Psychological and behavioral characteristics of Korean adolescents and adults: With specific focus on the indigenous analysis of parent-child relationship.

초록

This presentation provides an indigenous analysis of psychological and behavioral characteristics of Korean adolescents and adults, using the indigenous psychologies approach (Kim, 2000). In the first part of this presentation, we will provide a historical, philosophical and cultural overview of the factors that lead the dramatic achievements during the past 50 years. A key factor that paved the way for the phenomenal achievements in education, economic and national building has been the role of the parents and the influence of Confucian moral and work ethics. The devotion and sacrifice of the parents was the key in instilling a value of hard work and diligence. Parental sacrifice was in turn supported by Confucian moral and ethical code that view unconditional devotion and sacrifice to their children as being necessary and moral. A series of empirical studies conducted with primary, junior high and senior high school show conclusively that parents play a dominant role in elevating their children’s efficacy belief, academic achievement, and life-satisfaction, and reducing stress, delinquent behavior and school violence. Also, parents also directly influence children’s values, beliefs, coping style, and conception of self. Moreover, studies of trust and distrust reveal the inner psychological dynamics of the unconditional acceptance of parent-child role relationship. Implications of these results will be discussed.