1.Grit and the Relationships among Psychological Distress and Suicidality in Female Patients with Breast Cancer
Ji Seon YOU ; C. Hyung Keun PARK
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):159-164
Purpose:
The risk of suicide is approximately two times higher in patients with breast cancer compared to the general population. Suicide risk factors are widely investigated but research on the protective factors is lacking. We investigated whether each subscale of grit, consistency of interest, and perseverance of effort, could serve as a protective factor against suicidality.
Materials and Methods:
Participants were recruited at the Stress Clinic for Cancer Patients, a psycho-oncology clinic at Asan Medical Center from May 2019 to March 2021. A total of 140 female patients with breast cancer completed self-administered questionnaires including Grit scale, Distress thermometer, and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) suicidality module. We used PROCESS macro for analyzing the mediation model to identify the protective factors for suicidality.
Results:
Our findings showed that perseverance of effort showed statistically non-significant associations with psychological distress (p=0.403) and suicidality (p=0.945), however, consistency of interest decreased suicidality through psychological distress (β=–0.015; 95% confidence interval, –0.035 to –0.002).
Conclusion
The result shows that consistency of interest can be a protective factor against suicidality by reducing psychological distress.
2.Healing Through Loss: Exploring Nurses’ Post-Traumatic Growth After Patient Death
YongHan KIM ; Joon-Ho AHN ; Jangho PARK ; Young Rong BANG ; Jin Yong JUN ; Youjin HONG ; Seockhoon CHUNG ; Junseok AHN ; C. Hyung Keun PARK
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):40-46
Objective:
This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to post-traumatic growth (PTG) among nurses who experienced patient death during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to evaluate the necessity of grief support is required.
Methods:
An online survey was conducted to assess the experiences of nurses at Ulsan University Hospital who lost patients during the past year of the pandemic. In total, 211 nurses were recruited. We obtained information on the participants’ demographic and clinical characteristics. For symptoms rating, we used the following scales: the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic-9 (SAVE-9), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS), and Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale (UGRS), and Grief Support in Healthcare Scale (GSHCS). Pearson’s correlation coefficients, linear regression, and mediation analysis were employed.
Results:
PTGI scores were significantly correlated with the SAVE-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PHQ-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PGS (r=0.28, p<0.01), UGRS (r=0.45, p<0.01), and GSHCS scores (r=0.46, p<0.01). The linear regression analysis revealed the factors significantly associated with PTGI scores: SAVE-9 (β=0.16, p=0.014), UGRS (β=0.29, p<0.001), and GSHCS (β=0.34, p<0.001). The mediation analysis revealed that nurses’ stress and anxiety about COVID-19 and grief rumination had a direct impact on PTG, with grief support serving as a significant mediator.
Conclusion
PTG was promoted by increases in the medical staff’s anxiety and stress related to COVID-19, grief rumination, and grief support. For the medical staff’s experience of bereavement to result in meaningful personal and professional growth, family members, colleagues, and other associates should provide thoughtful support.
3.Healing Through Loss: Exploring Nurses’ Post-Traumatic Growth After Patient Death
YongHan KIM ; Joon-Ho AHN ; Jangho PARK ; Young Rong BANG ; Jin Yong JUN ; Youjin HONG ; Seockhoon CHUNG ; Junseok AHN ; C. Hyung Keun PARK
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):40-46
Objective:
This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to post-traumatic growth (PTG) among nurses who experienced patient death during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to evaluate the necessity of grief support is required.
Methods:
An online survey was conducted to assess the experiences of nurses at Ulsan University Hospital who lost patients during the past year of the pandemic. In total, 211 nurses were recruited. We obtained information on the participants’ demographic and clinical characteristics. For symptoms rating, we used the following scales: the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic-9 (SAVE-9), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS), and Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale (UGRS), and Grief Support in Healthcare Scale (GSHCS). Pearson’s correlation coefficients, linear regression, and mediation analysis were employed.
Results:
PTGI scores were significantly correlated with the SAVE-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PHQ-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PGS (r=0.28, p<0.01), UGRS (r=0.45, p<0.01), and GSHCS scores (r=0.46, p<0.01). The linear regression analysis revealed the factors significantly associated with PTGI scores: SAVE-9 (β=0.16, p=0.014), UGRS (β=0.29, p<0.001), and GSHCS (β=0.34, p<0.001). The mediation analysis revealed that nurses’ stress and anxiety about COVID-19 and grief rumination had a direct impact on PTG, with grief support serving as a significant mediator.
Conclusion
PTG was promoted by increases in the medical staff’s anxiety and stress related to COVID-19, grief rumination, and grief support. For the medical staff’s experience of bereavement to result in meaningful personal and professional growth, family members, colleagues, and other associates should provide thoughtful support.
4.Healing Through Loss: Exploring Nurses’ Post-Traumatic Growth After Patient Death
YongHan KIM ; Joon-Ho AHN ; Jangho PARK ; Young Rong BANG ; Jin Yong JUN ; Youjin HONG ; Seockhoon CHUNG ; Junseok AHN ; C. Hyung Keun PARK
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):40-46
Objective:
This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to post-traumatic growth (PTG) among nurses who experienced patient death during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to evaluate the necessity of grief support is required.
Methods:
An online survey was conducted to assess the experiences of nurses at Ulsan University Hospital who lost patients during the past year of the pandemic. In total, 211 nurses were recruited. We obtained information on the participants’ demographic and clinical characteristics. For symptoms rating, we used the following scales: the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic-9 (SAVE-9), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS), and Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale (UGRS), and Grief Support in Healthcare Scale (GSHCS). Pearson’s correlation coefficients, linear regression, and mediation analysis were employed.
Results:
PTGI scores were significantly correlated with the SAVE-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PHQ-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PGS (r=0.28, p<0.01), UGRS (r=0.45, p<0.01), and GSHCS scores (r=0.46, p<0.01). The linear regression analysis revealed the factors significantly associated with PTGI scores: SAVE-9 (β=0.16, p=0.014), UGRS (β=0.29, p<0.001), and GSHCS (β=0.34, p<0.001). The mediation analysis revealed that nurses’ stress and anxiety about COVID-19 and grief rumination had a direct impact on PTG, with grief support serving as a significant mediator.
Conclusion
PTG was promoted by increases in the medical staff’s anxiety and stress related to COVID-19, grief rumination, and grief support. For the medical staff’s experience of bereavement to result in meaningful personal and professional growth, family members, colleagues, and other associates should provide thoughtful support.
5.Grit and the Relationships among Psychological Distress and Suicidality in Female Patients with Breast Cancer
Ji Seon YOU ; C. Hyung Keun PARK
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):159-164
Purpose:
The risk of suicide is approximately two times higher in patients with breast cancer compared to the general population. Suicide risk factors are widely investigated but research on the protective factors is lacking. We investigated whether each subscale of grit, consistency of interest, and perseverance of effort, could serve as a protective factor against suicidality.
Materials and Methods:
Participants were recruited at the Stress Clinic for Cancer Patients, a psycho-oncology clinic at Asan Medical Center from May 2019 to March 2021. A total of 140 female patients with breast cancer completed self-administered questionnaires including Grit scale, Distress thermometer, and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) suicidality module. We used PROCESS macro for analyzing the mediation model to identify the protective factors for suicidality.
Results:
Our findings showed that perseverance of effort showed statistically non-significant associations with psychological distress (p=0.403) and suicidality (p=0.945), however, consistency of interest decreased suicidality through psychological distress (β=–0.015; 95% confidence interval, –0.035 to –0.002).
Conclusion
The result shows that consistency of interest can be a protective factor against suicidality by reducing psychological distress.
6.Healing Through Loss: Exploring Nurses’ Post-Traumatic Growth After Patient Death
YongHan KIM ; Joon-Ho AHN ; Jangho PARK ; Young Rong BANG ; Jin Yong JUN ; Youjin HONG ; Seockhoon CHUNG ; Junseok AHN ; C. Hyung Keun PARK
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):40-46
Objective:
This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to post-traumatic growth (PTG) among nurses who experienced patient death during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to evaluate the necessity of grief support is required.
Methods:
An online survey was conducted to assess the experiences of nurses at Ulsan University Hospital who lost patients during the past year of the pandemic. In total, 211 nurses were recruited. We obtained information on the participants’ demographic and clinical characteristics. For symptoms rating, we used the following scales: the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic-9 (SAVE-9), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS), and Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale (UGRS), and Grief Support in Healthcare Scale (GSHCS). Pearson’s correlation coefficients, linear regression, and mediation analysis were employed.
Results:
PTGI scores were significantly correlated with the SAVE-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PHQ-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PGS (r=0.28, p<0.01), UGRS (r=0.45, p<0.01), and GSHCS scores (r=0.46, p<0.01). The linear regression analysis revealed the factors significantly associated with PTGI scores: SAVE-9 (β=0.16, p=0.014), UGRS (β=0.29, p<0.001), and GSHCS (β=0.34, p<0.001). The mediation analysis revealed that nurses’ stress and anxiety about COVID-19 and grief rumination had a direct impact on PTG, with grief support serving as a significant mediator.
Conclusion
PTG was promoted by increases in the medical staff’s anxiety and stress related to COVID-19, grief rumination, and grief support. For the medical staff’s experience of bereavement to result in meaningful personal and professional growth, family members, colleagues, and other associates should provide thoughtful support.
7.Grit and the Relationships among Psychological Distress and Suicidality in Female Patients with Breast Cancer
Ji Seon YOU ; C. Hyung Keun PARK
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):159-164
Purpose:
The risk of suicide is approximately two times higher in patients with breast cancer compared to the general population. Suicide risk factors are widely investigated but research on the protective factors is lacking. We investigated whether each subscale of grit, consistency of interest, and perseverance of effort, could serve as a protective factor against suicidality.
Materials and Methods:
Participants were recruited at the Stress Clinic for Cancer Patients, a psycho-oncology clinic at Asan Medical Center from May 2019 to March 2021. A total of 140 female patients with breast cancer completed self-administered questionnaires including Grit scale, Distress thermometer, and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) suicidality module. We used PROCESS macro for analyzing the mediation model to identify the protective factors for suicidality.
Results:
Our findings showed that perseverance of effort showed statistically non-significant associations with psychological distress (p=0.403) and suicidality (p=0.945), however, consistency of interest decreased suicidality through psychological distress (β=–0.015; 95% confidence interval, –0.035 to –0.002).
Conclusion
The result shows that consistency of interest can be a protective factor against suicidality by reducing psychological distress.
8.Healing Through Loss: Exploring Nurses’ Post-Traumatic Growth After Patient Death
YongHan KIM ; Joon-Ho AHN ; Jangho PARK ; Young Rong BANG ; Jin Yong JUN ; Youjin HONG ; Seockhoon CHUNG ; Junseok AHN ; C. Hyung Keun PARK
Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(1):40-46
Objective:
This study aimed to identify the factors contributing to post-traumatic growth (PTG) among nurses who experienced patient death during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to evaluate the necessity of grief support is required.
Methods:
An online survey was conducted to assess the experiences of nurses at Ulsan University Hospital who lost patients during the past year of the pandemic. In total, 211 nurses were recruited. We obtained information on the participants’ demographic and clinical characteristics. For symptoms rating, we used the following scales: the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemic-9 (SAVE-9), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), Pandemic Grief Scale (PGS), and Utrecht Grief Rumination Scale (UGRS), and Grief Support in Healthcare Scale (GSHCS). Pearson’s correlation coefficients, linear regression, and mediation analysis were employed.
Results:
PTGI scores were significantly correlated with the SAVE-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PHQ-9 (r=0.31, p<0.01), PGS (r=0.28, p<0.01), UGRS (r=0.45, p<0.01), and GSHCS scores (r=0.46, p<0.01). The linear regression analysis revealed the factors significantly associated with PTGI scores: SAVE-9 (β=0.16, p=0.014), UGRS (β=0.29, p<0.001), and GSHCS (β=0.34, p<0.001). The mediation analysis revealed that nurses’ stress and anxiety about COVID-19 and grief rumination had a direct impact on PTG, with grief support serving as a significant mediator.
Conclusion
PTG was promoted by increases in the medical staff’s anxiety and stress related to COVID-19, grief rumination, and grief support. For the medical staff’s experience of bereavement to result in meaningful personal and professional growth, family members, colleagues, and other associates should provide thoughtful support.
9.Characteristics of High-Risk Groups for Suicide in Korea Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: K-COMPASS Cohort Study
Jeong Hun YANG ; Dae Hun KANG ; C. Hyung Keun PARK ; Min Ji KIM ; Sang Jin RHEE ; Min-Hyuk KIM ; Jinhee LEE ; Sang Yeol LEE ; Won Sub KANG ; Seong-Jin CHO ; Shin Gyeom KIM ; Se-Hoon SHIM ; Jung-Joon MOON ; Jieun YOO ; Weon-Young LEE ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association 2024;63(4):246-259
Objectives:
This study examined the changes in the characteristics of high-risk suicide groups in South Korea before and after the COVID-19 pandemic using the Korean Cohort for the Model Predicting a Suicide and Suicide-related Behavior (K-COMPASS) cohort.
Methods:
The K-COMPASS is a longitudinal cohort study that started in 2015. The participants included suicide attempters and individuals with suicidal ideation from various hospitals and mental health centers in South Korea. This study compared the sociodemographic and psychiatric characteristics of 800 participants from the first cohort (2015–2019) with 511 participants from the second and third cohorts (2019–2024). Data were collected through structured interviews and validated scales.
Results:
The second and third cohort participants were younger, had a higher proportion of females, and exhibited more severe psychiatric symptoms and higher suicidal risk than the first cohort. The prevalence of physical illnesses decreased, while the use of psychiatric medications and the severity of mental health issues increased. In addition, significant sociodemographic changes were observed, such as higher educational levels and urban residency.
Conclusion
Significant shifts in the characteristics of high-risk suicide groups were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions focusing on younger individuals and females to prevent suicide in high-risk groups.
10.Characteristics of High-Risk Groups for Suicide in Korea Before and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: K-COMPASS Cohort Study
Jeong Hun YANG ; Dae Hun KANG ; C. Hyung Keun PARK ; Min Ji KIM ; Sang Jin RHEE ; Min-Hyuk KIM ; Jinhee LEE ; Sang Yeol LEE ; Won Sub KANG ; Seong-Jin CHO ; Shin Gyeom KIM ; Se-Hoon SHIM ; Jung-Joon MOON ; Jieun YOO ; Weon-Young LEE ; Yong Min AHN
Journal of Korean Neuropsychiatric Association 2024;63(4):246-259
Objectives:
This study examined the changes in the characteristics of high-risk suicide groups in South Korea before and after the COVID-19 pandemic using the Korean Cohort for the Model Predicting a Suicide and Suicide-related Behavior (K-COMPASS) cohort.
Methods:
The K-COMPASS is a longitudinal cohort study that started in 2015. The participants included suicide attempters and individuals with suicidal ideation from various hospitals and mental health centers in South Korea. This study compared the sociodemographic and psychiatric characteristics of 800 participants from the first cohort (2015–2019) with 511 participants from the second and third cohorts (2019–2024). Data were collected through structured interviews and validated scales.
Results:
The second and third cohort participants were younger, had a higher proportion of females, and exhibited more severe psychiatric symptoms and higher suicidal risk than the first cohort. The prevalence of physical illnesses decreased, while the use of psychiatric medications and the severity of mental health issues increased. In addition, significant sociodemographic changes were observed, such as higher educational levels and urban residency.
Conclusion
Significant shifts in the characteristics of high-risk suicide groups were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the need for targeted mental health interventions focusing on younger individuals and females to prevent suicide in high-risk groups.

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