Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare (Sep 2023)
Types of Empathy Among Certified Caregivers of Older Adults with Dementia
Abstract
So-Hyeong Sim, Geun Myun Kim, Eun Joo Kim, Soo Jung Chang Department of Nursing, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Wonju, South KoreaCorrespondence: Geun Myun Kim, Department of Nursing, Gangneung-Wonju National University, Namwon-ro 150, Heungeup-myon, Wonju, Gangwondo, 26403, South Korea, Tel +82 33 760 8643, Fax +82 33 760 8641, Email [email protected]: This study identifies the unique phenomena and subjectivity of empathy as exhibited by certified caregivers.Methods: Q-methodology was used to define types and describe the characteristics of empathy in certified caregivers. After in-depth interviews with 10 certified caregivers and a review of the related literature, the final 38 Q-samples were selected by collecting experts’ opinions. These Q-samples were sorted by 30 certified caregivers (P-samples). The PC-QUNAL program was used to analyze the Q-sort data.Results: Seven distinctive Q-factors for the empathy of certified caregivers were identified: I. Information-oriented cognition, II. Sensory communication, III. Compassion, IV. Performance-seeking through self-reflection, V. Intuitive empathy, VI. Role-centered sincerity, and VII. Passive obligation. The empathy of certified caregivers caring for older adults with dementia showed various characteristics according to each of their subjective values and judgments.Conclusion: This study’s results help identify the empathy types and characteristics of certified caregivers caring for older adults with dementia and may contribute to improving the quality of care.Keywords: aged care, caregiving, nursing home, Q-methodology, quality of care
