Exploring Wisdom in the Korean Elderly: A Q Methodology Study

Sung, Kiwol

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to analyze the subjectivity of wisdom in the Korean elderly.
METHODS
Q-methodology was used. The 33 selected Q-statements from each of the 41 participants were classified into a shape of normal distribution using a 9-point scale. The collected data were analyzed using the Analysis Software for Q-Technique.
RESULTS
Four types of wisdom for research participants of Korean elderly were identified. Type I is experience-oriented action type; Type II is emotion-oriented sympathy type; Type III is human relationship-oriented consideration type; and Type IV is problem solution-oriented insight type.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study indicate that different approaches to health and nursing care for elders can be recommended based on the four types studied.