South Korean Adolescents Increasingly Unhappy, Study Finds; China Shows Rising Trend

Early adolescents in South Korea experience a notable decline in happiness as they transition from elementary to middle school, according to a recent study. The research indicates that this period, typically from the 5th grade to the second year of middle school, is marked by a decrease in subjective well-being.

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Our country's subjective happiness level for children and adolescents has been consistently reported as low in international comparisons.

The findings are particularly concerning when compared to similar research in China, where students in the same age group often report increasing happiness. South Korean researchers noted that the nation's children and adolescents consistently report lower subjective happiness levels in international comparisons. They attribute this trend to the intense academic pressure, achievement-focused school culture, and competitive evaluation systems that hinder the maintenance and improvement of adolescent happiness.

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Academic pressure, an achievement-oriented school culture, and a competitive evaluation structure may have made it difficult for adolescents to maintain and improve their happiness.

The study identified a high-risk group, comprising about one in seven students, who show a rapid decrease in happiness. Researchers warned that this group could face long-term adaptation difficulties and negative outcomes if not identified and supported early. They emphasized that the decline in happiness itself should be treated as an early warning sign.

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It is necessary to recognize this group as a high-risk group that could lead to long-term adaptation difficulties and negative outcomes, rather than simply considering their pattern as part of the developmental process, and to prepare appropriate early screening and intervention measures.

While South Korea has established systems for screening emotional and behavioral issues in schools, these primarily focus on pathological symptoms like depression. The researchers called for a more preventive approach that also monitors students' overall well-being and changes in their happiness levels. They stressed the need for coordinated support from schools, families, and the community to address the emotional challenges faced by early adolescents.

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In our country, a relatively systematic evaluation system such as school-based emotional and behavioral screening tests is in place, but this system is focused on screening at-risk groups centered on pathological symptoms such as depression.