[Mina K. Kim] The Impact of Different Seasonings on the Flavor Perception of Doenjang Soup

Researchers examine how different seasonings shape kokumi perception in doenjang soup and influence consumer acceptanceDoenjang, a traditional Korean fermented soybean paste, contains natural umami and kokumi-active compounds. A new study from Jeonbuk National University found that monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nucleotide-based seasonings affect doenjang soup differently. Nucleotides mainly boost umami, while MSG strongly enhances both umami and kokumi, resulting in higher consumer acceptance.Image title: How do different seasonings in doenjang soup affect consumer perception?Image caption: Monosodium glutamate significantly enhances umami and kokumi characteristics in the soup compared to nucleotide-based seasonings, thereby improving consumer satisfaction.Image credit: Professor Mina K. Kim from Jeonbuk National UniversityLicense type: Original ContentUsage restrictions: Cannot be reused without permission.Doenjang is a traditional Korean fermented soybean paste made from meju—naturally fermented soybean blocks—mixed with salt and aged through long-term fermentation. Unlike Japanese miso, Korean doenjang does not use koji; its flavor develops entirely from the natural fermentation of meju. It is prepared via fermentation and aging with microbial cultures, which produce umami compounds that improve its palatability. While umami is a well-understood concept, kokumi—a term used to describe attributes like mouthfulness, richness, and flavor continuity—is surrounded by divergent views. Some perceive kokumi as a sensory amplification of flavor, whereas others define it by the presence of specific compounds such as glutathione and γ-glutamyl peptides. These kokumi-active compounds exist in various fermented foods, including doenjang.In a recent study, researchers from the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition and the K-Food Research Center at Jeonbuk National University, Republic of Korea, led by Professor Mina K. Kim, the Director of the K-Food Research Center at Jeonbuk National University, examined how monosodium glutamate (MSG) and nucleotide-based seasonings influence kokumi perception in doenjang soup and affect consumer acceptance. Their findings were made available online on 5 May 2025 and have been published recently in Volume 131 of the journal Food Quality and Preference on 1 October 2025.The researchers applied a consumer-centered approach using 113 untrained panelists, who completed liking assessments and Check-All-That-Apply questions after testing doenjang soup samples containing different seasonings a follow - none, 1% MSG, 1% disodium 5′-inosinate, 1% disodium 5′-guanylate, and 1% disodium 5′-ribonucleotide.They found that even within the same category of seasonings, MSG, an amino acid–based seasoning, and nucleotide-based seasonings influence doenjang soup in different ways. While MSG boosts both umami and kokumi, nucleotide-based seasonings mainly increase umami alone, showing that these two types of flavor enhancers work differently even in the same food system. “Our results show that umami is a major sensory driver of kokumi perception—shaping how consumers experience depth, richness, and lingering flavor in doenjang soup. These insights offer a clear, evidence-based direction for formulating more impactful seasoning systems and advancing premium doenjang-based product development,” remarks Prof. Kim.Beyond traditional Korean doenjang, this research offers broader insights into how kokumi can be enhanced in many kokumi-rich foods found around the world, such as aged cheeses, long-simmered broths, miso, soy sauce, parmesan, and even certain seafood-based dishes. Since kokumi contributes to body, richness, and lingering taste, these findings can also be applied to improving the flavor quality of soup-based products and savory beverages. In addition, by strengthening kokumi while maintaining umami balance, this study provides a useful strategy for developing products with reduced-sodium without sacrificing their taste.“Our research can help develop fermented foods that retain the complex flavors of traditional doenjang while meeting modern consumer expectations. By showing how umami and kokumi interact in consumer evaluations, our findings support flavor-standardization efforts and the creation of healthier, more satisfying fermented products. As kokumi research progresses, we expect the industry to adopt more precise, evidence-based approaches to enhancing flavor depth and persistence,” concludes Prof. Kim.Reference Title of original paper: Umami and kokumi: The role of MSG and nucleotide-based seasonings in Doenjang soupJournal: Food Quality and PreferenceDOI: 10.1016/j.foodqual.2025.105579About the author [PURE Authour Profile]Dr. Mina K. Kim is the Director of the K-Food Research Center and a Professor of Food Science at Jeonbuk National University. Her research team studies flavor chemistry and sensory perception of traditional Korean fermented foods, including doenjang, soy sauce, and kimchi, focusing on kokumi and gu-soo—the savory, nutty–roasty depth of aged doenjang. Her work integrates instrumental analysis with trained panel vocabulary and consumer preferences, bridging sensory evaluation and chemical data and advancing healthier, globally appealing fermented food innovation.

• 기획처 기획조정과
• 2025-12-08
• 조회수 5

[Seungho Lee] Proposing a Two-Stage Decision-Making Framework of Lithium Governance in Latin America

This study covers divergent paths, ranging from market-oriented approaches to rhetorical nationalization, taken by Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and MexicoLithium is a strategically very important mineral in the present decade. Latin American countries, with their abundant resources, have taken divergent paths in terms of governance strategies. In a recent study, a researcher from Jeonbuk National University has proposed a two-stage decision-making framework to explain this trend, providing a useful starting point for examining how states navigate the interplay between external pressures and domestic structural constraints in governing lithium industries.Image title: Lithium Governance Strategies in Latin AmericaImage caption: This study highlights the reasons behind the divergent responses of lithium-rich Latin American countries despite their shared economic incentives for greater state control.Image credit: Seungho Lee from Jeonbuk National UniversityLicense type: Original ContentUsage restrictions: Cannot be reused without permissionThe evolving global order, intense geopolitical competition, and anxiety over supply chain vulnerabilities in this century have led to urgent concerns over supply chain resilience as well as national security. Amidst these upheavals, governments across the globe are making substantial efforts to reaffirm control over strategic sectors, especially in the field of critical minerals. Notably, lithium has become strategically highly important owing to its use in lithium–ion batteries for technologies aimed at decarbonization, including electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems. The demand for lithium in EV production is expected to grow at least 7.6-fold in the present decade.This emerging trend has put a focus on Latin American nations with abundant lithium resources, including Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Mexico. As a result, all these countries are comprehensively reassessing their lithium governance strategies. While Chile prioritizes combining private investment with strategic oversight, Argentina and Brazil maintain decentralized and market-oriented approaches. In contrast, Bolivia and Mexico are inclined to adopt a radical state-led model, encompassing a fiscal regime with policies that directly influence production and largely rhetorical nationalization, respectively. These highly divergent paths pursued by different nations raise the question: What explains variants in resource nationalism in Latin America’s lithium industry despite shared structural incentives and favorable external conditions for state intervention?In a new study, researcher Seungho Lee, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies at Jeonbuk National University, has addressed this question via a two-stage decision-making framework. His findings were made available online on 5 June 2025 and have been published in Volume 24 of the journal The Extractive Industries and Society on 1 December 2025.Dr. Lee highlights the major findings of his work. “First, global commodity price cycles and strategic competition create external pressures and opportunities for state intervention, the effects of which are mediated by the industrial maturity of each country’s lithium sector. Second, domestic political settlements ultimately determine the extent and form of state involvement.”The findings of this study carry important implications for external actors who want to engage in the Latin American lithium sector. They underscore the importance for multinational firms and foreign governments of recognizing the complex and heterogeneous nature of lithium governance regimes across the region. Engagement strategies should be calibrated both to external conditions and the level of industrial maturity, and to the political settlements that shape each country’s lithium sector—both at the national and subnational levels."Given lithium’s strategic importance and the geographic concentration of its reserves and production, global demand for the mineral is expected to continue rising.In this context, the present work provides a useful starting point for examining how states navigate the interplay between external pressures and domestic structural constraints in governing lithium industries,” concludes Dr. Lee.Reference Title of original paper: What Explains Variants in Resource Nationalism in Latin America’s Lithium Industry?Journal: The Extractive Industries and SocietyDOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exis.2025.101697About the author [PURE Authour Profile]Dr. Seungho Lee is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Spanish and Latin American Studies at Jeonbuk National University. Before joining the university, he was as an Associate Research Fellow in the Americas Team at Korea Institute for International Economic Policy. His research focuses on Latin American political economy, international trade, and East Asia–Latin America relations. He holds a B.Sc. in Economics from University of Warwick, an M.Sc. in Latin American Studies from University of Oxford, and a Ph.D. in International Studies from Seoul National University.

• 기획처 기획조정과
• 2025-12-04
• 조회수 34

[Dohun Baek /Min Kim] A New Interface Engineering Strategy for Efficient and Stable Back-Contact Solar Cells

Researchers develop a novel bilayer tin oxide electron transport layer for improving efficiency of back contact solar cellsBack-contact perovskite solar cells (BC-PSCs) represent a promising new alternative design to conventional solar cells, offering improved light absorption and higher power conversion efficiency. However, for addressing interfacial defects and recombination losses in BC-PSCs, advanced interface engineering techniques are required. Now, researchers have developed a novel bilayer tin oxide electron transport layer for BC-PSCs, which reduces recombination losses, promotes efficient charge transfer, and improves power conversion efficiency.Image title: Interface engineering strategy for back-contact perovskite solar cellsImage caption: Researchers propose a novel bilayer SnO2 electron transport layer that enhances interfacial contact, reduces recombination losses, and optimizes energy alignment for electron charge carriers.Image credit: Dr. Min Kim from University of Seoul and Mr. Dohun Baek from Jeonbuk National University, Republic of KoreaLicense type: Original ContentUsage restrictions: Cannot be reused without permissionAs the demand for renewable energy grows, scientists are developing new types of solar cells that are both highly efficient and scalable. The back-contact perovskite solar cell (BC-PSC) is one such innovative architecture, emerging as a promising alternative to traditional front-contact designs. In conventional perovskite solar cells, the electrode contacts and charge transport materials are placed on front of the device – the surface that faces the sun. Because incoming light must first pass through these layers before reaching the active perovskite material, a portion of the light is inevitably lost.In contrast, BC-PSCs position the perovskite absorber layer at the top of the stack, allowing direct sunlight exposure, while electron and hole-collection contacts are positioned at the back. When light falls on the perovskite layer, it generates holes and electrons, which subsequently migrate to their respective transport layers to produce photocurrent. This design minimizes optical losses, enhances charge collection, and improves power conversion efficiency. However, this design introduces new challenges. Since charge carriers must travel longer distances, they are more likely to encounter interfacial defects, leading to recombination losses. This leads to reduced efficiency and stability, limiting practical application.In a breakthrough, a research team led by Associate Professor Min Kim from the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Seoul, Republic of Korea and Mr. Dohun Baek, a PhD student from School of Chemical Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, Republic of Korea, has developed a novel bilayer tin oxide (SnO2) electron transport layer (ETL), via a simple spin-coating method, that significantly improves efficiency and stability of BC-PSCs. The study was made available online on July 04, 2025, and published in Volume 654 of the Journal of Power Sources on October 30, 2025.“We selected SnO2 for the ETL due to its favorable conduction band alignment with perovskite and superior electron mobility compared to conventional titanium oxide. As a result, our bilayer ETL enhances interfacial contact, reduces recombination losses, and optimizes energy alignment for electron charge carriers,” explains Dr. Kim.To evaluate the role of ETL engineering, the researchers fabricated three BC-PSC devices with different SnO2-based ETLs: a colloidal SnO2 made of nanoparticles, a sol-gel SnO2, and a bilayer SnO2 consisting of a nanoparticle SnO2 layer combined with a sol-gel layer. Each ETL was spin-coated onto indium tin oxide substrates and patterned via photolithography.The researchers conducted a series of experiments to compare the performance of the devices. The results showed that the device with bilayer SnO2 yielded the highest average photocurrent of 33.67 picoampere (pA), outperforming the sol-gel SnO2 device at 26.69 pA and colloidal SnO2 device at 14.65 pA. Furthermore, the bilayer SnO2 device also achieved a maximum power conversion efficiency of 4.52%, highest among the three, and improved operational stability, owing to its enhanced suppression of charge recombination.“BC-PSC devices hold great promise for a variety of applications, including flexible devices and large-area solar modules, due to their high efficiency, enhanced stability, and scalable design. We believe our findings will help accelerate the development of practical BC-PSC technologies for real-world applications while advancing sustainable energy solutions,” concludes Mr. Baek.Reference Title of original paper: Interface engineering for efficient and stable back-contact perovskite solar cellsJournal: Journal of Power SourcesDOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2025.237703About Mr. Dohun Baek [Author Profile]Mr. Dohun Baek is a PhD student in the School of Chemical Engineering at Jeonbuk National University. He received his M.S. in Jeonbuk National University in 2023. His research focuses on enhancing the performance of perovskite optoelectronic devices for solar cells and photodetectors.About Associate Professor Min KimDr. Min Kim is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at University of Seoul. His research group focuses on developing nanostructures of organic-inorganic semiconductors for optoelectronics using perovskite. His group is also developing advanced nanomaterials and next-generation optoelectronic devices for high-performance solar cells, sensors, and flexible wearable technologies. Before coming to University of Seoul, he previously served as an Associate Professor at Jeonbuk National University. He completed postdoctoral training in Dr. Annamaria Petrozza’s group at the Italian Institute of Technology. In 2014, Min Kim received a PhD from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH).

• 기획처 기획조정과
• 2025-12-04
• 조회수 29

[Kwang-Un Jeong/Mintaek Oh] Novel Eco-Friendly, Photo-Switchable Smart Adhesives

Researchers developed a reusable and eco-friendly smart light-responsive adhesives using biomass-derived materialsAdhesives are essential in various industries and have widespread use. However, conventional petroleum-based adhesives rely heavily on the petrochemical industry and pose environmental risks due to harmful emissions and limited reusability. In a new study, researchers developed a novel photo-switchable smart adhesive based on materials derived from rose oil. It is both eco-friendly and highly reusable, while exhibiting great adhesion to a variety of surfaces. This innovative adhesive paves the way for more sustainable and smart material technologies.Image title: Proposed eco-friendly smart adhesiveImage caption: The proposed adhesive is not only reusable through photo-switching behavior, but also through heat and solvent treatments. It is also versatile and shows great adhesion to a wide range of substrates.Image credit: Professor Kwang-Un Jeong from Jeonbuk National UniversityLicense type: Original ContentUsage restrictions: Cannot be reused without permissionAdhesives are essential in various industries, including aerospace, electronics, construction, marine, automotive, and biomedical fields. As these fields continue to advance, the demand for high-performance, multifunctional adhesives is also growing. However, such widespread use has also highlighted their environmental issues. Conventional adhesives, while effective and economical, release petroleum-based chemicals that are harmful to soil and water quality. Their production also contributes to environmental pollution, and the adhesives themselves are difficult to recycle or dispose of. Developing reusable and more eco-friendly alternatives is therefore becoming increasingly important.At the same time, there is a growing demand for advanced adhesives with diverse functionalities. For example, stimuli-responsive adhesives that can vary their adhesive strength based on external stimuli are attracting significant attention. Among them, photo-responsive adhesives are especially attractive, as they allow localized wireless control of adhesion through light while also possessing non-invasive properties.To meet both performance and sustainability goals, a research team led by Professor Kwang-Un Jeong, along with Ph.D. Student Mr. Mintaek Oh from the Department of Nano Convergence Engineering at Jeonbuk National University, South Korea, has developed a novel eco-friendly, photo-switchable smart adhesive. “We synthesized a tetrahydrogeraniol-based monomer, a derivative of rose oil, and successfully fabricated an eco-friendly adhesive containing 95% of it,” explains Prof. Jeong. “The final adhesive, incorporating a small amount of a functional monomer that responds to light and adheres strongly to various substrates, exhibits high-responsive adhesion, allowing quantitative control of its bonding strength. It is eco-friendly, cost-effective, versatile, and reusable.” Their study was made available online on July 15, 2025, and published in Volume 520 of the Chemical Engineering Journal on September 15, 2025.To fabricate the adhesive, the researchers first synthesized two key components: an acid azobenzene-based methacrylate monomer (AAMM) and a biomass-based tetrahydrogeraniol methacrylate monomer (TGMM). AAMM consists of azobenzene, carboxylic acid, and methacrylate. Azobenzene derivatives are well known for their reversible photo-switchable behaviour, making them ideal for light-responsive systems. The carboxylic groups can form strong hydrogen bonds with a variety of substrates, facilitating strong adhesion.TGMM, made from rose-oil-derived tetrahydrogeraniol, contributes to biodegradability and sustainability. It also helps maintain balance between flexibility and mechanical stability in the adhesive. By copolymerizing AAMM and TGMM through their methacrylate groups, the researchers successfully created a new eco-friendly and photo-switchable adhesive, termed the T/A adhesive.During testing, the optimized T/A adhesive demonstrated excellent photo-switchable adhesion, with strong adhesion to a wide range of substrates, including metals, plastics, rubber, glass, cork, and paper. When exposed to ultravioletlight, the adhesive becomes more liquid-like, and its adhesion strength decreases. After subsequent exposure to visible light, it returns to its original adhesion strength and becomes more solid-like again, thus demonstrating fully reversible, light-controlled adhesion.In addition to light, adhesion strength can also be switched using heat and chemical treatments. Specifically, increasing temperature beyond 500C significantly reduces adhesion strength, which can then be restored by cooling. Similarly, the adhesive can be dissolved by solvents like chloroform and recovered when the solvent evaporates. The researchers also found that the reused T/A adhesives in all three processes were able to retain more than 90% of their original adhesive strength across repeated usage cycles.The researchers further demonstrated a smart UV sensor built using the new adhesive and a spring-based mechanism that can serve as a UV-light sensitive switch in electrical circuits. In this device, the T/A adhesive holds the spring to maintain an open circuit. When exposed to UV-light, its adhesion strength reduces, causing the spring to close the circuit.“Our smart, reusable adhesive is promising for a wide range of practical applications,” remarks Mr. Oh. “It can play a valuable role in environmental monitoring, smart electronics, and adaptive assembly systems, where controllable and reusable adhesion is critical. It could also enable reusable light-responsive smart packaging, wearable devices with detachable sensors, and reconfigurable robotic components.”Overall, by replacing petroleum-based adhesives with biomass-derived alternatives, this research paves the way for more sustainable and smart adhesive technologies.Reference Title of original paper: Eco-Friendly and Photo-Switchable Smart Adhesives from Biomass-Based Copolymers with Acid Azobenzene FunctionsJournal: Chemical Engineering JournalDOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.166035About Professor Kwang-Un Jeong [PURE Authour Profile]Prof. Kwang-Un Jeong received his B.S. in Fine Chemical Engineering from Chonnam National University (1998) and M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (2000). He received his Ph.D. in Polymer Science from The University of Akron (2005) and completed postdoctoral research at The University of Akron and MIT. Since 2007, he has been serving as a Professor in the Department of Polymer-Nano Science and Technology at Jeonbuk National University. His research focuses on designing smart liquid crystal networks via controlled self-assembly and polymerization of programmed liquid crystal monomers.About Mintaek OhMr. Mintaek Oh is currently a Ph.D. student under the supervision of Prof. Kwang-Un Jeong. His research focuses on stimuli-responsive materials based on azobenzene and liquid crystal elastomers.

• 기획처 기획조정과
• 2025-12-04
• 조회수 17

[Jeewook Hwang] Examining Trends and Factors of Urban Shrinkage in Medium-Sized Cities

Researchers investigate the spatial distribution and factors affecting urban shrinkage of medium-sized cities in China Urban shrinkage is a natural phase in the life cycle of industrialized cities that occurs due to population decline. Most studies, however, overlook urban shrinkage in medium-sized cities. To address this gap, researchers analyzed the spatial distribution and the factors affecting urban shrinkage of medium-sized cities at the county level in China. Based on the findings, the researchers also proposed crucial policy changes to mitigate urban shrinkage.Image title: Trends and factors of urban shrinkage in medium-sized cities of ChinaImage caption: The findings of the study provide important insights for helping the government better formulate urban development policies, mitigating urban shrinkage and promoting the sustainable development of regions.Image credit: The authorsLicense type: Original ContentUsage restrictions: Cannot be reused without permissionCities do not always grow in a straight line. Like living organisms, they experience growth, maturity, and sometimes decline. This decline, known as urban shrinkage, is a natural phase in the urban life cycle. It is common in industrialized cities, marked by aging social infrastructure resulting from population decline.Population decline becomes inevitable after cities reach their peak. This phenomenon has been widely studied in China and around the world. However, most existing research has focused on large and small cities, overlooking the equally important medium-sized cities. Medium-sized cities play a critical role in regional development and are increasingly recognized as key drivers of future growth and development. Yet, their complexity and multidimensional characteristics make analysis difficult.To address this gap, Professor Jeewook Hwang and Ph.D. student DongLin Yuan from the Department of Urban Engineering at Jeonbuk National University in South Korea examined urban shrinkage in China’s medium-sized cities at the county level. “We analyzed the spatial distribution of shrinking medium-sized cities and assessed how economic growth, population structure, and market development influence urban shrinkage, and proposed countermeasures,” explains Prof. Hwang. Their study was made available online on July 08, 2025, and published in Volume 151, Issue 3 of the Journal of Urban Planning and Development on September 01, 2025.The researchers used population data from the fifth (2000), sixth (2010), and seventh (2020) national censuses of China. First, the researchers examined the extent of urban shrinkage in medium-sized cities from 2000 to 2020. Using population change rates as an indicator of urban shrinkage, they categorized cities into five shrinkage levels. The results showed that more than 57.5% (approximately 497) of medium-sized county-level cities experienced urban shrinkage. Level I, representing 1% to 5% shrinkage, was the most common, followed by Levels II (6% to 10% shrinkage) and V ( 20% shrinkage).Next, the researchers conducted spatial analysis, which showed that shrinking cities are geographically clustered together and that this clustering becomes more significant over time. The analysis also revealed that the overall distribution of urban shrinkage shifted from northeast-to-southwest.Lastly, to understand the influence of socioeconomic factors on urban shrinkage, the researchers employed a geographical detector model. The exodus of the working-age population was the primary driver of urban shrinkage. The size of the underage or primary school-age population and fiscal expenditure also had a significant influence. In contrast, industrial and economic factors had a relatively weaker influence.Based on these findings, the researchers proposed several policy recommendations to mitigate urban shrinkage. These include establishing special economic zones, improving education and public welfare services, as well as optimizing industrial structure.“Our findings can help urban planners and policymakers identify which cities are most at risk of shrinking and why. In the long term, this research will help prevent the decline of medium-sized cities not only in China but also globally,” concludes Prof. Hwang.Reference Title of original paper: Urban Shrinkage in Medium-Sized Cities: Trajectories and Influencing FactorsJournal: Journal of Urban Planning and DevelopmentDOI: 10.1061/JUPDDM.UPENG-5631About Professor Jeewook Hwang [PURE Author Profile]Dr. Jeewook Hwang is a Professor of Urban Planning and Development and Director of Center for Urban Regeneration Spatial Information at Jeonbuk National University. His group is developing approaches to predict and control population shrinkage through urban regeneration and smart city planning. In particular, Hwang, together with DongLin Yuan, a Ph.D. candidate, is developing real-estate market policy prognosis and evaluation using the DID (Difference in Difference) method. Before joining Jeonbuk National University, he obtained a Diploma degree (M.S.) in 1996 and a Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in 2000 from the faculty of Raumplanung at TU Dortmund, Germany.

• 기획처 기획조정과
• 2025-12-04
• 조회수 18

[Myeong Sook Yoon/ Kyu-Hyoung Jeong] New Study Shows Positive Parenting Can Protect Adolescents Against Self-Harm

Researchers clarify how different parenting styles influence self-harm behavior in adolescents, offering crucial insights for practical interventions Self-harm among adolescents has become a serious public issue.Among various risk factors, parenting styles have been shown to have a significant impact.However, few studies have explored how exactly different parenting styles influence self-harm behavior. In a new study, researchers identified different parenting styles perceived by adolescent’s and clarified their link to self-harm behavior. The findings suggest that positive parenting can act as a protective shield against self-harm behavior, guiding practical intervention strategies. Image title: How does parenting styles influence self-harm behavior in adolescents? Image caption: Negative parenting styles can increase risk of self-harm behavior in adolescents, while positive parenting styles can protect against it. The findings can help guide practical intervention strategies, ultimately reducing occurrence of self-harm. Image credit: Prof. Myeong Sook Yoon and Dr. Kyu-Hyoung Jeong from Jeonbuk National University, Republic of Korea License type: Original Content Usage restrictions: Cannot be reused without permission Self-harm refers to intentionally injuring one’s own body as a coping mechanism to emotional distress. It manifests in many forms and has serious consequences not only on physical health but also on mental health. Self-harm among adolescents is becoming a significant public issue. It is more common in adolescence than any other age group, and adolescent self-h http:// arm experiences can increase the likelihood of repeated self-harm, suicide risk, substance use in adulthood, and long-term mental health difficulties. Among various risk factors, parenting style has been shown to have a significant impact on self-harm in young adults. Importantly, it is adolescents’ perceptions of parenting that shapes their emotional experiences and how they respond to stress. Previous research suggests that when adolescents perceive parenting as negative, they are more likely to engage in self-harm. However, relatively few studies have examined how different parenting styles relate to self-harm in adolescents. Additionally, since parent-child relationships also vary across cultures, it is important to explore these patterns within specific sociocultural contexts. Addressing this gap, a research team led by Professor Myeong Sook Yoon and Associate Professor Kyu-Hyoung Jeong from the Department of Social Welfare, Jeonbuk National University, Republic of Korea, has identified the types of parenting styles perceived by middle and high school students in South Korea and how these styles relate to occurrence of self-harm. Their study was made available online on July 31, 2025, and published in Volume 259 of Acta Psychologica on September 1, 2025. “Our study went beyond simply finding differences between good and bad parenting. We classified parenting into three distinct, evidenced-based parenting styles, scientifically clarifying the link between parenting dynamics and adolescent self-harm,” says Prof. Yoon. The researchers analyzed data from the 2021 Mental Health Survey of Adolescents conducted by the Korea Youth Policy Institute. The dataset comprised 3,940 participants, including middle school students aged 12–14 years and high school students aged 15–17. They used the Korean version of the Parents as Social Context Questionnaire for Adolescents for measuring parenting styles. The results showed that 24.9% of middle and high school students had experienced self-harm. Notably, middle school students were more likely to engage in such behavior than high school students. Using latent profile analysis, the team identified three parenting styles perceived by the participants: negative parenting style, average parenting style, and positive parenting style. The negative parenting group exhibited higher than average levels of negative factors like rejection, coercion, and inconsistency, while the average parenting group showed average levels of both positive and negative factors. The positive parenting style, comprising the largest proportion, exhibited higher-than average levels of warmth, autonomy support, and structure provision. The analysis showed that adolescents in the negative parenting group were most prone to self-harm, while those in the positive parenting group were least likely. In other words, positive parenting can protect adolescents against self-harm. “These findings show that when parents offer warmth, respect their child’s autonomy, and provide reasonable structure in choices and decisions, the risk of self-harm decreases,” notes Dr. Jeong. “Further, these results highlight the need for tailored education programs, designed to help parents strengthen positive parenting practices. And in cases where parents are unaware or hesitant to seek help, multidisciplinary intervention by schools, counseling centers, and national institutions can provide an important safety net,” concludes Dr. Jeong. Reference Title of original paper: Do parenting styles influence self-harm behaviors in adolescents? Journal: Acta Psychologica DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105337 About Professor Myeong Sook Yoon [PURE Author Profile] Dr. Myeong Sook Yoon is a Professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Jeonbuk National University. She received her PhD in Clinical Social Work from Ewha Womans University in 1997. Her research focuses on mental health, loneliness, suicide, addiction, and social work practice among Korean populations. She currently directs a family support center and leads the psychological support unit for firefighters. She previously made significant contributions to the development of Korea’s Mental Health Welfare Act and national mental health policies. She helped establish key models for community mental health and addiction management centers. About Associate Professor Kyu-Hyoung Jeong[PURE Author Profile] Dr. Kyu-Hyoung Jeong is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Welfare at Jeonbuk National University. He received his Ph.D. in Social Welfare from Yonsei University. He is an expert in Social Welfare Administration, Mental Health Social Work, and Social Statistics. His research team studies key mental health issues such as depression and suicide. Before coming to Jeonbuk National University, he gained diverse practical experience as a counselor, social worker, and public official in social welfare. He has authored multiple books on statistical programs like SPSS and Stata.

• 기획처 기획조정과
• 2025-12-03
• 조회수 35