• Horticultural Science & Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.1066-1071
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• 2010

To evaluate the effect of horticultural therapy (HT) on the emotional improvement of depressed patients, computer-based heart rate variability (HRV) was compared with self-report scale (SRS) known as existing subjective evaluation method. SRS included four test areas: mental stress scale (MSS), physical stress scale (PSS), Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), and Beck depression inventory (BDI). HRV was itemized into four parameters: standard deviation of the N-N intervals (SDNN), square root of mean squared difference of successive N-N intervals (RMSSD), total power (TP), and low-frequency/high-frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio). Thirty patients with depression at the same mental hospital participated in this study. 15 patients of the treatment group received HT once a week for three months, but the control group did not during the same period. As a result, the emotional improvement in treatment group was clearly identified through HRV as well as SRS. The significant difference was shown at three test areas (MSS, BAI, and BDI, $p$ < 0.001) in SRS and at one parameter (total power, $p$ < 0.05) in HRV. There was noticeable increase in SDNN, RMSSD, and LF/HF ratio in treatment group after HT activity, but no significant difference. Although all parameters of HRV did not show significance, the possibility of HRV as an objective evaluation method to HT was recognized in this study. These results also implied that HT was efficient in the mental and physical regeneration of the depressed patients in both subjective and objective evaluation methods.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.317-343
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• 2004

The purpose of this study is to explore further understanding of variables, besides father's alcoholism, which relates to psychosocial adjustment among ADAF(adult daughters of alcoholic fathers). This study examines the relationship between father's alcoholism, family functioning, parental attachment and the psychosocial adjustment among the ADAF. From a larger sample of 463 female college students, 160 ADAF and a matched group of non-ADAF were identified to participate in the study. This survey was conducted in Seoul and Gyungi-do area. Participants completed self-report questionnaires, "The Korean Version of Children of Alcoholics Screening Test", "Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment", "Satisfaction With Life Scale", "Self-esteem", "Beck Depression Inventory" and "Family Environment Scale". Path analyses was used to test the research question. Findings indicated that father's alcoholism had no direct effect on both the psychosocial adjustment of the ADAF and the family functioning. But father's alcoholism was significantly related to parental attachment. Family functioning was significant predictor of attachment to parents as well as psychosocial adjustment. Finally family functioning is important cause for parental attachment and psychosocial adjustment, specifically self-esteem and life satisfaction outcomes only. Therefore parental attachment was function as a mediator in the relationship between family functioning and psychosocial adjustment. In conclusion, this study showed that father's alcoholism did not predict outcome. We need to reconsider the assumption that direct link exists between adult adjustment difficulties and the presence of father's alcoholism. Implications for clinical and theoretical work with ADAF are discussed.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.40-47
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• 2010

Objectives：Body image is closely related to self-esteem and weight-control related behaviors. In particular, relationship between two factors would be stronger in female adolescents. False recognition on body image and weight can be a risk factor of eating disorder, depression, and suicidal ideation. This study aimed to examine the effects of body image and eating disorders on developing depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in female adolescents. Methods：Two hundred thirty nine students of a Girls' Commercial High School in Seoul were recruited. Eating Attitude Test for Korean Adolescents, Self-Esteem Scales, Impulsiveness Scale, Beck's Depression Inventory and Beck's Suicidal Ideation Scale were used to measure eating attitude and severity of psychiatric symptoms. Results：Among 239 subjects, the estimated risk group of eating disorders was 10%(n=24). They experienced more depressive symptoms than the control group. The bigger discrepancy in current and ideal body mass index was significantly related with higher depressive mood, suicidal idea, abnormal eating habits and lower self-esteem. Discrepancy between current and idea BMI was the most meaningful predictive factor about depression and suicidal thoughts by linear regression analysis. Conclusion：In spite of normal weight range of enrolled subjects, they experienced significant depressive mood, suicide thoughts and lower self-esteem associated with the discrepancy of their own subjective body image and current body mass index. Hence educational approach regarding normal body image and healthy weight control is needed for their mental health and preventing eating disorder.

• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.107-115
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• 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of forest healing programs with walking, sightseeing, and forest scent among six healing forest treatments using forest environment on the cognitive function, depression, and quality of life of elderly living alone. The subjects of the study were 17 senior citizens living in Samcheok and complaining of severe depression and forgetfulness. They were divided into two groups, and each group participated in the six sessions of the weekly forest healing program. All of them were surveyed of a Korean version of the MMSE-K, BDI (Beck Depression Inventory Korean Version), and SF-36 (Short Form 36 health survey questionnaire) with the questionnaire designed for the one-group pre-post test to examine changes in cognitive function, depression, and quality of life. The results showed that the mental status, depression level, and quality of life of respondents were significantly higher after healing programs. These results suggest that participation in healing program activities using forest environment can improve cognitive function, relieve depression and improve quality of life for senior citizens living alone. Therefore, inducing older adults who live alone and avoid outside activities to participate in the regular forest healing program will contribute to the prevention of dementia due to age and environment.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.208-216
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• 2016

Objectives : According to the recent Korean National Police Agency report, rape victims were 17.1%, but sexual molestation victims were more than the rape victims by 78.0%. Despite many international reports about the occurrence of severe psychiatric symptoms in sexual molestation victims, there is no domestic research. Therefore in this study, we investigated psychiatric symptoms of sexual molestation victims, and we also compared it with psychiatric symptoms in rape victims. Methods : 58 women who visited Busan Smile Center within 3months after sexual violence were the study subjects. Questionnaire about sociodemographic and sexual violence related characteristics were retrospectively investigated. Of the psychiatric symptoms, Beck Depression Inventory(BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory(BAI) for severity of depression and anxiety, and Impact of Event Scale-Revised(IES-R) to check the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) symptoms were used. Results : Of 58 sexual violence victims, sexual molestation victims were 36(62.1%) and rape victims were 22(37.9%). In sexual molestation victims, 80.6% had more than moderate severity of depression, 83.3% had more than moderate severity of anxiety, and 94.4% had significant scores at PTSD screening test. Compared with rape victims' psychiatric symptoms(each 95.5%, 95.5%, 95.5%) there were no significant difference. Conclusions : The majority of sexual molestation victims were also accompanied by depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms as rape victims. There results suggest that appropriate assessment and early treatment for psychiatric symptom must be made in the early stage of injury in sexual molestation victims.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.261-267
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• 2020

Objective : We investigated the effect of hypnotics on sleep quality, cognitive function, and depressive mood in patients with insomnia following brain tumor resection. Methods : From patients who underwent brain tumor resection, we recruited 10 patients with insomnia who received hypnotics for more than 1 week during a 3-week follow-up period (insomnia group). We also recruited 12 control patients with brain tumors but without insomnia (control group). We evaluated sleep quality at baseline and 3 weeks later using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Stanford Sleepiness Scale (SSS), and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and investigated cognitive function and depression using the Computerized Neuropsychological Test and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Results : At baseline, SSS, ISI, PSQI, and BDI scores were significantly higher and visual continuous performance test (VCPT) and auditory continuous performance test (ACPT) scores were significantly lower in the insomnia than in the control group. Three weeks later, the patients who had received hypnotics had significantly higher ISI, PSQI, ESS, VCPT, ACPT, visual span forward and backward, and visual recognition test scores, and significantly lower BDI scores. Conclusion : Quality of sleep in patients with insomnia following brain tumor resection was initially poor but improved significantly after taking hypnotic medication. Further, the hypnotic medications appeared to contribute to the amelioration of cognitive impairments and depressive moods in patients who previously underwent brain tumor resection. We thus recommend the use of hypnotics for patients with brain tumors with insomnia.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.21-31
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• 2020

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a cognitive-exercise program using step on the cognitive function, gait, and depression of elderly with mild cognitive impairment. Methods : The subjects comprised 30 elderly people with mild cognitive impairment who used elderly welfare centers in the provinces A, B, and C between March 21 and June 7, 2019. They were divided into an experimental group (n=15) and a control group (n=15) before undergoing an experiment based on a pretest-posttest control group design. The lowenstein occupational therapy cognitive assessment-geriatric population was used to assess the subjects' cognitive function, while the 4-stage balance test, 30-second chair-stand test, timed up & go test, and functional reach test were employed to evaluate their gait. In addition, the beck depression inventory was used to measure their levels of depression. Results : The cognitive-exercise program using step enhanced the subjects' cognitive function and gait and reduced their levels of depression. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found between the experimental group and the control group. Conclusion : The cognitive-exercise program using step promoted the process of sensorimotor and cognition through the learning process of various steps taking left and right steps and cognitive activities. It improves gait by activating the coordination of the musculoskeletal and nervous systems of the body and positively affecting posture control, balance, flexibility, and lower extremity muscles. It also relieved depression by performing successful step learning and cognitive activities with forward-looking (doing) that leads to pleasure and achievement. The present study confirmed the value of a cognitive-exercise program using step to treat multiple domains of functional decline in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. This is therefore proposed as an intervention program for this patient group.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.158-168
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• 2011

Objectives: The present study aims to determine the causal relationship between self-rated depression and experiences of injury and accidents in municipal firefighters. Methods: A panel survey of 186 municipal firefighters measured with depressive symptoms according to the Beck's depression index (BDI) was conducted. The effects of job-related injuries and accidents were evaluated using self-administered questionnaires that were taken once in a 12-month period from 2005 to 2006. Firefighters were classified into the Depression Group or Control Group based on follow-up BDI results with a cutoff level that was set to having "over mild depression." Results: The depression Group was comprised of 17 (9.1%) workers, including 9 firefighters who met had sufficient BDI scores twice in the 2-year test period and newly sufficient BDI scores in the follow-up test. A significantly higher number of subjects in the Depression Group experienced injuries and accidents in the 2-year test period as compared to the Control Group (15.4% vs. 1.5%, p=0.04). Firefighters who experienced injuries and accidents in the 2-year test period had a 7.4 times higher risk of being in the Depression Group than those who had not. As compared to accidents, near-miss accidents revealed stronger risks related to being classified as in the Depression group (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 4.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15-18.18 vs. Adjusted OR = 4.22, 95% CI = 1.08-16.58). Conclusion: The above results suggest that we should establish an effective program to promote mental health for groups at high risk for self-rated depression, including persons who have experienced consecutive injuries and accidents as well as near-miss injuries.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.337-347
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• 2021

Purpose: This study presents the development of a group video communication-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program for depressed pregnant women. It also provides the results of a preliminary test of its effects on their depression, automatic thoughts, and dysfunctional attitudes. Methods: In this quasi-experimental single-group pre- and posttest design study, 13 pregnant women participated in a 4-week, eight-session group CBT program, based on Beck's cognitive theory and using video communications from November 2020 to January 2021. Pregnant women between 14 and 32 weeks who were members of an online maternity and parenting community and residing in the cities of Changwon and Gimhae, Korea, were invited to voluntarily participate. Trained nurses led CBT sessions of 3-4 participants per group via video communication. Participants were assessed pre- and postintervention with self-report questionnaires for measurement of depression, automatic thought, and dysfunctional attitude after normality test according to the Shapiro-Wilk test of the variables. The data were analyzed using paired t-test and Pearson correlation coefficients. Results: Depression (t=7.90, p<.001), automatic thoughts (t=4.89, p<.001), and dysfunctional attitudes (t=2.42, p=.032) significantly decreased after the 4-week online program. There were statistically significant correlations among the three variables. Conclusion: This program was found to be effective in reducing depression, automatic thoughts, and dysfunctional attitudes. Above findings suggest that a group CBT program using video communication can be an effective therapeutic modality that helps pregnant women at risk for depression alleviate their negative emotions related to depression.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.16-27
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• 2001

Objectives : This study was aimed to investigate stress and coping strategy in the families of schizophrenic patient, and changes of knowledge, stress and coping strategy after brief program of family education compared with control group Methods : The education group consisted of twenty four people who were families with schizophrenic patients and attended the brief program of family education. The control group consisted of twenty two people with schizophrenic inpatients. Self-report questionnaires such as Family Coping Questionnaire(FCQ), Patient Rejection Scale(PRS), Worry Questionnaire, Knowledge Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory(BDI), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory(STAI) were administered to the education group and the control group, twice at the pre-test and post-test. Results : 1) In the education group, scores of worry questionnaire, BDI and STAI-S at the post-test were significantly lower than those at the pre-test. Social interests score of FCQ and knowledge questionnaire score at the post-test were significantly higher than those at the pre-test. In FCQ factors, social interests associated with avoidance strategy score at the post-test was significantly higher than that at the pre-test. However, in the control group, there was no significant difference in all questionnaires. 2) In the education group, significant positive correlation existed between calculated differences of worry questionnaire and STAI-S, and between worry questionnaire and STAI-T, whereas significant negative correlation existed between positive communication of FCQ and PRS, and between knowledge questionnaire and STAI-S. In the control group, significant negative correlation existed between information of FCQ and PRS, and between positive communication of FCQ and PRS. 3) In the education group, significant positive correlation existed between calculated differences of worry questionnaire and age of patient, whereas significant negative correlation existed between knowledge questionnaire and duration of illness. However, in the control group, there was no significant correlation. Conclusion : The brief program of family education was effective in increasing knowledge about schizophrenia, decreasing worry and anxiety about the patients in families with schizophrenic patient. In the education group as knowledge about schizophrenia increased, anxiety about schizophrenic patient decreased, but there was no significant correlation in the control group. As relative's rejection feeling about schizophrenic patient decreased, positive communication strategy increased in both groups. However, the control group was more affected by rejection feeling than the education group.