STRESS

Original Articles

A Preliminary Study on the Development of a Stigma Scale for Suicide Survivors: Jieun Kwon; STRESS. 2025;33(3):146-154. Published online September 30, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2025.33.3.146

Abstract PDF: Background
This preliminary study explored the stigma surrounding suicide loss in survivors in South Korea and develops a scale for measuring this stigma.
Methods
An open-ended survey (N=57; 18 men, 39 women) and a structured questionnaire (N=250; 94 males, 156 females) were administered to adults who had experienced bereavement due to the suicide of a close family member or partner (e.g., parent, child, spouse, or significant other). Preliminary items were generated based on open-ended responses. The items were then subjected to content validation and revision by a panel of experts, resulting in 70 preliminary items. The questionnaire was administered based on these items.
Results
The exploratory factor analysis yielded a stigma scale comprising four factors and 15 items. The four factors were labeled as follows: Vulnerable Individual, Responsibility for Suicide, Relational Discomfort, and Relational Distancing. The scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency.
Conclusions
This study is relevant because it developed a culturally relevant scale to assess the stigma experienced by survivors of suicide loss in Korean society.

Factors Affecting Bereaved Spouses’ Quality of Life: A Systematic Review: Wonjung Noh, Songi Jeon; STRESS. 2020;28(4):254-261. Published online December 31, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.17547/kjsr.2020.28.4.254

Abstract PDF: Background
This study is a systematic review to explore factors affecting the quality of life (QOL) of spouses who have experienced bereavement.
Methods
We searched the literature in four foreign and one domestic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and RISS), using the search terms ‘bereavement’, ‘spouse’, and ‘quality of life’. A total of six articles were selected for final analysis by two researchers. Using the social ecological model, we categorized five domains affecting bereaved spouses’ QOL.
Results
Studies were published between 2001 and 2010 and were surveyed in a total of five countries. The QOL of the participants was measured using various measurement tools, such as health-related QOL and life satisfaction. Using social ecological models, the factors affecting QOL among bereaved spouses were determined to be individual, interpersonal, organizational, community and policy factors.
Conclusions
Based on the analysis results, points for consideration are suggested, including the research design and direction of future research.

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