• Asia-pacific Journal of Multimedia Services Convergent with Art, Humanities, and Sociology
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.383-393
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• 2017

This study examined the empathy relationship experiences of adolescents in relationships with school social workers. The researchers conducted individual interviews with 10 adolescents from low-SES families. The primary interview query was 'What have empathy relationship experiences with school social workers meant to you?' Interview responses were coded and the results were analyzed using phenomenological research methods. The empathy experiences of adolescents were identified as the following: 'tried to build empathy','understanding another's feelings', 'helpfulness'. The study's results summarized the adolescents' feelings of empathy resulting from their interactions with school social workers. In conclusion, the study suggested some useful strategies for school social workers in their work with adolescents from low-SES families. These strategies are designed to maximize adolescents' ability to feel empathy for others. Furthermore, based on the results of this study the researchers suggest some promising avenues for empathy research in various fields.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.55 no.5
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• pp.455-463
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• 2022

Objectives: Economic hardship has a serious impact on adolescents' mental health. The financial impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic was more severe for low-income families, and this also impacted adolescents. This study aimed to examine the associations of economic deterioration (ED) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and low socioeconomic status (SES) with adolescents' suicidal behaviors. Methods: This study analyzed data from the 2020 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey, which included 54 948 middle and high school students. Odds ratios (ORs) of suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, and suicide attempts related to ED and SES were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. We calculated relative excess risks due to interaction to assess additive interactions. Results: The ORs for suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, and suicide attempts related to combined severe ED and low SES were 3.64 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.13 to 4.23), 3.88 (95% CI, 3.09 to 4.88), and 4.27 (95% CI, 3.21 to 5.69), respectively. Conclusions: ED and low SES were significantly associated with suicidal behaviors in adolescents. Although no significant additive interaction was found, the ORs related to suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, and suicide attempts were highest among adolescents from low-income families with severe ED. Special attention is needed for this group, considering the increased impact of economic inequality due to the COVID-19 pandemic.