Spiritual Health in Korean Culture: Q methodological approach

Shim, Hyung Wha

Abstract

PURPOSE
This paper is a basic study done to establish spiritual health concepts according to Korean culture. The focus was on identifying perceived concepts of spiritual health in Korean people.
METHODS
The Q method, which is effective in measuring individual subjectivity, was used in this study.
RESULTS
Perception of the concept of spiritual health was found to have 3 independent types, Type I is a self-directed, present life centered type. This is a group stressing the importance of planning self-directed life and the people of this group consider the values of the present life as important. Type II is a faith-oriented, afterlife centered type. This is a group whose essence of spiritual health is religious devotion like faith in god and the people of this group do not sympathize with the oriental world view. Type III is an oriental, value-sharing type. This is a group with an oriental world view and the people of this group stress importance in sharing values with communities or others.
CONCLUSION
These results not only become the basis for understanding the concept of spiritual health among Koreans, but also suggest the necessity of comprehensive education for spiritual health promotion.