Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Exploring Traumatic Experiences and Posttraumatic Growth among Korean Veterans: A Photovoice Study: Riah Kim, Heese Choi, Minsung Kim; J Korean Acad Nurs 2024;54(4):519-533. Published online October 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.24049

Abstract PDF ePub: Purpose
This study aimed to explore traumatic experiences and posttraumatic growth among Korean veterans.
Methods
A qualitative study was conducted using photovoice. Purposive sampling strategies yielded five veterans who had experienced traumatic events. Participants engaged in three discussion sessions between August 5, 2023, and October 28, 2023. The collected data were analyzed using photovoice document analysis and thematic analysis.
Results
Study results identified the following themes: ‘The collapse of my life as a result massive trauma,’ ‘Sinking into endless isolation and disconnection,’ ‘The process of finding myself through reflection,’ and ‘My life journey moving forward together.’ Despite the irreversible damage caused by traumatic experiences during military service, the participants continuously reflected on the meaning of their trauma and posttraumatic growth, thereby recovering their authentic selves.
Conclusion
Veterans who have experienced traumatic events face severe difficulties, however through their efforts at recovery, they recognize the individuals they are now. This study suggests the need for social support and highlights the necessity of providing various opportunities and policy assistance to traumatized veterans.

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Adolescents’ Experiences of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study: Ko, Jung A , Kim, Ji Young; J Korean Acad Nurs 2023;53(5):538-555. Published online October 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.23075

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This qualitative study used interpretative phenomenological analysis and photovoice methods to explore the meaning of non-suicidal self-injury experienced by adolescents.
Methods
Participants were adolescents enrolled in middle and high schools in Gyeonggi-do and Jeollabuk-do who were selected through snowball sampling. Six participants had repeatedly engaged in self-injurious behavior for over a year. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and the photovoice method between November 2020 and July 2021. The collected data were analyzed using six steps of interpretative phenomenological analysis.
Results
The results yielded 5 main themes and 18 subthemes. The main themes were ‘a silent cry to an indifferent world’, ‘a heartache that one endures with scars’, ‘an inescapable cycle’, ‘filling the space in one’s heart’, and ‘healing the wounds’. The study findings revealed that the self-injurious behavior of adolescents began as a consequence of feeling lost and struggling with conflicts at home and school, which helped them relieve tension and pain. Nonetheless, inflicting self-injury only left signs of regret and remorse, which became a trace that the participants wanted to hide. However, the wounds healed after receiving attention and support from others. They were determined to stop engaging in repeated self-injurious behaviors and made efforts to do so.
Conclusion
This study can be used as a basis for the development of educational programs to prevent non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents. Additionally, it can inform nursing interventions that focus on building support systems to help adolescents who attempt self-injury.

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Environment Factors Affecting Childhood Obesity: Voices from Students, Parents, and Teachers with Photograph: Eunok Park, Hyo Young Lee; J Korean Acad Nurs 2019;49(3):254-262. Published online January 15, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2019.49.3.254

Abstract PDF: Abstract Purpose
This study aimed to explore the environmental factors affecting childhood obesity using photovoice from the perspectives of students, parents, and teachers in the community.
Methods
Six school students, seven parents, and seven school teachers completed an assignment requiring them to take 24 pictures and participate in group discussions. After training session, the participants were asked to take pictures associated with food and physical activity environments related to childhood obesity at home, school, and within their communities for two weeks and to submit the pictures with records. Each group had four sessions for discussion.
Results
School cafeteria, convenience stores near schools, instant food and fast food joints, food delivery, and high-calorie snacks comprised the food environmental factors. Lack of physical activity classes at school, commuting by car, barriers to physical activity, and use of smart-phone were environmental factors that inhibited physical activity.
Conclusion
To reduce childhood obesity, the creation of a supportive environment for encouraging the consumption of healthy foods and enhancing physical activity should be considered. Modifications of and improvement to the obesogenic environment might be a good strategy to prevent and reduce childhood obesity.

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