J Korean Acad Adult Nurs.  2010 Apr;22(2):130-142.

Types of Attitude toward Dignified Dying Expressed by Undergraduate Korean Students Majoring in Human Service Area: Q-Methodological Approach

• Jo KH
• Sohn KC

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to analyze attitude toward dignified dying of Korean students majoring in human service area.
METHODS
The Q-methodology which provides a method of analyzing the subjectivity of each item was used. The 34 selected Q-statements from each of 38 subjects were classified into a shape of normal distribution using a 9 point scale. The collected data was analyzed using a QUANL PC program.
RESULTS
Four types of attitude toward dignified dying from the subjects were identified. Type I is an expression type for happy emotion, Type II is a dislike type for life prolongation, Type III is a pursuit type for relationship improvement, and Type IV is a perception type for family presence.
CONCLUSION
The results of the study indicate that integrating multi-disciplinary curriculum development related to dignified dying and death education for students majoring in human service area are needed.

Keyword

Student; Dignity; Death; Attitude; Methodology

MeSH Terms

Curriculum
Humans
Life Support Care