Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the benefits of and barriers to disclosing one’s depressive feelings to others. In particular, this study contrasts the barriers to face-to-face communication of depressive feelings with the benefits of using Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM). Methods: A total of 300 South Koreans participated in an online survey about their perceptions of disclosing depressive feelings. Paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression were used to examine the effect of demographic characteristics on the tendency to disclose depressive feelings. A semantic network analysis was conducted with open-ended responses to explore the proposed barriers and benefits. Results: Barriers to expressing depressive feelings in face-to-face communication were observed, while benefits of using MIM were revealed. More importantly, while the perception of social norms was a major barrier to disclosing depressive feelings in face-to-face communication, it was a benefit of disclosing depressive feelings via MIM. Conclusion: The results highlight the benefits of utilizing MIM as a channel for the disclosure of depressive feelings, which may, in turn, enhance emotional well-being.

Citations

• Digital Youth's Self-talk and Pep-talk: Mood Regulation via Mobile Media and Emotional Well-being
  Soontae An, Hannah Lee
  Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing.2022; 29(3): 337.     CrossRef

Purpose
The objective of this study was to assess effects of a medication adherence promotion program for breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant hormonal therapy.
Methods
This study used a randomized control group repeated measures design. A total of 79 participants were recruited from an outpatient clinic in the Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju city. The program's effects on medication adherence, perceived stress, depression, and fatigue were assessed at three points: before, at the 9th week, and again at the 16th week of the program application. The data were collected from July 3 to November 9, 2017.
Results
Statistically significant differences in changes in medication adherence, perceived stress, and depression over the assessment points between experimental and control groups were revealed. Scores on medication adherence in the experimental group improved at the 9th week mark and lowered a little at the 16th week, but remained higher than before the program application, however. Scores on perceived stress and depression in the experimental group improved at the 9th week and stayed almost at the same level at the 16th week.
Conclusion
It is clear that consistent nursing interventions are needed to promote and maintain medication adherence and associated symptoms, particularly for breast cancer patients who require long-term hormonal therapy.