Work

Prevalence of Traumatic Experiences in South Korean Adults

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Although a variety of traumatic experiences can impact health over the lifetime, little is known about the prevalence of such experiences in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to examine the frequencies of traumatic experiences and their differences by gender and age. South Korean adults (N = 3000) aged 19-65 years completed a self-report survey assessing childhood and adulthood trauma and sociodemographic characteristics. Overall, 79.5% of the participants reported at least one traumatic experience in adulthood. Unemployment or job loss and academic or work difficulties were commonly reported. The most distressing adulthood trauma was the unexpected death of a loved one, followed by diseases in loved ones. Childhood trauma was higher in males than in females. In males, childhood trauma was higher at a younger age, but in females, it was higher at an older age. Adulthood trauma was higher in females than in males and at older ages for both males and females. The current findings demonstrate the differences in traumatic experiences by gender and age in the South Korean general population. These results could help improve assessment of and targeted intervention for psychological trauma through trauma-informed strategies in public health practice.

Source: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17113959

Authors: Sunah Kim, Go-Un Kim, Suin Park

Institutions: Yonsei University, Kosin University

Language: English

Topic: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,429