Pathways from Childhood Maltreatment to School Adjustment: Differences between North Korean Youth Refugees Living in South Korea and South Korean Youth

Background and Purpose: With the increase of North Korean refugees in South Korea, the number of North Korean youth has also increased. Existing researches indicated that North Korean youth often suffer school adjustment problems. Although childhood maltreatment negatively affects school adjustment, little is known how it works for youth from North Korea, compared to South Korean youth. In this regard, this study aimed to examine differences of youth’s place of origin on the pathways between maltreatment and school adjustment via self-control, interpersonal relations, and academic stress. 

Methods: 610 youth (youth from South Korea = 325, youth from North Korea = 285) living in South Korea from juniors in middle schools to seniors in high schools were interviewed in 2017. Variables used in this model are childhood maltreatment, self-control, interpersonal relations, academic stress and school adjustment. Maltreatment and self-control were measured with a parent-to-child version of the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTSPC; Straus et al., 1998) and Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS; Tangney et al., 2004). We used Korean academic stress scale (Bak & Park, 2012) to assess the level of academic stress. Interpersonal relations included two factors of relationships with teachers and friends. School adjustment was measured with Korean school adjustment scale (Min, 1991). Multi-group structural equation modeling was used for examining differences of the place of origin on the pathways from maltreatment to school adjustment via self-control, interpersonal relations and academic stress.

Results: Outcomes indicated acceptable model fit (𝒳²  = 169.91; df = 56, p < .001; RMSEA = .058; CFI = .936; TLI = .897). In youth from South Korea, maltreatment was related to academic stress (B = .147, p = .009) and interpersonal relations (B = -.050, p = .048). Self-control predicted interpersonal relations (B = .144, p < .001) and academic stress (B = -.342, p < .001). Interpersonal relations was positively associated with school adjustment (B = 1.601, p < .001); however, academic stress negatively predicted school adjustment (B = -147., p = .002). In youth from North Korea, maltreatment predicted self-control (B = -.117, p = .013) and academic stress (B = .16, p = .003). Self-control predicted interpersonal relations (B = .174, p < .001), academic stress (B = -.272, p < .001) and school adjustment (B = .197, p = .017). Interpersonal relations was related to school adjustment (B = 1.215, p < .001). The pathway from self-control to school adjustment was different among two groups; the path coefficient of youth from North Korea was significantly higher (C.R. = 1.977).

Conclusions and Implications: The findings suggest differences of the place of origin in the pathways from self-control to school adjustment among youth in South Korea, with interpersonal relations and academic stress acting as significant mediators in youth from South Korea and self-control and interpersonal relations acting as significant mediators in youth from North Korea. Maltreatment affects academic stress of both youths. The findings imply cultural sensitive social work practice and education programs.