The purpose of this study was to explore the internal experiences of Korean Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) cadets who participated in a mindfulness-based group counseling program aimed at enhancing self-esteem. The participants in this study were 14 ROTC cadets affiliated with “C University” in the Gangwon Province region. The group counseling program consisted of a total of five sessions and was conducted over the span of five consecutive weeks. Data analysis was performed using Giorgi’s (2004) “descriptive phenomenological method,” and the researcher analyzed participants’ narrative descriptions of their group counseling experiences, reflective journals, responses to semi-structured questionnaire items, and individual interview transcripts. As a result, 126 natural meaning units were identified, which were then categorized into 32 subordinate themes and 11 superordinate themes. Ultimately, four essential themes were derived. The first theme was “Encountering Myself and Others.” Subordinate themes included “Seeing Myself,” indicating newly gained insights about the self through awareness of “me.” The second theme was “An Expanded Sense of Self,” with subordinate themes including strengthened self-efficacy, positive reinforcement regarding one’s own existence, and greater emotional and psychological stability. The third theme was “Solidarity and Connection with Peers,” with subordinate themes related to strengthened positive perceptions toward fellow group members, steady companionship, and recognition of interpersonal connectedness. The final theme was “The Path of an Enlightened Self,” with subordinate themes encompassing self-reflection, future-oriented insight, and a strengthened sense of determination toward personal growth.Based on these findings, the study suggests theoretical implications and practical recommendations.
Soojin Kim (Sat,) studied this question.