Impacts of North Korean Defectors' Cultural Orientation, PTSD, and Resilience on Their Social Adaptation in South Korea.

INTRODUCTION

Over 30,000 North Koreans have fled to South Korea, facing challenges in adapting to a new society. This study aimed to examine how cultural orientation, PTSD, and resilience influence their social adaptation.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 171 North Korean defectors using validated tools to assess cultural orientation, PTSD symptoms, resilience, and social adaptation.

RESULTS

PTSD was prevalent in 24% of participants and strongly negatively correlated with social adaptation (r = -.61, p < .001). Resilience showed a positive association with adaptation (r = .46, p < .001) and served as a protective factor against PTSD. Horizontal cultural orientation correlated with adaptation but was not a significant predictor. PTSD severity was the strongest predictor of poor adaptation.

DISCUSSION: These findings underscore the need for long-term, culturally appropriate mental health interventions and resilience-building programs to enhance the social integration of North Korean defectors and inform refugee support policy.