Subjective Perception Types of Older Adults Living Alone as Farmers in Korea: A Q Methodology Study

This study explores the psychological characteristics of older adults living alone as farmers in South Korea, categorising their subjective experiences. Using Q methodology, interviews were conducted with participants from Seosan, Chungcheong Province, South Korea, on 19 and 22 June 2023. A total of...

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Main Authors: Oh Sun Ha, Song Yi Lee
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-12-01
Series:Behavioral Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/12/1150
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author Oh Sun Ha
Song Yi Lee
author_facet Oh Sun Ha
Song Yi Lee
author_sort Oh Sun Ha
collection DOAJ
description This study explores the psychological characteristics of older adults living alone as farmers in South Korea, categorising their subjective experiences. Using Q methodology, interviews were conducted with participants from Seosan, Chungcheong Province, South Korea, on 19 and 22 June 2023. A total of 25 participants conducted Q sorting with 33 finalized Q sample items in three locations: Chungju, Chungcheong Province, on 14 July 2023; Ildong, Gyeonggi Province, on 28 July 2023; and Seosan, Chungcheong Province, on 14 August 2023. The Q sorting results were analysed using the QUANAL program and categorised into four types. Type 1, Balanced Life Pursuit, reflects satisfaction across various aspects of life, such as relationships, health, economy, and psychological wellbeing. Type 2, Independent Life and Improvement-Seeking, pursues independence but experiences loneliness due to the absence of a spouse, while still seeking to improve their life. Type 3, Relationship and Care Needed, highlights a need for relationships and care. Finally, Type 4, Family and Work-Focused, prioritises family and farming work. These findings provide a foundation for developing customised support programs to address the specific needs of different types of older adults living alone as farmers in South Korea.
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spelling doaj-art-db5bef0a969e41bbb42e418592726c312024-12-27T14:10:58ZengMDPI AGBehavioral Sciences2076-328X2024-12-011412115010.3390/bs14121150Subjective Perception Types of Older Adults Living Alone as Farmers in Korea: A Q Methodology StudyOh Sun Ha0Song Yi Lee1Academic Affairs Team, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Republic of KoreaDepartment of Counseling and Coaching, Dongguk University-Seoul, Seoul 04620, Republic of KoreaThis study explores the psychological characteristics of older adults living alone as farmers in South Korea, categorising their subjective experiences. Using Q methodology, interviews were conducted with participants from Seosan, Chungcheong Province, South Korea, on 19 and 22 June 2023. A total of 25 participants conducted Q sorting with 33 finalized Q sample items in three locations: Chungju, Chungcheong Province, on 14 July 2023; Ildong, Gyeonggi Province, on 28 July 2023; and Seosan, Chungcheong Province, on 14 August 2023. The Q sorting results were analysed using the QUANAL program and categorised into four types. Type 1, Balanced Life Pursuit, reflects satisfaction across various aspects of life, such as relationships, health, economy, and psychological wellbeing. Type 2, Independent Life and Improvement-Seeking, pursues independence but experiences loneliness due to the absence of a spouse, while still seeking to improve their life. Type 3, Relationship and Care Needed, highlights a need for relationships and care. Finally, Type 4, Family and Work-Focused, prioritises family and farming work. These findings provide a foundation for developing customised support programs to address the specific needs of different types of older adults living alone as farmers in South Korea.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/12/1150older adultsfarmersliving alonequality of liferelationshipfamily
spellingShingle Oh Sun Ha
Song Yi Lee
Subjective Perception Types of Older Adults Living Alone as Farmers in Korea: A Q Methodology Study
Behavioral Sciences
older adults
farmers
living alone
quality of life
relationship
family
title Subjective Perception Types of Older Adults Living Alone as Farmers in Korea: A Q Methodology Study
title_full Subjective Perception Types of Older Adults Living Alone as Farmers in Korea: A Q Methodology Study
title_fullStr Subjective Perception Types of Older Adults Living Alone as Farmers in Korea: A Q Methodology Study
title_full_unstemmed Subjective Perception Types of Older Adults Living Alone as Farmers in Korea: A Q Methodology Study
title_short Subjective Perception Types of Older Adults Living Alone as Farmers in Korea: A Q Methodology Study
title_sort subjective perception types of older adults living alone as farmers in korea a q methodology study
topic older adults
farmers
living alone
quality of life
relationship
family
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/12/1150
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