KIHASA has published the Health and Social Welfare Review, Vol. 45, No. 4, a KCI-listed journal. This issue features an editorial by Joo Eunsun, Professor at Kyonggi University and Editor-in-Chief of the Journal, along with 29 peer-reviewed articles.

EDITORIAL: Beyond Isolation Toward Solidarity and Connection: Reviewing Papers Published in The Health and Social Welfare Review in 2025 Joo Eunsun, Kyonggi University

Article I: Gender-Based Multi-Group ARCL Analysis of Adolescents' Smartphone Dependence and Offline and Cyber Delinquency Lee Jonghyung (Virginia Commonwealth University); Lee Junvae (Chungbuk National University)

This study investigates the longitudinal causal relationships among adolescents’ smartphone dependence, offline delinquency, and cyber delinquency, focusing on gender differences in their structural dynamics. Using 2018-2022 panel data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey, we applied a multi-group autoregressive cross-lagged model. The results showed significant autoregressive effects of smartphone dependence in both genders, with greater stability among females. Offline delinquency exhibited higher autoregression in females, while cyber delinquency increased sharply in recent waves, especially among female students. Cross-lagged effects revealed gender-specific patterns, such as cyber delinquency strongly influencing offline delinquency in males. These findings highlight the need for gender-responsive interventions and multi-layered strategies that address both real-world and digital forms of adolescent delinquency.

Article II: The Impact of the Pilot Project for Improving Nurses' Shift Work System on Nurse Turnover Rates: Evidence from the Employment Insurance Database Koo Jahyeon (Korea Labor Institute)

This study examines the causal impact of a pilot project aimed at improving the shift-work system for nurses on their turnover rates in Korea. Utilizing administrative data from the Employment Insurance Database for the period 2019-2023, I apply a two-way fixed effects Difference-in-Differences (DiD) model that leverages variations in the timing of the pilot program’s adoption across hospitals. The findings indicate that nurse turnover rates decreased by approximately 0.8 percentage points and the share of nurses tho stayed more than three years increased by 2.6 percentage points in participating hospitals, compared to non-participating ones. The effects were especially pronounced among nurses in their 20s and 30s and among those with less than six years of work experience. These results suggest that structured shift scheduling and support from dedicated training nurses can improve retention by enhancing working conditions.

Article III: Relationship between Decision-Making Subjects for Withdrawing Life-Sustaining Treatment and End-of-Life Medical Costs Lim Min Kyoung (Health Insurance Research Institute)

This study analyzed differences in characteristics and end-of-life medical costs based on the decision-maker, highlighting that, despite the purpose of ensuring patient autonomy, decisions regarding life-sustaining treatment are often made by proxies, such as family members, rather than by patients themselves. The analysis revealed significant differences in demographic characteristics, medical costs, and healthcare utilization patterns depending on who made the decision to withhold or withdraw life-sustaining treatment. Specifically, the patient-led decision-making group, particularly those who completed advance directives, had a higher proportion of high-income individuals, lower end-of-life medical costs, and higher hospice care utilization rates. These findings suggest a need to improve the life-sustaining treatment decision system by strengthening protections for patient autonomy and eliminating potential sources of discrimination.

Article IV: The Financialisation Policies of Adult Care in England and Their Outcomes: Focusing on Care Homes Chon Yongho (Incheon National University); Lee Mijin (Konkuk University); Kwon Hyun-Jung (Youngsan University)

The United Kingdom (in particular England) stands as a pioneering nation in the marketisation and financialisation of adult care, exerting considerable influence on welfare states around the world. Recently, South Korea has witnessed an intense financialisation of its long-term care sector, marked by the emergence of financial capital―particularly private equity funds―as principal providers in the market. This study aims to critically examine the policies driving the financialisation of adult care in the UK since the early 2000s, with a specific focus on care homes, and to analyse the outcomes that have resulted. The findings indicate that private equity groups managing large-scale care chains have become the dominant providers within the adult care market in the UK. However, the sector’s increasing instability is exacerbated by structural issues such as high leverage ratios, deliberate tax minimisation strategies geared towards profit maximisation, complex governance frameworks, stratification of care, and diminished service quality stemming from workforce underutilisation. The UK’s advanced experience underscores the need for a multifaceted and proactive approach in responding to the financialisation of long-term care in South Korea.

Article V: Experiences of Socially Withdrawn and Isolated Youth who Revealed Themselves Through YouTube Channels Kang Hee-Ju (National Center for the Rights of the Child); Kang Hyun Ah (Sookmyung Women's University); Ahn Seon-Kyeong (Ewha Womans University); Yang Yu-jin (Sookmyung Women's University); Lee Min-Ji (Sookmyung Women's University); Chung Ick-Joong (Ewha Womans University)

This study qualitatively analyzed YouTube channels operated by socially withdrawn and isolated youth who voluntarily disclosed their lives on the platform. It explored in depth the background of their withdrawal, the patterns of isolated living, the motivations for digital engagement, and the changes experienced through these activities. Using inductive thematic analysis, 155 videos from five channels were examined, yielding 13 subcategories and four overarching categories. The core theme identified was “The Healing Journey of Socially Withdrawn Youth: Reconnecting in the Digital World.” The main findings are as follows. First, participants reported repeated traumatic experiences during childhood and adolescence―including family dissolution, school bullying, and emotional neglect―as well as adverse events in young adulthood. In the absence of emotional support systems, these experiences often led participants to choose social withdrawal. Second, YouTube functioned not merely as a source of entertainment but as a psychologically safe space, where self-disclosure and digital storytelling served as a catalyst for trauma re-interpretation and personal growth. Third, interactions with viewers and subscribers fostered new forms of social support, and for some participants, these exchanges opened opportunities to experiment with social participation and adaptation. Based on these results, the study proposed both policy and practice implications for the field of social work.

Article VI: Lives Concealed by the State: A Qualitative Case Study on the Social Reintegration and Institutional Exclusion Experiences of Special Operations Personnel Ko Hyeon-Jong (Sungkyunkwan University); Kang Jun-Hyeok (Eulji University)

Drawing on the lived experiences of Special Operations Personnel, this study analyzes how state-induced concealment generates moral injury and institutional exclusion, and proposes experience-centered policy interventions to redress these structural failures. Through a qualitative case study approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with six individuals who had performed special missions. Data were analyzed using both within-case and cross-case analysis methods to identify the structural characteristics and shared themes of their experiences. The findings reveal that participants commonly experienced ongoing stress related to confidentiality obligations, psychological and physical distress, and social isolation after discharge. A key issue raised was the insufficiency of existing institutional systems and support mechanisms to enable meaningful recovery and reintegration. These results highlight the unique status of Special Operations Personnel as “concealed victims” and the enduring nature of their trauma. The study underscores the need for a paradigm shift toward experience-based policies for veterans. Recommendations include the implementation of recovery-oriented counseling systems, the development of structured support for post-training aftereffects, and the design of institutional frameworks grounded in the active participation of affected individuals.

Article VII: Effects of the Deficit of Self-Efficacy on Health Beliefs and Influenza Vaccination among Undergraduate Students in the U.S.: Mediation Effects of Health Beliefs Shon En-Jung (Duksung Women's University)

This study examined the effects of a deficit in self-efficacy on health beliefs and influenza vaccination behavior among undergraduate students in Ohio, U.S. A total of 394 students were included (Whites: 36.5%, Black: 18%, Hispanic: 19.5%, Asian: 25.9%). The PROCESS macro was employed to assess the mediating roles of health belief constructs―perceived barriers, benefits, susceptibility, and severity―in the relationship between self-efficacy deficit and influenza vaccination. Findings revealed that a self-efficacy deficit significantly increased perceived barriers (B=0.72, p<.01), while it had no significant influence on the remaining health belief constructs. Mediation analysis indicated that higher levels of perceived barriers fully mediated the relationship between self-efficacy deficit and influenza vaccination non-adherence (Effect=-0.18, 95%CI [BootLLCI:-0.34, BootULCI:-0.05]). Although the association between self-efficacy deficit and perceived benefits was not significant, a partial mediation effect was observed (Effect =-0.05, 95%CI [BootLLCI:-0.12, BootULCI:-0.004]). These findings suggest that intervention strategies designed to enhance self-efficacy are essential for improving influenza vaccination uptake among young adults. Professionals in healthcare, social work, and community health settings may promote vaccination behavior by providing tailored counseling, group-based education, and peer-support programs. Furthermore, this study offers important implications for understanding and promoting influenza vaccination behavior among young adults in South Korea.

Article VIII: Does the Husbands’ Parental Leave Availability Affect Childbearing?: An Empirical Analysis Focusing on Newlyweds in Korea Bae Hojoong (Korea Women's Development Institute); Chang Insu (Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs)

This study analyzes the effect of husbands’ availability of parental leave on the timing of first childbirth among newlyweds. Employing data from the 4th to 26th Korean Labor Panel Survey (KLIPS), we conduct survival analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model with the period from marriage to first childbirth as the dependent variable. In particular, we include dual-income status as a moderator variable to examine the interaction between the availability of parental leave and the transition to childbirth. The results indicate that husbands’ availability of parental leave itself does not have a statistically significant effect, but the interaction with dual-income status has a significant positive effect. This suggests that in dual-income households, the mere expectation that the husbands can take parental leave can significantly influence childbirth decisions. This study is significant in that it focuses on husbands’ availability of parental leave―a factor that has received limited attention―and provides empirical evidence of its structural effect on childbirth behavior. This stands in contrast to existing literature, which has mainly focused on women-centered care policies.

Article IX: The Effect of Job Satisfaction on Life Satisfaction of Workers with Disabilities: The Mediating Effect of Resilience-Focusing on Herzberg's Hygiene Motivation Theory Im Donghyeok (Cheongju University); Jang Eunha (Cheongju University); Hong Seokho (Cheongju University)

This study examined the impact of job satisfaction on life satisfaction among employed people with disabilities and analyzed whether resilience plays a mediating role in this relationship. In particular, it focused on the function of resilience as a psychological protective factor in the process by which satisfaction derived from work contributes to overall life satisfaction. The study used data from 838 employed people with disabilities drawn from the 6th wave (2023) of the Disability Life Panel Survey conducted by the Korea Disabled People’s Development Institute. Multiple regression analysis and mediation analyses were conducted to assess the relationships among job satisfaction, resilience, and life satisfaction. The results showed that higher job satisfaction was associated with significant increases in both resilience and life satisfaction, and that resilience had a positive partial mediating effect in the relationship between job satisfaction and life satisfaction. Resilience was found to mediate the effects of both external (hygiene) and internal (motivational) factors of job satisfaction, thereby strengthening resilience, which in turn leads to improved life satisfaction, creating a virtuous cycle. Based on these findings, this study proposes policy and practical implications for social welfare that focus on improving job quality and supporting psychological resources beyond simply expanding the quantity of jobs provided for the disabled.

Article X: Analyzing Policy Discourses on Youth Gambling: A WPR (What’s the Problem Represented to be?) Approach Jeong Hye-ji (Korea Problem Gambling Agency); Im Sol (Kwangwoon University)

This study critically analyzes the way adolescent gambling issues have been problematicized within South Korean policy and social discourse. We applied Bacchi’s WPR (What’s the Problem Represented to be?) approach as the theoretical framework and conducted a discourse analysis on policy documents, media reports, and academic literature from 2007 to 2025. The entire period was segmented into the Pre-problematicization Period (2007？2014), the Transition Period (2015？2019), and the Problematicization Period (2020？2025). The research findings are as follows: First, adolescent gambling was initially treated as a secondary issue of adult gambling, but it transitioned into an independent agenda following national surveys and the enactment of municipal ordinances. Second, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the dominant language shifted toward terms like 'illegal,' 'criminal,' and 'control,' intensifying a discourse that framed adolescents primarily as objects of protection and regulation. Third, this reinforced discourse had the effect of stigmatizing adolescents and excluding their agency. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes an alternative re-problematicization strategy that combines a Public Health Model―which employs a balanced approach encompassing prevention, regulation, and support―with the assurance of adolescents' rights to health and participation. This re-problematicization approach can serve as a theoretical and practical foundation for establishing a balanced system of prevention, treatment, and support that ensures the active participation of youth and minimizes stigmatization in the future.

Article XI: Temporal and Spatial Changes in Suicide Rates in Seoul City, 2000-2023 Choi Minjae (McGill University); Lee Yo Han (Korea University)

This study aimed to examine temporal and spatial changes in suicide rates in Seoul from 2000 to 2023. We used cause-of-death data to identify suicide deaths in Seoul. Suicide rates were calculated by sex, age, and method (hanging, poisoning, gas poisoning, jumping, drowning, and others). Joinpoint regression analysis was conducted to identify time points where suicide trends changed and to estimate the annual percent change (APC) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Area-specific age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) and ratios (SMR) of suicide were calculated for 25 districts and visualized for each period (2000-2005, 2006-2011, 2012-2017, and 2018-2023). Suicide rates in Seoul increased around 2010 but began to decrease thereafter. However, in recent years, female suicide rates have increased, particularly among adolescents (APC: 11.2%, 95% CI: 4.0-35.0) and young adults (APC: 4.1%, 95% CI: 0.6-16.1) since 2015. Hanging was the most common method followed by poisoning, gas poisoning, and jumping, with patterns changing over time. Suicide rates varied across districts, with some showing a higher increase than the average (SMR>1). The recent increases in suicides among young women highlight the need for urgent action. A coordinated public health approach is necessary to develop effective suicide prevention policies.

Article XII: Predictive Modeling of Attitudes Toward a Good Death: A Machine Learning Approach Oh Jongmin (Ewha Womans University); Choi Soyoung (Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs); Shin Jiyoung (Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs)

Components of a “good death” may include not only hospice service and the withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment, but also a broad range of services such as long-term care and psychological support. South Korea is experiencing one of the fastest rates of population aging, with the number of annual deaths continuing to increase. However, research on public perceptions of a good death and related policies remains limited. To address this gap, this study conducted a survey of South Korean adults aged 19 and older to examine their awareness and attitudes toward a good death, and applied a machine learning-based predictive model to analyze their attitudes toward related systems and services. The results revealed that open conversations about end-of-life care with family were limited. Although awareness of end-of-life care systems was relatively high, willingness to use these services was hindered by economic burdens and fear of pain. Additionally, the desire to have one’s end-of-life wishes respected and to reduce the financial burden on family members during end-of-life period emerged as key components of a good death. The predictive model identified key variables associated with attitudes toward a good death, providing essential data for enhancing the effectiveness of end-of-life policies and systems. This study underscores the importance of open communication with both family members and healthcare providers, and highlights the need to dispel misconceptions about existing end-of-life policies in order to improve their effectiveness.

Article XIII: Exploring the Feasibility of Needs-Based Budgeting: A Simulation on Personal Budget Pilot Lee Hanna (Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs); Shin Eunkyoung (Dankook University); Cho Hwirae (Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs)

This study aims to explore potential institutional improvements in service planning and needs assessment by analysing the content of personal budget plans and actual expenditures among disabled people who participated in the 2023 pilot simulation project for personal budgets in Korea. By examining the personal budget plans of 90 participants, including those who withdrew from the project, the study investigates whether plans and expenditures were based on expressed needs, and identifies reasons for discrepancies between expressed needs and actual spending. The data analysed include personal budget plans written by participants and related administrative records. Participants expressed needs across a variety of domains, including physical health, daily living, housing, care and support, mental health, and education and childcare. However, budget allocation was largely concentrated in the areas of physical health, daily living, and housing, with no planning observed in the remaining domains. In terms of expenditures, 65.5% of total spending was directed toward physical health and healthcare services, followed by daily living and housing. Discrepancies between expressed needs and actual allocations or spending stemmed from limited eligible uses, needs that could not be addressed through purchasable services, restricted budget amounts, and individual circumstances such as family caregiving responsibilities. These findings suggest that, in order for personal budgets to effectively realise personalisation and self-direction, it is essential to expand the range of eligible services based on core principles, increase the flexibility of budget rules, and strengthen case managers’ competencies in planning and resource coordination.

Article XIV: The Practice Experiences of Medical Social Workers with Low-Income Individuals with Diabetes Jang Soo Mi (Cheongju University); Nam Eunji (Incheon National University); Lee Suji (Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital)

Diabetes requires self-management in daily life, not only through regular medical check-ups but also through medication and insulin injections, dietary control, exercise, and stress management. However, for low-income individuals with diabetes, various psychosocial difficulties often hinder effective self-management, highlighting the importance of support from medical social workers. The purpose of this study is to explore the practice experiences of medical social workers who work with low-income diabetes patients, in order to identify practical and policy strategies to support this population. The study participants were 15 medical social workers with practical experience working with low-income diabetes patients. Data were collected through four focus group interviews and qualitatively analyzed using the thematic analysis method. The analysis yielded four main themes: (1) Low-income diabetes patients with complex challenges―pathways and reasons for intervention; (2) Contents of medical social work practices for low-income diabetes patients; (3) Practical challenges in intervening with low-income diabetes patients; and (4) Structural challenges in intervening with low-income diabetes patients. These themes were further broken down into 16 categories and 257 concepts. Based on these findings, we propose support strategies such as motivation-enhancing counseling, tailored welfare service, improvements to the insurance fees system, strengthening medical social workers’ competencies, and enhanced collaboration with community welfare organizations.

Article XV: Young Adults, without a Nest or Prey: Marriage Intentions and Regional Inequality Lee Jincheol (Yonsei University)

This study examines the structural relationships among region, housing, jobs, and marriage intentions among young adults, with a focus on regional inequality in access to key resources. Using data from Youth Panel 2007, the study finds that only young adults in metropolitan cities have significantly higher intentions than those in provincial areas. The likelihood of home ownership is lowest in Seoul, followed by the capital region and metropolitan cities, while the likelihood of renting shows the opposite pattern. Among housing types, only rental housing is positively associated with marriage intentions. Full-time employment also has a positive effect on marriage intentions, but access to such jobs is more limited in Seoul and metropolitan cities. In the path analysis, total effect reflects both the likelihood of securing resources and the impact of those resources on marriage intentions. Overall, the findings suggest that the availability and influence of key resources are structured differently across regions, highlighting the importance of understanding marriage intentions within the context of regional inequality.

Article XVI: Reconceptualizing the Definition of Child Abuse and the Need for Institutionalizing Emotional Neglect Lee Sewon (Gangneung-Wonju National University)

This study critically examines the definition of child abuse (CA) under Korea’s Child Welfare Act, which remains focused on physical and sexual violence, and proposes a conceptual reconstruction in line with the international standard of child maltreatment (CM), which includes neglect. In particular, emotional neglect―one type of neglect―has not been clearly defined in Korea and has been absorbed into or omitted from the practical, statistical, and administrative systems. The study compares international frameworks―including those of the WHO, the U.S., and the U.K.―with Korea’s legal definitions, administrative manuals, and databases. The findings reveal that Korea still treats neglect as a subordinate category of child abuse rather than an independent violation of children’s rights. In particular, emotional neglect remains unrecognized as a distinct rights violation within the current system, which centers on intentionality and visibility in determining abuse. Based on this analysis, the study proposes an amendment to Article 3, Paragraph 7 of the Child Welfare Act to specify neglect as a parallel concept to abuse, explicitly including emotional neglect alongside physical neglect. This revision would help establish consistent intervention criteria for practitioners and provide an institutional foundation for the early identification and support of children suffering from emotional neglect. These findings have significant implications for reconstructing Korea’s child protection framework to recognize emotional neglect as an independent rights violation.

Article XVII: How Social Perceptions Mediate the Relationship Between Economic Factors and Fertility Intentions Among Young Adults in South Korea: Focusing on Future Outlook and Perceived Fairness in Seoul Youth Ahn Lira (Korea University)

This study analyzed the impact of economic factors on fertility intentions among young adults in South Korea and examined how social perception variables―such as views on the future of Korean society and perceptions of fairness―mediate this relationship. Data from the 2022 Seoul Young Adult Panel Study were used, and a Generalized Structural Equation Model (GSEM) was applied to analyze the fertility intentions of 3,070 young adults aged 19 to 36 residing in Seoul. The key findings are as follows. First, among economic factors, both higher personal income and higher parental economic status were associated with a greater likelihood of intending to have children. Notably, parental economic status had a stronger effect than personal income. Second, individuals with a more positive outlook on the future of Korean society and those who perceived society as fair were more likely to express fertility intentions. Third, perceptions of the future mediated the effect of personal income and parental economic status on fertility intentions. Higher income and higher parental economic status were linked to more positive expectations about the future, which in turn increased the likelihood of intending to have children. Fourth, perceptions of fairness partially mediated the effect of parental economic status on fertility intentions. Higher parental economic status was associated with stronger perceptions of societal fairness, which positively influenced fertility intentions.

Article XVIII: Effect of Daily Life Restrictions on Depression in Adult With Acquired Physical Disabilities: Focusing on the Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem Hwang Jae Min (Jeonbuk National University)

This study aims to examine the impact of daily life restrictions on depression among people who acquired physical disabilities as adults, and to investigate the mediating effect of self-esteem. The analysis used data on 644 adults who acquired physical disabilities after age 20, drawn from the ‘2022 Panel Survey on Disability Life’ conducted by the Korea Disabled People's Development Institute. The analysis was conducted using SPSS and the Process Macro. The results indicated that: (1), daily life restrictions negatively impacted self-esteem; (2) daily life restrictions were positively correlated with depression; and (3) daily life restrictions influenced depression both directly (effect=0.378) and indirectly via self-esteem (effect=0.089), demonstrating a partial mediation effect. This study is academically significant in that it empirically confirms the effects of daily life restrictions on depression and self-esteem among adults with acquired physical disabilities and provides practical implications. The findings can serve as a foundation for developing customized policies and intervention programs aimed at reducing depression and enhancing self-esteem in this population.

Article XIX: Scale of Aging in Place (SAIP): Development and Validation of a Scale for Aging in Place Experience Lee Kyongjae (Yonsei University); Nam Seok In (Yonsei University)

To address the limitations of the dominant approach that has framed Aging in Place (AIP) primarily as a policy objective, often overlooking the subjective experiences of older adults, this study developed the Scale of Aging in Place (SAIP), a systematic measurement tool designed to capture the lived experiences of aging in place. Grounded in environmental gerontology and drawing on qualitative data from previous research, the study identified key dimensions and elements of the AIP experience and constructed a preliminary 27-item scale to measure them. An online survey using the preliminary scale was conducted with 1,026 older adults aged 55？75 across South Korea. Through factor analyses and subsequent reliability and validity tests, a 22-item, five-factor model―comprising a sense of autonomy, connectedness, self-continuity, convenience and safety, and stuckness―was finalized as the SAIP. With strong theoretical coherence, the SAIP captures the multidimensional experiences that older adults construct in their central life space of home and community, and provides an empirical foundation for assessing the realization of AIP ideals and the effectiveness of related policy interventions. In doing so, it contributes to both the advancement of empirical research and the enhancement of policy relevance in AIP practice.

Article XX: A Qualitative Study on Social Workers' Experiences and Perceptions of Digital Technology-Based Care Services Lee Eunyoung (Dongguk University)

The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences and perceptions of social workers who provide digital technology-based care services, such as IoT devices and AI care robots, to community-dwelling older adults and to identify implications for the sustainable and effective establishment of such services. In-depth one-on-one interviews were conducted with ten social workers delivering digital care services in Seoul, Korea. The collected interview data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed four key themes: (1) the application and impact of digital care services in practice, (2) the expansion of social workers‘ roles and increased workload, (3) acceptance barriers and ethical considerations in the use of digital care technologies, and (4) institutional limitations in the operation of digital care services. Based on these findings, this study suggests the need to strengthen the stable and sustainable operation of digital care services. This includes establishing digital ethics training and practice guidelines for service providers, as well as building a dedicated workforce and operational systems to manage care devices beyond regular working hours.

Article XXI: Regional Imbalance in Medical Workforce Distribution: A Topic Modeling Analysis of Job Perceptions in Metropolitan and Non-Metropolitan Hospitals Park Sang gyun (Gachon University); Lim Youna (Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs)

Regional disparities in the medical workforce constitute a structural issue that can undermine healthcare accessibility and equity. However, comparative evidence on work environments between metropolitan and non-metropolitan hospitals remains limited. This study examines the causes of workforce imbalance by analyzing employee perceptions. A total of 4,537 reviews from JobPlanet, covering five metropolitan and 18 non-metropolitan tertiary hospitals, were collected and analyzed using Python-based Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) on the categories of strengths, weaknesses, and suggestions. The results showed that metropolitan hospitals were associated with favorable perceptions, particularly regarding compensation, clinical exposure, and training systems. In contrast, non-metropolitan hospitals were linked to negative perceptions, including heavy workloads, hierarchical culture, and lower pay. These findings suggest that practice location decisions among healthcare personnel are shaped by institutional and environmental factors rather than individual preference alone. By utilizing experience-based qualitative data, this study provides empirical insights into structural drivers of workforce maldistribution and highlights the need for training reforms and targeted regional retention incentives.

Article XXII: The Moderating Role of Spousal Presence in the Association Between Fraud Victimization and Life Satisfaction Lee Jinyoung (Korea University)

Fraud has been recognized as a serious problem in South Korea. This study analyzed the impact of fraud victimization on subjective well-being while exploring the moderating effect of marital status. Using data from the 「2022 Korean Crime Victim Survey」 conducted by the Korean Institute of Criminology and Justice, the analysis included responses from 15,397 individuals. The main findings are as follows. First, fraud victimization had a negative effect on life satisfaction; however, this effect varied depending on marital status. Second, having a spouse had a significant positive effect on life satisfaction. Third, the interaction between fraud victimization and marital status demonstrated a significant negative effect, indicating that the negative impact of victimization was greater among individuals with a spouse. Finally, factors such as age, educational attainment, income level, frequency of online activity, interactions with neighbors, and trust in the police positively influenced life satisfaction, while disability status had a negative effect. These findings highlight the importance of social support networks in the recovery process following fraud victimization and suggest the need for policy interventions to assist victims in their financial and psychological recovery.

Article XXIII: The Impact of Individual Risk Propensity and MBTI on Holding Indemnity vs. Fixed-Benefit Private Health Insurance Lee Hye-Jae (Korea National Open University); Jung Young-Il (Korea National Open University); Hwang Inuk (The Seoul Institute)

This study empirically analyzed the effects of individual risk-taking propensity and MBTI personality types on the ownership of private health insurance (PHI) using the 2023 Insurance Consumer Behavior Survey data. Unlike previous studies that primarily focused on socioeconomic factors and risk aversion, this study measured risk-taking propensity through three approaches: a direct self-reported question, a lottery-based behavioral score, and cryptocurrency investment experience. A logistic regression model was applied with the ownership of indemnity-type and fixed-benefit PHI as dependent variables, incorporating the four MBTI dimensions (I-E, S-N, T-F, J-P) as explanatory variables. The results showed that the indirect measures of risk-taking propensity were significantly associated with the ownership of indemnity-type PHI, while the direct self-reported measure showed no significant relationship. No significant association was found between risk-taking propensity and fixed-benefit PHI ownership. Regarding personality types, individuals with a sensing (S) type were more likely to own indemnity-type PHI, whereas those with an extraversion (E) type were more likely to hold fixed-benefit PHI. This study is meaningful in that it expands the understanding of insurance consumer behavior by incorporating psychological and personality variables that have not been addressed in previous research, thereby providing insights into the underlying motivations behind PHI ownership in Korea.

Article XXIV: The Effect of Housing Environment and Food Insecurity on Loneliness among Young Adult Living Alone: Focusing on the Moderated Mediation Effect of Subjective Income Level Lee Ga Hyun (Sungkyunkwan University); Han Chang-Keun (Sungkyunkwan University)

Despite the implementation of various youth policies addressing housing, poverty, and employment, economic hardship and loneliness among young adults continue to worsen. Therefore, this study focuses on housing- and food-related difficulties among young adults. Housing functions as a framework through which individuals understand their lives and society, while dietary practices within residential spaces are closely related not only to the housing environment but also to economic background, influencing young adults’ emotional well-being. Accordingly, this study aims to examine whether the relationship between residential environment and loneliness is mediated by food security and the relationship is moderated by subjective income level. This study found that the mediational effect of food security is supported and the moderation effect of subjective income level is significant.

Article XXV: The Impact of Economic Preparation for Old Age and Its Methods on on Life Satisfaction: A Difference-In-Differences Analysis Using the COVID-19 Pandemic Kim Daehwan (Dong-A University); Jeong Jungyoung (Dong-Eui University)

This study examines the effects of both the adequacy and the methods of economic preparation for old age on life satisfaction among older adults. To address potential endogeneity, we employed a difference-in-differences (DiD) approach leveraging the unexpected external shock of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using balanced panel data from the 7th to 10th waves of the Korean Retirement and Income Panel Study (KReIS), our analysis yielded three main findings. First, older adults who perceived themselves as having prepared sufficiently for old age reported significantly higher levels of life satisfaction compared to those who had not. Second, during the COVID-19 pandemic, life satisfaction declined sharply among all groups of older adults. Third, individuals who prepared for old age primarily through public pensions (National Pension) maintained relatively higher life satisfaction during the pandemic, whereas those who relied on alternative means (e.g., asset accumulation) experienced substantial declines comparable to those without preparation. These findings underscore the critical importance of old-age preparation in Korean society, which faces rapid population aging, high elderly poverty rates, low life satisfaction, and extended retirement periods. Above all, the results highlight not only the necessity of preparing adequately for old age, but also the importance of securing a stable stream of income until the end of life.

Article XXVI: The Impact of Household Poverty During Adolescence on Stable Employment in Young Adulthood: Focusing on Stable Employment of Early Wage Workers After Graduation Hyeon Ockju (Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs); Byun Geumsun (The Seoul Institute)

This study examined the impact of adolescent poverty on stable employment in young adulthood. Using data from the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study (KLIPS), we analyzed the relationship between household poverty experienced at ages 15 and 18 and the likelihood of securing stable employment between ages 19 and 34. Household poverty status during adolescence was measured using data from 3rd to 10th waves (2000-2007), while employment outcomes were tracked from 7th to 26th waves (2004-2023). Stable employment was defined based on employment status, hourly wages, and social insurance coverage. We employed a mixed-effects panel logistic regression model for the analysis. The findings reveal that youth who experienced household poverty during adolescence were significantly less likely to find stable employment in young adulthood compared to their non-poor counterparts. Additionally, higher educational attainment was positively associated with entry into stable employment. These results indicate that young adults' labor market outcomes are influenced by their household income status during adolescence. Based on these findings, the study recommends expanding income support and educational opportunities for children and adolescents from low-income families. Policy interventions should also address structural barriers in the labor market to reduce employment instability and mitigate job quality disparities among young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Article XXVII: Association Between Having a Usual Source of Care and Abnormal Weight Status Among Children and Adolescents Kim Sujin (Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs); Hwang Jongnam (Wonkwang University)

Usual source of care (USC) is a core component of primary healthcare which allows early detection and continuous management of individual health. Beyond chronic disease management, USCs play a vital role in shaping preventive behaviors and promoting long-term health. This study aimed to empirically examine the association between having a USC and weight status among Korean children and adolescents. Using data from the 2023 National Child Survey, we analysed a sample of 5,066 individuals aged 2 to 17 through multivariable logistic regression. The findings show that children with a USC had significantly lower odds of being overweight or obese compared to those without. This suggests that continuity and comprehensiveness of care may contribute positively to healthy weight maintenance during childhood and adolescence. In addition, household income, maternal education level, and residential area were significantly associated with weight outcomes. In particular, children residing in rural areas were more likely to be overweight or obese, while those living in mid-sized cities were less likely to be underweight. The study highlights that USC may function not only as a first point of contact within the healthcare system but also as a mechanism for fostering family trust, improving health information uptake, and supporting behavioral change. Our findings imply that, moving beyond one-off education or awareness campaigns, policy efforts should consider more structured and sustained interventions through primary care linkage with USC to enhance childhood weight management.

Article XXVIII: A Scoping Review on the Structure and Practices of Public Deliberation in Korean Photovoice Studies Baek Ji Yeon (Pukyong National University); Her Wonbin (Pukyong National University); Oh Young Sam (Pukyong National University)

This study aims to analyze the structure and characteristics of public deliberation practices in Photovoice research conducted in South Korea. Data were collected from DBpia, KISS, RISS, and Google Scholar. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a final set of 69 studies was selected for a scoping review. The analysis focused on four criteria: the mode of public deliberation (offline, online, mixed), the target audience (internal participants, external audience, mixed), the agent of practice (researcher, participant, mixed), and the presence of a theoretical basis. The results indicate that offline exhibitions and presentations were the dominant modes of public deliberation. The target audience tended to be concentrated internally among participants rather than externally. Furthermore, the agents of public deliberation were predominantly researcher-centered. Regarding the theoretical framework, most studies did not explicitly present a theoretical basis, and studies grounded in specific theories were found to be very limited. This study provides a systematic analysis of the public deliberation process, a key phase in Photovoice research, identifying the current structure of practice. It holds academic and practical significance by suggesting directions for future research and practice strategies.

Article XXIX: The Research Trend and Effectiveness of Domestic Metaverse Counseling Maeng Shin Sil (Dankook University); Jeon Hye Seong (Dankook University)

This study reviewed trends and the effectiveness of domestic research on metaverse counseling to propose future possibilities and directions for development. For this purpose, eight academic studies examining the effectiveness of metaverse counseling published in Korea up to June 2024 were selected and analyzed. The key findings are as follows. First, metaverse counseling was implemented across various age groups and topics, with a primary focus on adolescents and college students. The platforms utilized included METAFOREST, ZEP, and Mindvridge. Both group and individual counseling modalities were applied, employing approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and solution-focused therapy. The methodology predominantly involved quantitative and mixed-methods designs. Second, the effectiveness of metaverse counseling was examined in two distinct categories: the effects of counseling interventions and the effects of metaverse itself. Counseling interventiona demonstrated outcomes such as improvements in interpersonal relationships, while metaverse-specific effects included anonymity, presence, and immersion. Based on these findings, the potential of metaverse counseling and directions for subsequent research are proposed.