Korean Journal of Child Studies (아동학회지)

Korean Association of Child Studies (한국아동학회)
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North Korean Refugee Children's Separation Experiences and Level of Attachment

북한이탈가정 아동의 분리경험과 애착양상

  • Kim, Heuijeong (Interdisciplinary Program in Early Childhood Education, Seoul National University) ;
  • Yi, Soonhyung (Research Institute of Human Ecology, Seoul National University)
  • 김희정 (서울대학교 사범대학 유아교육전공) ;
  • 이순형 (서울대학교 아동가족학과 및 생활과학연구소)
  • Received : 2015.09.30
  • Accepted : 2016.02.22
  • Published : 2016.02.29
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Abstract

Objective: Taking note of the fact that North Korean refugee children experience frequent separation from their mothers and long-term maternal deprivation during their childhood, this study examined the relationship between children's separation experiences and attachment. Methods: A total of 37 children aged from 5 to 9 were assessed on their attachment using the Separation Anxiety Test, and their mothers reported on their child's separation experiences. Results and Conclusion: The major findings of this study were as follows: first, the result of evaluating their attachment pattern showed North Korean refugee children had a high level of insecure attachment with a high tendency for avoidant attachment. This avoidant attachment tendency is probably due to growing up in a repressed emotional environment by frequently experiencing maternal separation in North Korea, China, and even after settling down in South Korea. Second, children's secure attachment level was higher if they did not experience separation from their mother, if their mother had a high level of education in South Korea, or if they lived with a big family.

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References

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