• Qualitative Research on Early Childhood Education in North Korea: Literature and Interviews with Defector Educators
  Yu-Jin Jang, Young-Meen Suh
  Child Indicators Research.2025; 18(2): 501.     CrossRef
• A mixed systematic review of interventions to support the well-being of refugee youth in school and community settings
  Amira Noyes, Nataliya Kubishyn, Jason Brown
  Children and Youth Services Review.2025; 176: 108371.     CrossRef
• Sexual Knowledge, Sexual Attitudes, and the Need for Sex Education Among Adolescent Defectors From North Korea
  In-Sook Lee, Jung-Hee Jeon, Kyoung Ja Kim
  Journal of Transcultural Nursing.2024; 35(4): 280.     CrossRef
• Leisure during the Escape and Adaption in South Korea: A Life Story of a North Korean Adolescent Defector
  Monika Stodolska
  Leisure Sciences.2024; : 1.     CrossRef