Perspectives of the Value in Life among Nursing Professionals: A Q-methodology Study

Abstract

An individual’s values of life (VL), considered important to coordinate and practice behaviors that are required to accomplish a task in a profession, may vary widely depending on the practice environment. It is important to know and understand the values in life (VL) of nursing professionals who are charged with patients’ health and safety because they are key human resources in health system organizations. This study aims to identify and understand the subjective perspectives of VL in Korean nursing professionals. This study used Q-methodology because it synthesized the advantages of quantitative and qualitative methods. A convenience sample of 29 nursing professionals participated in this study. Twenty selected Q-samples obtained from each participant were classified into a forced distribution using a 7-point grid. The collected data were analyzed using a PC-QUANL program. Q-factor analysis revealed that three types of VL are held by nursing professionals: family-based values, ideal-oriented values, and individual achievement-oriented values. Perspectives of these three types of VL can provide the baseline data to develop customized interventions to support the quality of life of nursing professionals and can also be used to inform health professionals in other countries about the perspectives on VL of Korean nurses.