• Anxiety and mood
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2020

Objective : This study aims to examine the association between exposure to suicide events and suicide ideation by analyzing the levels of suicide ideation among the groups with exposure to suicide death, non-suicide death, and no death in their social relationships. Methods : Data were derived from Wave I of the Longitudinal Study of Suicide Survivors' Mental Health. 1,998 adults nationwide selected using a stratified sampling method based on the Korean Census Data, were categorized into 3 groups with exposure to suicidal death, non-suicidal death, and no death. The levels of depression (Brief CES-D), subjective health status, and suicidal ideation (SSI) were measured. To examine the association between exposure to suicide and the level of suicide ideation, multiple regression analysis was used after controlling the socio-demographic and clinical factors including subjective health status and depression. Results : 32% reported their exposure to suicide. Compared to the other groups, the suicide-exposed group's level of depression and suicide ideation were significantly higher but the subjective health status was lower. Multiple regression model revealed that suicide exposure had a statistically significant association with suicidal ideation at p=0.000 even after controlling the clinical characteristics. Conclusion : HThe findings suggest that exposure to suicide is a risk factor for suicidal ideation. In the clinical field, it is necessary to consider patients' experience in exposure to suicide while treating and intervening in suicide-related cases. At the policy level, a mental health system for suicide prevention should consider this risk factor for those exposed to suicide in their family and social relationships.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.252-263
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• 2015

Since 2004 suicide in Korea was the number 1 cause of mortality among OECD countries, the suicides and suicide mortality rate is constantly increasing. Using AHP(Analytic Hierarchy Process), we examined the main approaches and detailed policies of suicide prevention to confirm an effective suicide policy. A workshop and survey were conducted on August 23rd and 26th, 2013, with 30 people. There were 20 academics (4 social workers, 7 mental health workers, 5 psychiatrists, 4 clinical psychologists), and 5 policymakers and 5 administrative staff. In additional 5 people from social welfare and 5 from clinical psychology fields were survey from september 9 to 12 by e-mail. The research found 4 priorities. They include, suicide attempt management, building up public infrastructure for suicide prevention, support to bereaved families, and crisis management of high risk groups in society.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.232-239
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• 2021

This study aimed to update suicide-related indicators including suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and the number of suicidal deaths. Based on up-to-date information, we observed the trends of suicide-related indicators. In this study, five data sources were used to observe the trends of suicide-related indicators: Statistics Korea (1983-2019), Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination (KNHANES, '07-13, '15-19), Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS, '08-09, '13, '17), Korean Wealth Panel Study (KOWEPS, '12-19), and Korea Health Panel Survey (KHP, '10-13, '16-17). The suicide rate, which peaked in 2011, declined until 2017 and then started to rise again from 2018, recording a suicide rate of 26.9 per 100,000 people in 2019. The rate of suicidal ideation estimated based on the recently available data was 4.62% (KNHANES, '19), 3.51% (KHP, '16), 2.87% (KHP, '17), and 1.70% (KOWEPS, '19). That of suicide attempt as recent year was 0.43% (KNHANES, '19), 0.07% (KOWEPS, '19). Annual percentage change of death by intentional self-harm was -2.11% (Statistics Korea), and that of suicidal ideation was -14.7% (KNHANES), -2.5% (KCHS), -10.6% (KOWEPS), and -11.3% (KHP). Annual percentage change of suicide attempt was -5.0% (KNHANES), -4.4% (KCHS), and -11.3% (KOWEPS). The lower the income level, the higher the probability of experiencing suicide ideation and suicide attempts. Considering the recent increase in suicide rate in contrast to the continuing decline in suicidal ideation and suicide attempts, continuous data observation and appropriate policies regarding suicide prevention are needed.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.109-123
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• 2011

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationships between views on suicide, death, and life and lifetime suicidal attempts in the Korean context. Methods: Multiple logistic regression model was tested using data from Korean General Social Survey of 2009. We utilized the nationally representative survey data obtained via multistage stratified area probability sampling design from 1,599 respondents aged ${\geq}18$ years. Results: The proportion of lifetime suicidal attempts was 12.1% of entire sample in Korea. Some components of views on suicide and death influenced significantly on lifetime suicidal attempts after adjusting for demographic and health-related factors. The positive view on suicide(OR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.62-0.94), the naturalistic view on afterlife(OR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.67-0.99) and death concern(OR=0.67, 95% CI: 0.55-0.83) were risk factors of lifetime suicidal attempts. In contrast, the social responsibility view on suicide(OR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.00-1.37) and the transcendental view on afterlife(OR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.02-1.54) lowered the risk. Conclusions: Practical implications of the findings were discussed exploring policy evidences to screen high risk groups out and to reframe educational programs for suicide prevention. Strategic health messages need to be developed and transmitted for prevention of suicide.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.211-220
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• 2020

Background: This study aimed to demonstrate the importance to recognize subjective body image on their mental health on adolescents. Methods: We used the chi-square test and the multiple logistic regression model to analyze the data of the "Korean Youth Health Behavior Survey in 2018" (n=42,259) conducted by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results: As a result of the analysis, suicide ideation increased when the subject body image is thin and fat. Especially, the suicide ideation who recognized the subjective body image as thin is higher (odds ratio [OR], 1.666; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.050-1.295), and who recognized the subjective body image as fat is higher (OR, 1.134; 95% CI, 1.032-1.245) than the group who recognized the subjective body image as normal. Conclusion: When preparing a health policy on adolescent suicide issues, we need to consider the association between subjective body image and suicide ideation.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.228-236
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• 2022

The aim of this study was updating suicide-related indicators, including the number of suicidal deaths, suicide rate, and the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. We observed trends in suicide-related indicators based on up-to-date information. This study used five data sources to evaluate the trends of suicide-related indicators: Statistics Korea (1983-2020), Korean Wealth Panel Study (KOWEPS, 2012-2020), and Korea Health Panel Survey (KHP, 2010-2013, 2016-2018), Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination (KNHANES, 2007-2013, 2015-2020), and Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS, 2008-2009, 2013, 2017). The suicide rate per 100,000 population decrease from 26.9 in 2019 to 25.7 in 2020. Based on recently available data, the rates of suicidal ideation were 1.48% (KOWEPS, 2020), 2.61% (KHP, 2018), 4.62% (KNHANES, 2019), and 6.96% (KCHS, 2017). Those of suicide attempt as were 0.07% (KOWEPS, 2020), 0.44% (KNHANES, 2020), and 0.32% (KCHS, 2017). Annual percentage change (APC) of suicide rate was -1.87% (Statistics Korea, 2011-2020). APC of suicidal ideation was -10.7% (KOWEPS, 2012-2020), -11.5% (KHP, 2010-2013, 2016-2018), -14.7% (KNHANES, 2007-2013, 2015, 2017, 2019), and -2.5% (KCHS, 2008-2009, 2013, 2017). APC of suicide attempt was -11.3% (KOWEPS, 2012-2019), -5.2% (KNHANES, 2007-2013, 2015-2020), and -4.4% (KCHS, 2008-2009, 2013, 2017). Although the suicide rate in Korea has decreased compared to 10 years ago, it is still at a high level. Thus, continuous observation and appropriate suicide prevention policies are needed.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.194-292
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• 2023

Background: This study aimed to update suicide-related indicators, including the number of suicidal deaths, suicide rate, and the prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. We observed trends in suicide-related indicators based on up-to-date information. Methods: This study used five data sources to evaluate the trends of suicide-related indicators: Statistics Korea (1983-2021), Korean Wealth Panel Study (KOWEPS, 2012-2021), and Korea Health Panel Survey (KHP, 2010-2013, 2016-2019), Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination (KNHANES, 2007-2013, 2015-2021), Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS, 2008-2009, 2013, 2017, 2021). Results: The suicide rate per 100,000 population increased from 25.7 in 2020 to 26.0 in 2021. The rates of suicidal ideation from recently available data were 4.28% (KNHANES, 2021), 6.52% (KCHS, 2021), 1.61% (KOWEPS) and 7.10% (KHP, 2019). The suicidal attempts rates were 0.46% (KNHANES, 2021) and 0.34% (KCHS, 2021). The annual percentage change (APC) of suicide rate showed that suicide rates increased in the younger population (APC=9.02% in <19 years, APC=5.13 in 20-39 years) although the rates decreased in the older population (APC=-3.37 in 60-79 years, APC=-2.25 in >80 years). Conclusion: The suicide rate and related indicators increased in 2021 compared to 2020. Thus, continuous observation and appropriate suicide prevention policies as well as studies about the factors that affected the increase in 2021 are needed.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.16 no.6
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• pp.223-232
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• 2018

This study aims to incorporate resilience factors into current suicide research that is focused on risk factors by validating the role of hope and self-forgiveness, which are potential resilience factors, in thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness, risk factors according to the interpersonal theory of suicide. Data was collected from 316 undergraduates in Seoul and Gyeonggi areas. We examined the correlations between self-forgiveness, hope, perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation and tested moderating effects of self-forgiveness and hope on the relationship between perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation and between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation. The study results were all significant, indicating that self-forgiveness moderates the relationship between perceived burdensomeness and suicidal ideation and that hope moderates the relationship between thwarted belongingness and suicidal ideation. The result will be a basis for incorporating and resilience factors into the suicide risk assessment when educating suicidal prevention and counseling college students. Further research on studying more risk factors and resilience factors will contribute to establishing more useful and various suicide risk factor evaluation, prevention education, counseling and policies.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.321-328
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• 2017

The aim of study was to identify factors influencing the self-confidence in the teacher's role on adolescent suicide. The cross-sectional descriptive study design was used. Participants were 318 teachers from elementary, middle, and high school in D city. Data were collected using questionnaires which included general characteristics, attitude toward adolescent suicide, knowledge about guideline for adolescent suicide prevention, and self-confidence in the teacher's role on adolescent suicide. Collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression with SPSS 21.0 program. The results of the regression analysis revealed that experience of suicide education, attitude, and knowledge about adolescent suicide were the significant factors affecting the self-confidence in teacher's role for adolescent suicide. The predictor variables explained 22.5% of variance regarding self-confidence in teacher's role for adolescent suicide. Findings indicate the factors should be used in developing effective intervention for enhancement of self-confidence in teacher's role on adolescent suicide.

• Journal of the Korean Society of School Health
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.100-108
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• 2014

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of clinical art therapy programs utilized at schools on adolescents' suicidal thoughts and stress relief and to validate their effectiveness as a type of adolescent suicide prevention program. Methods: 12 sessions of clinical art therapy for youth suicide prevention were provided, once a week for 90 minutes, for 20 students at five middle schools in Seoul who were at high risk of committing suicide. By using the paired sample t-test, the study presented qualitative data on the analysis of pre- and post- questionnaires and on the subjects' EEG test and saliva test. Results: First, through the clinical art therapy program, the subjects' happiness index improved significantly while their scores of depression and suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts) decreased. Second, in the EEG and saliva test conducted after the art therapy sessions, emotional stability increased and stress was reduced significantly. Third, according to the results of pre- and post- K-HTP tests and individual activities, the subjects started to recognize the seriousness of suicide and show emotional stability and positive changes in overall attitudes, valuing the rights and life of their own 'precious selves' (self respect). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the clinical art therapy program is significantly effective at preventing suicidal ideation by reducing suicidal impulses and depression, by increasing the happiness index, which can serve as a protective factor against suicide, and by increasing emotional stability while reducing stress. Based on the results, there is a need to develop policy measures regarding art therapy programs which can be utilized at schools.