한국인 M세대와 Z세대의 화병 비교 연구

Objectives: Hwa-byung (HB), a culture-related anger syndrome, has traditionally been linked to middle- aged Korean women. However, recent societal changes indicate its potential prevalence among younger generations. This study aimed to compare the characteristics and symptoms of Hwa-byung between Generation M (born 1980∼1994) and Generation Z (born 1995∼2005) in South Korea. Methods: A total of 449 participants (Generation M: n=323, Generation Z: n=126) completed the HB Trait Scale, HB Symptom Scale, Emotional Labor Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, and State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory. Generational differences were analyzed using t-tests and chi-square tests, with effect sizes calculated using Cohen’s d and Cramér’s V. Results: Generation Z exhibited significantly higher scores in interpersonal difficulties (p=0.005), poor emotional expression (p=0.019), and fatalistic acceptance (p=0.025). Among HB patients, Generation Z demonstrated significantly higher scores in conversation initiation difficulties (p=0.005), fatalistic acceptance (p=0.008), and repeated guilt (p=0.041). In contrast, Generation M reported more severe somatic HB symptoms (e.g., numbness and digestive issues) and higher levels of anxiety (p=0.017) and trait anger (p=0.012). Effect sizes ranged from small to medium (Cohen’s d=0.14∼0.52). Conclusions: Hwa-byung manifests differently across generations, with Generation Z facing greater challenges in interpersonal communication and a higher tendency toward fatalistic acceptance and repeated guilt, particularly among HB patients. Generation M, on the other hand, exhibited more severe somatic symptoms and emotional distress. These findings highlight the need for generationspecific interventions: focusing on improving interpersonal skills and addressing passive coping strategies for Generation Z, while emphasizing stress management and emotional regulation for Generation M.