J Korean Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry.  2019 Jul;30(3):88-99. 10.5765/jkacap.190019.

The Mental Health of Ethnic Minority Youths in South Korea and Its Related Environmental Factors: A Literature Review

• Lee Y
• Lee M
• Park S

• KMID: 2452878
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5765/jkacap.190019

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
With increasing concerns for the rapidly growing minority population in South Korea, this literature review addressed a range of mental health risks among multiethnic youths (MY) in South Korea by 1) comparing mental health outcomes with those of native-born youths and 2) identifying multiple layers of relevant environmental factors, from family and school relationships to culture.
METHODS
We reviewed 54 studies that fulfilled specific inclusion criteria.
RESULTS
Multiple common risk/protective factors, including family separation, family relationship quality, parental socioeconomic and mental health status, social relationships at school, and cultural acceptance, were noted.
CONCLUSION
In general, empirical evidence indicates that minority youths have relatively heightened risks for emotional and behavioral problems. Future studies must elucidate the complex interplay between multiple risk and protective factors and the long-term adaptation and mental health service utilization of MY.

Keyword

Ethnic minority youth; Mental health; Minority health; Adjustment

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Family Relations
Humans
Korea*
Mental Health Services
Mental Health*
Minority Health
Parents
Population Groups
Problem Behavior
Protective Factors