Exploring societal perspectives on priorities at the end of life in South Korea using Q-methodology

To explore societal perspectives on priorities at the end of life in South Korea, an Asian country with high characteristics of Confucian culture. Based on this understanding, this study proposes strategies for establishing well-dying Confucian heritage cultures.

Q-methodology, suitable for analyzing human subjectivity, was used in this study. Thirty-four Q-statements were extracted from the 170 Q population, which were gathered from literature reviews and online resources. Participants were 33 people expected to present diverse views of priorities at the end of their lives. The data were analyzed with principal component analysis and varimax rotations using the PQMethod software.

Four distinct perspectives on priorities at the end of life in South Korea were identified: "Emphasizing the right to self-determination," "Avoiding burdening the family," "Putting life first," and "Connotations with a complex perspective."

This study provides strategies for preparing various nursing interventions or policies for the establishment of a well-dying culture based on the four identified perspectives on priorities at the end of life, especially in countries with Confucian heritage cultures.