Oh Mi-Kyung, Le Khanh Huyen Reporter

Professor Nam Suk-Kyung, head of the Counseling Psychology Major at the Graduate School of Education at Kookmin University (KMU), has been elected as a president of Korean School of Psychology Association for 2024-2025, an affiliated organization of the Korean Psychological Association. 

The Korean School of Psychology Association assesses the psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of students in schools, helping them solve their difficulties and preventing potential problems. As students increasingly face mental health crises, it is critical to prevent these issues. 

To address this problem, Professor Nam Suk-Kyung stated that she will strengthen the cooperative connection between the association and school support systems during her tenure and commit to supporting mental health services for students, teachers, and parents by establishing a school mental health safety net. 

Her presidency runs from Jan.1, 2024, to Dec.31, 2025. To learn more about Professor Nam Suk-Kyung’s future plans and advice for students’ mental health, THE KOOKMIN REVIEW conducted an interview with her. 

1. Congratulations on becoming the president of Korean School of Psychology Association. Could you provide a brief introduction of Korean School of Psychology Association for our readers? 

Korean School of Psychology Association assesses the psychological aspects of students and helps them solve their problems effectively. Mental health issues among students have steadily increased in severity since the pandemic, making prevention crucial. Therefore, I plan to enhance the capabilities of mental health experts in schools during my term, strengthening cooperation between school members and community institutions. Additionally, I aim to focus on improving and protecting the mental health of school faculty, considering that their mental states significantly impact students’ mental health. 

2. What made you decide to become a counselor? 

I believe my natural inclination towards liking people led me to become a counselor. I was intrigued by the process of analyzing people’s problems and helping them find solutions. Each counseling session feels refreshing because, despite common issues like personal relationship problems, the causes and solutions vary from person to person. This variety keeps me engaged and committed to continually learning and understanding my clients better, challenging myself to provide more sincere counseling. This ongoing process made me passionate about this field.

3. As a professor at KMU and the president of the Korean School of Psychology Association, how do you plan to support mental health at KMU? 

The Student Life Counseling Center at KMU currently offers various programs aimed at building a mental health safety net for students and faculty. First, the center conducts surveys among freshmen and enrolled students to identify their mental health issues. We also provide customized support in collaboration with internal and external organizations for students facing psychological difficulties. Secondly, we run various K-mental healing programs to help students restore their daily lives post-pandemic. These include special lectures on mental health, meditation workshops, m-health challenges, and group counseling. These initiatives are made possible by the dedicated educators at the center who truly care for the students and faculty. I believe participating in these programs will provide valuable experiences for the students. 

4. I understand that you teach ‘Psychology in the Global Era’, one of the literal arts subjects. What do you mainly cover in this class?

‘Psychology in the Global Era’ is a class that introduces psychology covering basic theories and concepts of psychology. This class aims to help students apply what they learn in the class to real life, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of themselves, which is the first step toward personal growth. Through this class, students can promote their mental health, effectively cope with stress, and create happier lives. 

5. As the head of the Student Life Counseling Center at KMU, you encounter various students and study their psychology. What psychological difficulties do university students typically experience? 

The psychological difficulties students face often depend on their year of study. Although individual differences exist, sophomores generally worry most about their studies, while juniors are primarily concerned with employment. Additionally, many students experience significant stress in their relationships, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, and helplessness. It seems that many students feel more lethargic following the pandemic. 

6. One of the main causes of depression among students is their tendency to constantly compare themselves to others. Can you advise on how to break this habit? 

The comparison of oneself to others, though associated with depression, is not inherently negative. According to Leon Festinger's Social Comparison Theory (1954), individuals are motivated to assess their abilities and viewpoints by comparing themselves to others. 

These comparisons can be both downward, where individuals see themselves as better off than others, and upward, where they see themselves as worse off than others. Comparing oneself to others can lead to both positive and negative emotions. Downward comparisons can bring comfort and reassurance, reducing stress, but there is debate about whether these positive emotions lead to long-term happiness. Conversely, upward comparisons can lead to negative emotions such as depression and anxiety, as people often present the best aspects of their lives, leading to overgeneralization based on incomplete information. While upward comparisons can motivate self-improvement, it is important not to be unduly affected by them. Finding a balance in how we approach and react to comparisons is signficant. 

In other words, it is important to accept and acknowledge who you are and what has shaped you, rather than denying it. 

This self-awareness can motivate you to strive for self-improvement and success. Recognizing that all humans are imperfect, vulnerable, and experience failure is also crucial. By adopting a mindful attitude, you can avoid identifying too strongly with your faults and hardships. 

7. What are the most challenging aspects of counseling or studying student psychology, and how have you overcome them? 

When doing consulting or research, I find the physical and mental exhaustion is more challenging than the nature of the work itself. Burnout is a common issue, especially for counselors and instructors. When experiencing burnout, I find it helpful to reflect on my physical and mental state. Understanding what relaxes me and gives me energy, and making time for it even for a short period each day, has been the most helpful strategy and continues to support me to this day. 

8. What is the most rewarding aspect of working as a psychologist? 

There are some very difficult moments in the counseling process. Seeing and accepting oneself as they are is a challenging process, often one that people want to run away from. That is why I believe those who seek counseling are truly courageous and resilient. Witnessing people overcome obstacles, evolve, and flourish through therapy is incredibly rewarding. Often, past clients reach out to me after some time has passed, having found my contact information online. Hearing about their progress and how impactful our sessions were, even after much time has elapsed, is always a humbling and gratifying experience. 

9. Is there anything you would like to say to students who aspire to become psychologists to help people mentally? 

The process of change can often be quite challenging. During counseling, there may be moments when the journey becomes more arduous, or times when progress seems to come to a standstill. It is crucial for both the counselor and the individuals seeking guidance to navigate through these difficult phases. The counselor plays a pivotal role in the counseling process, so it is essential to consistently step back and look at oneself. 

10. Lastly, could you provide some advice for students to help them maintain good mental health? 

I encourage you to be compassionate and forgiving towards yourself. When faced with personal challenges and acknowledging your own imperfections and errors, try not to be too hard on yourself or feel isolated in your struggles. Instead, acknowledge that these experiences are a natural part of being human. Keep in mind that as a complete individual, you are not flawless. I urge you to treat yourself with kindness and take the time to explore your strengths and capabilities.

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