The stressful experience of Koreans: After the IMF period

초록

The goal of this research analyzed Korean's stressful experience after the IMF period through indigenous psychological approach. More specifically, the group difference and sex difference in the most stressful experience, coping strategy, source and the way of social support are examined. A total of 1,476 students and adults (e.g., students N = 634, adults N= 842) including 651 male and 825 female participated in this study. The results are as follows: First, the most stressful experience of adults is found to be family affairs and financial problems. For students, academic problem is found to be the most stressful. Second, both students and adults respond that they utilize self-regulation as the most effective coping strategy. In this study self-regulation is defined as strong effort and endurance. Third, in stressful situations, adults received social support from family members including their spouse, whereas students received support from their friends. Lastly, both adults and students received emotional support such as encouragement, consolation, empathy and sympathy.