STRESS

Original Articles

The Mediating Effect of Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Late-Life Volunteering, Depressive Symptoms, and Subjective Well-Being: A Longitudinal Analysis Using a Sequential Process Latent Growth Model: Dapin Cho, DongHee Jeong, Eun-Jung Shim; STRESS. 2025;33(2):53-62. Published online June 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2025.33.2.53

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Abstract PDF: Background
This study examined the longitudinal relationship between late-life volunteering, depressive symptoms, and subjective well-being, with a focus on the mediating effect of self-esteem.
Methods
Data were drawn from the 12th to 18th waves (2017∼2023) of the Korean Welfare Panel Study, including 4,954 individuals aged 65 and older at wave 12. A sequential process latent growth model was employed to examine trajectories of self-esteem (waves 13∼15), depressive symptoms, and subjective well-being (both measured at waves 16∼18), as well as their associations over time. The relationship between volunteering, depressive symptoms, and subjective well-being was analyzed while controlling for sex, income and education. Bootstrapping procedure was employed to test the mediating effect of self-esteem.
Results
Self-esteem and depressive symptoms showed a steady decreasing over time, whereas, subjective well-being tended to increase. Compared to non-volunteers, volunteers demonstrated higher initial levels of self-esteem, which were associated with lower subsequent levels and slower declines in depressive symptoms, as well as higher subsequent levels and slower increases in subjective well-being.
Conclusions
This study demonstrates that self-esteem plays a key mediating role between volunteering and mental health outcomes in older adults. Specifically, volunteering was found to enhance self-esteem, which helps reduce depressive symptoms and improve subjective well-being. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at promoting social participation, such as volunteering, and strengthening self-esteem may be effective strategies for enhancing mental health in later life.

Qualitative Study on Patient Distress and Needs in Chronic Illness: Cardiovascular, Cerebrovascular, and Chronic Renal Diseases: Eun Jung Yang, Donghee Jeong, Bong-Jin Hahm, Eun-Jung Shim; STRESS. 2023;31(3):113-122. Published online September 30, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2023.31.3.113

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Abstract PDF: Background
We examined various types of distress and needs experienced by patients with chronic illness.
Methods
We conducted in-depth interviews with 35 patients with cardiovascular, cerebrovascular and chronic renal diseases.
Results
The majority of participants reported experiencing physical distress, such as pain from symptoms or after-effects. They also felt burdensome to others and saw a decrease in their social relationships because of physical limitations caused by their chronic illness. Besides symptom management, they expressed a need for psychological counselling to cope with psychosocial distress.
Conclusions
The findings suggest the importance of integrative management for patients with chronic illness, addressing both physical symptoms and psychosocial distress.

Qualitative Study on Experiences of Suicidal Ideation and Behavior among College Students: Donghee Jeong, Eun-Jung Shim; STRESS. 2022;30(4):204-212. Published online December 30, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2022.30.4.204

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Abstract PDF

Background
Suicide is a major cause of death among young adults, and elucidating their experiences of suicidal behavior is important in suicide prevention. This study aimed to explore the factors related to suicidal ideation and behavior in college students. Students’ responses and coping strategies for distress caused by these factors were also explored.
Methods
The study conducted semi-structured interview with 24 college students (mean age=21.3, 75% female) who were at elevated risk of suicide. The transcripts were analyzed based on the consensual qualitative research method.
Results
The participants reported experiencing repeated frustrations in pursuing academic and career paths, as well as social isolation, conflict, or social comparison. In response to these stressors, they experienced negative emotions, such as depression and feeling of being a burden. Negative thoughts about the self and future also emerged. A lack of understanding of why they experienced distress and how to manage the distress led the participants to engage in maladaptive responses, such as avoidance. These factors contributed to increasing their risk of suicidal ideation and behavior. Meanwhile, the factors that deterred them from making a lethal suicide attempt were their lack of capability, their concern about their family and friends, and social support from the latter.
Conclusions
Repeated frustration and interpersonal distress were major factors related to increased suicidal ideation and behavior in college students. Suicide prevention in young adults may benefit from addressing negative impact of these factors.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Development and validation of suicide crisis scale for international students in South Korea
Ki-Hyun Choi, Jung Hee Ha, Juliet Jue
Frontiers in Psychology.2024;[Epub] CrossRef

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