A Qualitative Investigation of Leisure Engagement and Health Benefits Among North Korean Adolescent Refugees Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • The purpose of this study was to investigate the leisure behaviors of adolescent defectors from North to South Korea and the mental health benefits they derive from leisure participation, a topic not previously addressed in the literature. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 17 participants. Qualitative analysis based on acculturation theory revealed three salient themes of leisure benefits: (a) creating a sense of belonging, (b) increasing psychological well-being, and (c) facilitating acculturation. The results indicate that participants gained social and psychological benefits through leisure activities. They also suggest that the provision of recreation programs that encourage inter/intragroup participation can be an important component of these young refugees cultural and social adjustment.

published proceedings

  • Journal of Adolescent Research

author list (cited authors)

  • Kim, J., Park, S., Kim, M., Kim, Y., & Kim, J.

complete list of authors

  • Kim, Junhyoung||Park, Se-Hyuk||Kim, May||Kim, Yu-Sik||Kim, Jungsun

publication date

  • May 2024