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Abstract
Purpose
Today, an increasing number of divorce is shifting family forms and gender role practices. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand life's experiences of middle-aged divorced women with higher education and profession lives in Korea.
Methods
For this study, 6 middle-aged divorced women with similar backgrounds were recruited from December 2013 to June 2014, using in-depth individual interviews. Data analysis was performed using Giorgi's phenomenological methodology.
Results
Individual interviews revealed the following 15 meaning of themes and 5 themes. 1) A woman considering herself to be ashamed that she has not lived an ordinary life. 2) The destiny of a woman not having a fortune. 3) An exhilarated mood like a teenage girl's 4) Suppressing an instinctive desire of sex. 5) Being a mother as a woman head of household.
Conclusion
This study provides deep understanding of middle-aged divorced women with higher levels of education and professional lives of women who experienced difficult times and overcame their problems. Based on the results of this study, nursing strategies for enhancing quality of life need to be created and implemented for all professional women by Korean community networking gradually.
Figures and Tables
Table 1
Characteristics of the Participants (N=6)
Table 2
Theme Clusters
Summary Statement
▪ What is already known about this topic?
Several studies have been found on difficulties experienced by divorced women. However, there was lack of understanding on middle-aged divorced women with higher education and professional lives.
▪ What this paper adds?
This study provides deep understanding of middle-aged divorced women with higher levels of education and professional lives who experienced difficult times for overcoming their problems.
▪ Implications for practice, education and/or policy
There is a need to consider middle-aged divorced women with higher education and professional lives, that could help them to create opportunities to contribute to society.
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