Subjectivity Study on Smoking Cessation of Korean Adult Males: Q-Methodological Approach

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify subjectivity on smoking cessation of Korean adult males, and to provide basic data, for non-smoking policies. METHODS: Q-methodology, a method of analyzing subjectivity of each item, was used. Thirty-nine adult males, classified 36 selected Q-statements into normal distribution, using a 9-point scale. Collected data were analyzed, using the pc-QUNAL program. RESULTS: Among the Korean adult males, three types of smoking cessation were identified. The name for Type I was ‘pursuit of faith’, for Type II, ‘factor of relationship disturbance’ and for Type III ‘ambivalence’. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that different approaches to intervention on smoking cessation are best served for Korean adult males, based on the three types of smoking cessation, and their characteristics.

Types of Perception toward Ethical Issues in Perioperative Nurses: Q-Methodological Approach

PURPOSE: This study was aimed at identifying the types of perceptions of ethical issues among perioperative nurses. METHODS: Q-methodology focusing on individual subjectivity was used with data collected in November 2016. Thirty-four Q-statements were selected and scored by the 35 participants on a 9-point scale with normal distribution. Participants were perioperative nurses working in advanced general hospitals and general hospitals. The data were analyzed using the PC-QUANL program. RESULTS: total of 35 perioperative nurses were classified into 4 factors based on the following viewpoints: self-centered (type 1), onlooking and avoiding (type 2), patient-centered (type 3), and problem-centered (type 4). The 4 factors accounted for 57.84% of the total variance. Individual contributions of factors 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 41.80%, 7.18%, 5.20%, and 3.66%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The major contribution of this study is the clarification of perioperative nurses' subjective perceptions of ethical issues. These findings can be used in formulating effective strategies for nursing educators, professional nurses, and nursing administrators to improve ethical decision-making abilities and to perform ethical nursing care by the appropriate management of ethical issues in everyday nursing practice.

Experience of Maintaining Employment for Mentally Disabled People: Q Methodological Approach / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify characteristics of the experience of maintaining employment for people with mental disabilities. METHODS: The research design was a descriptive design using Q-methodology, which is a method of measuring subjectivity. Twenty-one participants classified 34 selected Q-statements on a nine-point scale to create a normal distribution. The PC-QUANL software program(a factor analysis program for the Q technique) was used to analyze the Q-sort data. RESULTS: Three types were extracted that described different expressions of the experience of maintaining employment for people with mental disabilities; these types explained 52.3% of the total variance. Type I is ‘Workplace support’, Type II is ‘Self-management’, Type III is ‘Experience integration’. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide an understanding that there are different types of experiences for maintaining employment for people with mental disabilities and each type has certain characteristics. In future studies, it would be helpful to develop customized nursing interventions for psychiatric nurses while occupational rehabilitation services are being provided.

Application of a Q Method Study to Understanding Nurses' Perspective of Adopting Evidence-Based Nursing

PURPOSE: This study applied the Q method to identify and describe the various types of nurse perceptions that are crucially associated with their engagement in evidence-based nursing (EBN). METHODS: The study participants were nurses at a medical center and a regional teaching hospital. A series of Q sorts was performed by nurses to subjectively rank the Q statements. Q statements were constructed based on the literature related to EBN adoption by nurses and face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: A total of 60 participants were invited to rank 44 Q statements related to EBN. Factor analysis was conducted on the rankings of the Q statements. The following are the five prominent shared perspectives: (1) emphasized the obstacles to evidence searching and reading ability; (2) emphasized the organizational promotive strategies; (3) emphasized the available supportive resources; (4) emphasized the significance of EBN; and (5) emphasized the evidence-searching ability and external incentives. The five identified groups of perspectives can enhance hospital administrators to acknowledge the barriers and incentives associated with EBN practices. CONCLUSION: The exploration of clustering nurses' perceptions may facilitate the development of customized strategies to enable more appropriate training.

Understanding the Gender Role Identity in Male Nursing Students / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the specific types and characteristics of gender role identity in view of male nursing students. METHOD: Q-methodology, a technique for extracting subjective opinions, was used. Forty participants completed the Q-sort activity, rating each statement relative to the others. The Q sample has two categories, representing masculinity and femininity, and each category has 20 statements, resulting in 40 adjectives. The collected data were analyzed by QUANL PC program. RESULTS: Three types of gender role identity of male nursing students were identified: 'Taciturn warmth type', 'assertive power type', 'empathic warmth type'. Despite the differences among the types in this research, male nursing students are likely to have the understanding and keep faith. CONCLUSION: Male nursing students were exposed to many problems because of the gendered culture of nursing education. To understand the male nursing students' gender role identity will help to promote adaptation in nursing field.

Mothers' Parenting Experience of Premature Infants: Q Methodological Approach

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify the parenting experience of mothers of premature infants in order to provide basic data for educational solutions and desirable directions. METHODS: Q-methodology was used as it provides a method of analyzing the subjectivity of each item. The participants were 33 mothers of premature infants who sorted 34 selected Q-statements which were then classified into the shape of a normal distribution using a 9-point scale. Subjectivity on parenting experience among the mothers was analyzed using the pc-QUANAL program. RESULTS: Four types of parenting experience were identified. Type I was named 'struggling', type II, 'self blame', type III, 'information collecting', and type IV, 'self-introspection'. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that different approaches to educational programs are needed for mothers of premature infants based on the four types of parenting experience.

Types of Child Rearing Behavior of Parents during Early Childhood: Q-Methodological Approach

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the awareness of child rearing among parents of children in early childhood and to provide fundamental data for parent education programs according to child rearing type. METHODS: Q-methodology which provides a method of analyzing the subjectivity of each item was used. Forty Q items which were derived from a literature review and interviews with nurturing mothers were classified into a normal distribution using a 9-point scale. Collected data were analyzed using the QUANAL PC Program. RESULTS: Four types of parents' child rearing were identified. Type I was named 'affection-respect type', type II, 'concern-rule compliant type', type III, 'solicitude-model type', and type IV, 'geniality-encouragement type'. CONCLUSION: For proper growth and development during early childhood, parents should have rational information and awareness of their child rearing type. Results of this study can be used as essential data to develop child rearing education programs according to parents' child rearing attitude.

Resilience of Families with Elderly Patients with Dementia / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to pave the way for developing nursing intervention strategies to enhance family resilience by identifying unique patterns of resilience in families of elderly patients with dementia. METHODS: The Q-methodology was used to define types and describe characteristics of family resilience. After in-depth interviews with 12 family members of patients with dementia and study of related literature, final 50 Q-samples were selected by collecting the opinions of experts. The selected 50 Q-statements were sorted by 30 family members (P-samples). The PC-QUNAL program was used to analyze Q-sort data. RESULTS: Four distinctive Q-factors for family resilience were identified: I. Seeking positive meaning, II. Developing reasonable cooperation with family members, III. Accepting reality passively, IV. Depending on external resources. CONCLUSION: Families caring for elderly patients with dementia show unique patterns of family resilience, which result from multi-factors, such as their own belief systems or culture, organizational patterns, and communication processes, in dealing with crisis. The results of this study can be useful in confirming the types of resilience of families of patients with dementia and their characteristics, and the underlying data can be used as to develop tailored nursing strategies for strengthening family capacities to master adversity.

Subjectivity of Nursing College Students' Awareness of Gender Equality: An Application of Q-methodology

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify the awareness of gender equality among nursing college students, and to provide basic data for educational solutions and desirable directions. METHODS: A Q-methodology which provides a method of analyzing the subjectivity of each item was used. 34 selected Q-statements from each of 20 women nursing college students were classified into a shape of normal distribution using 9-point scale. Subjectivity on the equality among genders was analyzed by the pc-QUANL program. RESULTS: Four types of awareness of gender equality in nursing college students were identified. The name for type I was 'pursuit of androgyny', for type II, 'difference-recognition', for type III, 'human-relationship emphasis', and for type IV, 'social-system emphasis'. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that different approaches to educational programs on gender equality are recommended for nursing college students based on the four types of gender equality awareness.

Patterns of Anger Expression among Middle-aged Korean Women: Q methodology

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the characteristics of anger expression in middle-aged Korean women by categorizing their patterns of expression while considering the complexity and multidimensionality of anger, and by investigating the characteristics relative to the patterns. METHODS: The research design was a descriptive design using Q methodology, which is a method of measuring subjectivity. A convenience sample of 42 participants aged 40-60 years and living in the community in Korea was recruited. The PC-QUANL software program (a factor analysis program for the Q technique) was used to analyze the Q-sort data. RESULTS: Four factors were extracted that described different expressions of anger among middle-aged Korean women; these factors explained 50.1% of the total variance. The frames of reference of the four factors were a) direct diversion, b) silent masking with remaining anger, c) self digestion, and d) controlling anger with objectification. CONCLUSION: In this study has identified patterns and characteristics of anger expression among middle-aged Korean women were identified, which will aid the development of effective anger-management programs for controlling anger in this population. In future studies, it would be helpful to investigate how the patterns of anger expression established herein are associated with specific health problems such as cardiovascular disorder and cancer.

Attitudes of Adolescents toward Suicide: Q-Methodological Approach

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify attitudes of adolescents toward suicide. METHODS: Q-methodology which provides a method of analyzing the subjectivity of each item was used. Thirty middle and high school students classified 37 selected statements into a normal distribution using a 9 point scale. Collected data were analyzed using the Quanl PC Program. RESULTS: Three types of attitudes toward suicide were identified. The first type (opposing suicide-moral minded) showed an attitude of opposing suicide and thinking that suicide is a sin. The second type (understanding-empathizing suicidal person) showed an attitude of understanding the situation of the adolescents who has suicidal ideation and empathizing with them. The third type (ambivalent attitude) showed an attitude of understanding the suicidal person but, at the same time, opposing suicide. CONCLUSION: Results of the study indicate that different approaches to suicide prevention programs should be developed based on the three types of suicide attitudes among adolescents.

Coping Pattern of Menopause in Middle Aged Woman / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the coping behaviors related to menopause experience in woman. METHOD: The research method used was Q-methodology. The statement of self-reference was derived from face to face interviews with 10 womens. Statements were categorized by the researcher according to semantics. From categories of the Q-population 27 of the self reference statement were selected and 39 of the women were selected with consideration of given to diversity in socio-demographic background. Based on a 1 to 9 point scale, the selected menopausal women were made to participated in the Q-sorting. Analysis of Q-type was obtained by use of the QUNAL program. Result: There are three type of menopause experience of Korean women. 1. The first type focused on active coping relate to menopause. 2. The second type focused on mind control related to menopause. 3. The third type focused on religious support related to menopause. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that the results of this study may contribute to the development strategies for the purpose of health promotion middle aged women.

A Study on the Types of Pain Identification by Nurses for Nursing Home Patients with Dementia / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: This study was done to identify the types of pain identification made by nurses caring for patients with dementia in nursing homes. METHOD: To collect the Q-population, 12 nurses working in nursing homes were interviewed. From the collected data, 69 statements were derived and eight patterns of pain identification were categorized. Thirty statements were derived as the Q-sample. Thirty nurses were sampled as the P-sample. The 30 Q-cards with Q-statements were Q-sorted by the P-sample. The results of the Q-sorting were coded and analyzed using the PC QUANL program. RESULTS: Five types of pain identification were identified by nurses for patients with dementia living in nursing homes; Type 1 was named "estimating based on verbal expressions". Type 2 was named "reasoning through physical symptoms". Type 3 was named "confirming pain based on nonverbal expressions being consistent with conditions of physical function". Type 4 was named "empathizing with vocal expressions". Type 5 was named "confirming by comparison with objective pain indicators one by one". CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that comprehensive understanding of pain identification by nurses could help improve the assessment of pain in patients with dementia.

Attitude of Korean Lawyers toward Withdrawal of Life Sustaining Treatment / 한국호스피스완화의료학회지

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to study the attitude of Korean lawyers toward withdrawal of life sustaining treatment, and compare and analyze different types of their attitudes. METHODS: Research design of this project was Q methodology approach. The study population was 24 lawyers, aged from 32 to 69 years. Q sample to investigate the attitude of the lawyers toward withdrawal of life sustaining treatment included 34 statements obtained from literatures, TV debate, and depth interviews of 5 lawyers among the lawyers included. After listening to the purpose and method of the study, the 24 lawyers agreed to fill out a survey asking sociodemographic information, and the information was distributed in 9 scale Q-sample. RESULTS: The collected data were processed through QUANL PC program and sorted into 5 types as follows: The first type was 'Choosing to withdraw life sustaining treatment', the second 'Withholding life sustaining treatment' regardless of the cost, the third is neutral type that claims that humans have the right to decide the death and life, and demands the proper legalization to protect such rights, the fourth type agrees to withdrawal of life sustaining treatment, nevertheless, admits that one has a rigt to withhold one's own life treatment, categorized as self contradiction type. The fifth type believed that 'Life and death are providential' with the faith, therefore, such authority to decide life and death belongs to God, but not human beings. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the lawyer's attitudes toward withdrawal of life sustaining treatment were grouped into five different types as follows: 'Choosing to withdraw life sustaining treatment', 'Withholding life sustaining treatment', 'Demanding legalization', 'Self contradiction type', and 'Life and death are providential'.

Development of a Stress Scale for Korean Nursing Students / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a stress measurement scale for Korean nursing students. METHODS: Sixty preliminary items were selected by classifying 229 basic items extracted via literature review and Q-sorting method. In order to verify the reliability and validity of the preliminary instrument, data were collected from 617 nursing students in 2 colleges of nursing in Korea. RESULTS: As a result of the item analysis, 58 items were selected. They consisted of 2 types of stress which were college-based stress (38 items) and clinical-based stress (20 items). Ten factors in college-based stress and four factors in clinical-based stress were extracted by factor analysis, and each had a total variance of 63.01%, and 64.93%. Cronbach's Alpha of those 58 items were .937 in college-based stress and .922 in clinical-based stress, which was high. CONCLUSION: This paper is meaningful in a way that it has developed a tool capable of measuring stress for nursing students, which reflects the characteristics of our country. It is recommended for further study to re-verify the relevance and stability of this measurement.

Types of Anger Expression in Adolescent Women: A Q-Methodological Approach / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the types of anger expression in adolescent women. METHODS: The Q-Methodology which provides a method of analyzing the individual's subjectivity was used. The 32 subjects classified 50 selected Q-statements on a 9 point scale to make a normal distribution. The collected data was analyzed by a PCQUANL program. RESULTS: Five types of anger expression in adolescent women were identified. Type I: Direct attacking expression type, Type II: Mature consideration type, Type III: Passive indirect expression type, Type IV: Avoidance conversion type, and Type V: Expression control type. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that different approaches of nursing intervention strategies are recommended based on the five types of anger expression and their characteristics.

Types of Attitudes toward a Successful Life of Korean Nursing Students: A Q-Methodological Approach / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze attitudes toward a successful life of students majoring in nursing science. METHOD: The Q-methodology which provides a method of analyzing the subjectivity of each items was used. The 32 selected Q-statements from each of 36 subjects were classified into a shape of normal distribution using a 9 point scale. The collected data was analyzed using a QUANL PC program. RESULT: Four types of successful life attitudes for research subjects in nursing science were identified. Type I is purpose achievement type, Type II is calling fullness type, Type III is balance maintenance type, and Type IV is happiness eagerness type. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that different approaches to nursing professional education programs are recommended based on the four types of successful life attitudes.

A Study on the Life Adjustment of Widowed Elderly Women in Korea: A Q-Methodological Approach / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the types of life adjustment of widowed elderly women in Korea. METHODS: The research design was a Q-Methodological Approach. Thirty selected Q-statements from 32 subjects were classified into a shape of normal distribution using a 7 point scale. The collected data was analyzed using a QUANL PC program. RESULTS: Three types of life adjustment were identified. Type I is the independent type: overcome the reality. Type II is the abandonment type: deny the reality. Type III is the accommodation type: accept the reality. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that different approaches to the quality of life for widowed elderly women in Korea are recommended based on the three types of life adjustment.

The Subjectivity of Attitudes Toward Life Support Care / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to categorize adult's subjectivity of their attitudes towards life sustaining treatment, and thereby understand the differences among these life sustaining treatment types using Q methodology. METHODS: Q-methodology, which provides a method of analyzing the subjectivity of each item, was used. Thirty selected Q-statements received from 52 adults were classified into a shape of normal distribution using a 7 point scale. The collected data was analyzed using a QUANL pc program. RESULT: Four types of attitudes toward life sustaining treatment were identified. Type I is called one's autonomy type. Type II is called potentiality of resuscitation type. Type III is called DNR (Do not resuscitation) type. Type IV is calledone's effort type. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that different approaches of life support care programs are recommended based on the four types of life sustaining treatment attitudes among Korean adults.

The Reactions of Emergency Department Nurses to Violence: Q-Methodological Approach / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the reactions of emergency department nurses to violence. METHODS: Q-methodology which provides a method of analyzing the subjectivity of each item was used. Thirty emergency department nurses classified 33 selected Q-statements into a normal distribution using a 9 point scale. The collected data was analyzed using the Quanl PC Program. RESULTS: Three types of reactions to violence were identified. The first type(emotional and physical reactions) showed a sense of regret on the selection of an occupation and emotional and physical reactions such as anxiety, fear, depression, hopelessness, heart palpitations and trembling hands due to the violence. The second type(problem solving) actively coped to prevent the occurrence of violence, grasped the causes of violence and sought out a problem solving plan. The third type(anger reactions) felt a lot of anger against violence, and resented their reality of working under conditions of inadequately secured facilities and systems. CONCLUSION: The emotional and physical reactions type and the anger reactions type should be required to attend educational programs to improve attitudes and abilities to solve the problems in a more active and positive manner.