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Exploring ego-integrity in old adults: a Q-methodology study
Sung Ok Chang1, Ju Hee Kim, Eun Sook Kong
1College of Nursing, Korea University, #126-1, 5-ka, Anam-dong, Sungbuk-ku, Seoul 136-705, South Korea. sungok@korea.ac.kr <sungok@korea.ac.kr>
Older adults achieve ego-integrity through intergenerational connection, peace, acceptance, and resilience. Understanding these factors is key for quality of life in later years.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Ego-integrity, crucial for quality of life in later years, involves self-acceptance.
- The concept of ego-integrity in older adults remains underexplored in nursing practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the multifaceted concept of ego-integrity in late adulthood within contemporary Korean society.
- To identify the diverse meanings and experiences associated with ego-integrity among older adults in Korea.
Main Methods:
- Q-methodology was employed to capture subjective perspectives on ego-integrity.
- The study involved 26 community-dwelling older adults (aged 65-70) in the Republic of Korea.
- Data were analyzed using PCQ software for factor analysis of Q-technique data.
Main Results:
- Four distinct factors emerged, highlighting varied pathways to ego-integrity.
- These factors included satisfactory intergenerational connection, enjoying a peaceful life, finding peace through acceptance, and achieving a praiseworthy life despite adversity.
- Results indicate diverse frames of reference for achieving ego-integrity in late adulthood.
Conclusions:
- Ego-integrity in late adulthood is influenced by lifelong cultural and psychosocial factors.
- Developing culturally sensitive life-review methods is essential for supporting older adults' ego-integrity.
- Interventions should acknowledge the unique life experiences shaping individual ego-integrity.
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