Grounded Theory Approach to Transition Process of Parenting Experience among Mothers Defecting from North Korean.

Park, Hyun Jeong; Kim, Yun Soo; Park, Ho Ran; Park, Hyun Jeong; Kim, Yun Soo; Park, Ho Ran

doi:2011.17.1.48

Child Health Nurs Res > Volume 17(1):2011 > Article

Original Article

Journal of Korean Academy of Child Health Nursing 2011;17(1):48-57.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4094/jkachn.2011.17.1.48

Grounded Theory Approach to Transition Process of Parenting Experience among Mothers Defecting from North Korean.

Hyun Jeong Park, Yun Soo Kim, Ho Ran Park

College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. hrpark@catholic.ac.kr

Abstract

PURPOSE: The study was conducted to explore the parenting experience of mothers who have defected from North Korean. METHODS: Nineteen mothers who defected from North Korean were recruited in Hanawon and data were collected through face-to-face interviews. Grounded theory methodology developed by Strauss and Corbin (1998) was adapted for theoretical sampling and analysis. Interviews were recorded with consent and transcribed verbatim. RESULTS: The core category was discovered to be 'pursuing positive parenting'. Phenomenon was identified as 'acting out of frustration' and this series of processes was categorized as having four stages: 'harsh reality', 'moving forward', 'seeking transition' and 'internalization'. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that their parenting experiences were in a transition process and, thus, it is critical to develop positive parenting intervention programs as a way to promote the empowerment of these mothers in parenting to help them support themselves and their children.