Current Issue

The Impact of Social Relationship Characteristics on Quality of Life among Single-Person Households: A Focus on Social Activities and Community Life

Jong-Sook Kim

, sungsoonim

, Kim Kwang Hwan

| 2026, 10(1) | pp.1~11 | number of Cited : 0

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Objectives: This study aimed to examine the maintenance of social relationships and the characteristic differences among single-person households by analyzing levels of social activities, social relationships and communication, and community life. Methods: An online survey was conducted from September 15 to September 21, 2025, targeting 409 individuals living in single-person households. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA with SPSS Statistics 29.0. Results: The results indicated that mean scores for social support (3.42), social relationships and communication (3.19), and community life (3.34) were all within the low-to-mid 3-point range, reflecting a moderate level overall. Social support differed significantly according to age, occupation, monthly income, and duration of single-person living. Social relationships and communication showed significant differences based on age, education level, and duration of single-person living, while community life demonstrated statistically significant differences according to age, occupation, education level, monthly income, and duration of single-person living. These findings suggest that the social relationships of single-person households vary according to individual characteristics as well as economic and social environmental conditions. Accordingly, this study highlights the need to expand participation opportunities through appropriate programs and improved accessibility to social support, social relationship and community life activities that promote communication among single-person households. Conclusions: This study is meaningful in that it highlights the need for systematic interventions to strengthen social networks and promote community integration in order to improve the quality of life of single-person households.

Effectiveness of Professional Oral Health Care Interventions Delivered by Dental Hygienists: Focusing on Older Adults Attending Day Care Centers

Jong-Hwa Jang

, Myeong-Hwa Park

, Kim, YoungSun

and 3 other persons | 2026, 10(1) | pp.13~20 | number of Cited : 0

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Hyeon Sang Park

, Yang Seunghee

| 2026, 10(1) | pp.21~27 | number of Cited : 0

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An Exploratory Study on Self-Esteem and Psychological Well-Being According to Unmet Care in Single-Person Households

Hwang Hye Jeong

, Sookhee Im

, Ga-Ram Lee

| 2026, 10(1) | pp.29~40 | number of Cited : 0

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Objectives: The purpose of this study is to empirically identify the factors affecting self-esteem and psychological well-being among unmet care recipients in single-person households, with a focus on the interaction between economic and social factors. Methods: An online survey was conducted on 410 adults by a professional survey company with the approval of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 25 through reliability analysis, descriptive statistics, chi-squared test, one-way ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis. Results: First, economic insecurity (β = -0.248) was found to be the most significant negative factor affecting self-esteem, and unemployment also lowered self-esteem. In contrast, social leisure activities (β = 0.240), frequency of contact with family and friends (β = 0.161), level of education, and age significantly increased self-esteem. Second, positive psychological well-being was most strongly affected by social and leisure activities (β = 0.486), and the frequency of contact with family and friends also had a positive effect, whereas economic anxiety (β = -0.354) reduced positive well-being. Third, economic anxiety (β = 0.315) was the strongest factor increasing negative well-being, while social leisure activities and frequency of contact with family and friends reduced negative well-being, particularly among women. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the psychological state of unmet care recipients is shaped by the complex interaction of economic and social factors. Economic anxiety functions as a key risk factor, whereas social leisure activities and social relationships act as protective factors. This study is significant in that it empirically identifies the multidimensional structure of psychological well-being and the interaction between economic and social variables. Future research should verify causal relationships through longitudinal designs and examine differences according to types of social leisure activities, as well as the quality and frequency of social relationships.

A Study on the Jangseungje and Sanshinje in Eumnae-dong Dwitgol: Oral Histories, Collective Memory, and Community Rituals

KIMTAEHOON

, Younghee Noh

| 2026, 10(1) | pp.41~51 | number of Cited : 0

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The Effects of Perceived Social Support and Motivation for Major Selection on Major Satisfaction among University Students Majoring in Aviation Tourism

Young-Mee Jung

| 2026, 10(1) | pp.53~64 | number of Cited : 0

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A Study on Oral Symptoms, Dental Care Behaviors, and Awareness of Oral Health Management for Well-Aging in Single-Person Households

Kang Kyung Hee

, Lim Hyo Nam

, Kim Kwang Hwan

| 2026, 10(1) | pp.65~70 | number of Cited : 0

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Objectives: This study examined oral symptoms, dental care behaviors, awareness and experience of government-supported dental treatment, and awareness of oral health management among 409 single-person households from a well-aging perspective. Methods: Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and chi-square tests. Results: Overall, 74.3% of participants reported low levels of social and leisure activity participation. The most commonly reported oral symptoms were tooth sensitivity (25.7%), bad breath (21.0%), darkened tooth color (21.0%), dental caries (20.8%), and dry mouth (20.3%), whereas 27.9% reported no current oral symptoms. Age-group differences were not significant for immediate dental treatment when toothache occurred or for regular dental check-ups within 6-12 months. However, significant age-group differences were found in the experience of preventive dental treatment (χ² = 10.359, p = 0.035), awareness of government-supported implant, denture, or scaling treatment (χ² = 24.241, p < 0.001), and experience of such treatment (χ² = 12.804, p = 0.012). Awareness of oral health management methods did not significantly differ according to gender, age, residential area, education level, or duration of single-person household, but differed significantly according to social and leisure activity participation (χ² = 11.386, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Participants with higher levels of social and leisure activity participation were more likely to report being aware of oral health management methods and less likely to report being unaware. These findings suggest that oral health in single-person households is associated not only with current symptoms but also with preventive dental utilization, policy awareness, and social connectedness. Community-based strategies for well-aging should therefore strengthen early symptom management, age-tailored preventive dental services, and practical oral health education for single-person households.

Independent Bookstore Routes and the Dwell-Time Economy: How Bookshop Trails Increase Stay Duration and Local Spending

Younghee Noh

| 2026, 10(1) | pp.71~80 | number of Cited : 0