The Effect of Career Barriers on Depression in Delinquent Adolescents and Mediating Effect of Positive Psychological Capital: Focusing on Adolescents with the 6th Protective Detention of Juvenile

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of career barriers on depression in delinquent adolescents targeting adolescents with the 6th protective detention of juvenile and to confirm the mediating effect of positive psychological capital on the relationship between career barriers and depression. A total of 198 adolescents who agreed to respond to the survey participated in this study with the cooperation of three child protection and treatment facilities which cared adolescents with the 6th protective detention of juvenile. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 and PROCESS macro version 4.0. Descriptive statistical analysis, correlation analysis, and hierarchical regression analysis were conducted, and the PROCESS macro program was used to verify the mediating effect. As a result of the analysis, first, the level of depression was significantly higher in delinquent adolescents as they perceived more career barriers. Second, the mediating effect of positive psychological capital on the relationship between career barriers and depression was confirmed, and career barriers caused a low level of positive psychological capital, which indirectly affected the level of depression. Based on the findings, practical suggestions related to the improvement of career barriers and strengthening of positive psychological capital were discussed to improve the mental health of delinquent adolescents with the 6th protective detention of juvenile.