A Randomized Controlled Trial Study of Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) Policy Experiment in South Korea

Abstract

Purpose: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) study examined the efficacy of the Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) program for low-income, low-skilled jobseekers in the Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP) in South Korea. Method: A total of 169 participants in SSP regional centers were randomly assigned to the intervention group (104 participants) and the wait-list control group (65 participants). Employment hope, perceived employment barriers, economic self-sufficiency (ESS), self-esteem and self-efficacy were measured at two time points, and data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test and an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results: The TIP intervention group showed statistically significant increase in employment hope, ESS, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. The ANCOVA result indicated significant pre-post score differences in these variables between the TIP and the control groups. Discussion: TIP program can be effective in increasing psychological capital for low-income and low-skilled jobseekers. Further research ought to replicate the current RCT study to determine its application to other populations.