The perception of good death among human services students in South Korea: a Q-methodological approach

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the subjective opinions of Korean college students about good death. Q methodology was used to analyze 34 Q-statements from 37 respondents who majored in social work, nursing, or education at a university in South Korea. With the use of a PC-QUANL software package, 4 types of perceptions about good death were identified. They are: (1) a resolute acceptance type; (2) a reasonable, natural lifespan type; (3) a relational, sentimental type; (4) and an altruistic, satisfied type. Results of this study indicate that approaches to death education need to be differentiated to take into account this typology and the characteristics of the students that fall into each category.