Therapeutic Encouragement as Conceptualized by South Korean Youth Counselors

Abstract

This study explored counselors' conceptualization and use of encouragement as a therapeutic tool. Responses to two questions from 100 South Korean youth counselors were analyzed using consensual qualitative research-modified. As a result, six categories emerged under each domain. Implications for counseling and future studies are discussed. Keywords: therapeutic encouragement, meaning of encouragement, encouragement skills, youth counseling in South Korea, consensual qualitative research-modified Este estudio exploró la conceptualización y el uso del apoyo como herramienta terapéutica por parte los consejeros. Usando el método modificado de investigación cualitativa consensual, se analizaron las respuestas proporcionadas a dos preguntas por 100 consejeros surcoreanos que trabajan con jóvenes. Como resultado, surgieron seis categorías bajo cada dominio. Se discuten las implicaciones para la consejería e investigaciones futuras. Palabras clave: apoyo terapéutico, significado del apoyo, habilidades de apoyo, consejería de jóvenes en Corea del Sur, método modificado de investigación cualitativa consensual I n a society such as South Korea's, strong emphasis is placed on outcomes. Education, for example, is closely monitored, and there is keen competition for college admission. As a result, common risks for students include emotional insecurity and maladjustment (Park et al., 2018). Students who experience failure and discouragement in this type of environment can also develop learned helplessness and maladaptive coping (Yoon & Lee, 2018). In addition, the "we-ness" ingrained in South Korean culture (in which individuals accommodate to group demands even at the expense of the self; J. H. Lee, 2012), when coupled with the significant effect of social intimacy on self-esteem, makes failure especially painful for adolescents with relationship difficulties (Bae & Han, 2016). Moreover, adolescence is a turbulent period involving many developmental challenges, which, if unaddressed, can engender psychosocial maladjustment (Min, 2014). Given that psychosocial stressors can precipitate suicidal ideation (Portes et al., 2002), maladjusted adolescents may engage in self-harming behaviors if left untreated. This is a practical issue given the particularly high suicide rates in South Korea (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2020).