J Korean Acad Child Health Nurs.  2011 Jan;17(1):48-57.

Grounded Theory Approach to Transition Process of Parenting Experience among Mothers Defecting from North Korean

• Park HJ
• Kim YS
• Park HR

Abstract

PURPOSE
The study was conducted to explore the parenting experience of mothers who have defected from North Korean.
METHODS
Nineteen mothers who defected from North Korean were recruited in Hanawon and data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Grounded theory methodology developed by Strauss and Corbin (1998) was adapted for theoretical sampling and analysis. Interviews were recorded with consent and transcribed verbatim.
RESULTS
The core category was discovered to be 'pursuing positive parenting'. Phenomenon was identified as 'acting out of frustration' and this series of processes was categorized as having four stages: 'harsh reality', 'moving forward', 'seeking transition' and 'internalization'.
CONCLUSION
The results indicate that their parenting experiences were in a transition process and, thus, it is critical to develop positive parenting intervention programs as a way to promote the empowerment of these mothers in parenting to help them support themselves and their children.

Keyword

Parenting; Mothers; Democratic People's Republic of Korea

MeSH Terms

Child
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Humans
Mothers
Parenting
Parents
Power (Psychology)
Child Health