earticle

영어

With growing social attention on socially withdrawn youth and the announcement of support measures by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in South Korea, efforts are underway to identify socially isolated individuals and implement various policies. The government aims to achieve psychological revitalization, social reintegration, and ultimately, social inclusion. For social adaptation, it is essential for socially withdrawn youth to regain vitality, develop a willingness to re-enter society, and first experience physical and mental recovery. This study aims to validate a support plan for developing a mobile application that allows individuals to begin healing their bodies and minds in their own spaces, addressing the primary challenges faced by this group. These challenges include neglect and violence from society and family, loss of self-esteem, the futility of a monotonous life, negative thoughts, binge eating, addiction to games and the internet, brain dysfunction from excessive sleep used as an escape, feelings of deprivation, isolation, shame, and anxiety. The app, designed to foster the ability to objectively observe one’s inner state and recognize emotional conditions based on the fundamental principles of mindfulness, is introduced. The application adheres closely to the principles of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) while being developed to engage socially withdrawn youth without resistance. By presenting cases where app use improved depressive symptoms among young adults in their twenties, the study suggests the potential of contributing to psychological stability and mental health improvement among marginalized populations. If the effectiveness is continually demonstrated through future research, the approach may be further developed into a policy initiative for social reintegration not only of socially withdrawn youth but also other marginalized groups.