Happiness experiences among South Korean elementary school students receiving local children's center services: a qualitative study using Giorgi's phenomenological method

Abstract

Purpose: The role of local children's centers is becoming more important as after-school care expands to South Korean elementary schools. As elementary school years are the time when children grow into healthy adults. Children in this period must grow with a feeling of happiness. The purpose of this study is to understand and explain the meaning of happiness experiences of elementary school students receiving community child care services, and to expand and apply nursing knowledge to child care at community child care centers through their happiness experiences.

Methods: This qualitative study was conducted with 21 elementary school students who received program services at local children's centers for more than 1 year. Participants conducted 1:1 depth interview. The interviews were analyzed by dividing them into themes.

Results: Finally, five themes and 14 sub-themes were organized. The five themes were derived as "feeling of freedom and joy," "healthy and pleasant feeling from being cared for," "feeling smart and competent," "feeling loved by someone special," "feeling well-adjusted to school life." This conclusion means that participants experience autonomy and enjoyment in daycare centers, positive care, strengthen emotional bonds, and help them adapt well to school.

Conclusion: The participants in this study expressed happiness in various meanings at local children's centers. This thesis informed that it is important for local children's centers to prioritize children's happiness for education and care for children. This paper will contribute to society by presenting a nursing perspective on the development of community children's centers.

Keywords: Child; Community health services; Giorgi; Happiness; Qualitative research; School-age.