J Korean Acad Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs.  2014 Dec;23(4):208-216. 10.12934/jkpmhn.2014.23.4.208.

Mental Distress of Children in Kirogi Families

• Shin SH
• Choi H
• Kim MJ

• KMID: 2322749
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12934/jkpmhn.2014.23.4.208

Abstract

PURPOSE
The specific aims of the present study were to compare Kirogi children's mental distress and psychosocial factors between short-term (ST) and long-term groups (LT), and to identify predictors of mental distress in the two groups.
METHODS
A sample of 107 Kirogi children living in the U.S. participated in this cross-sectional study and completed the following questionnaires: Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, Somatic Symptom Scale, Self-Esteem Scale, Parent-Child (P-C) Relationship Satisfaction Scale, Parent-Adolescent Communication Inventory Social, Attitudinal, Familial, and Environmental Scale, and Social Support Scale.
RESULTS
The LT group reported higher scores on depression and anxiety, and lower scores on self-esteem and P-C relationship than the ST group. Higher scores on somatic symptoms were found in the ST group. Problematic mother-child communication and dissatisfaction with father-child relationship were significant predictors for mental distress. Self-esteem predicted depression and anxiety in the ST group; particularly self-esteem was a significant predictor for anxiety in both groups. Discrimination and process-oriented stress were significant predictors for depression and anxiety in the ST group.
CONCLUSION
Results of the present study reveal the needs for school-based mental health programs for the increasing number of Kirogi children vulnerable to mental distress.

Keyword

Adolescent; Anxiety disorders; Depression; Parent-child relations

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Child*
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depression
Discrimination (Psychology)
Father-Child Relations
Humans
Mental Health
Parent-Child Relations
Psychology
Surveys and Questionnaires

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