The Psychological and Mental Experiences of Living Liver Donors in South Korea

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the aspect of the psychological and mental experiences of living liver donors living in Korean culture. This study is qualitative research design that applied ethnographic research method through in-depth face-to-face interviews and participant observation. Data was collected from 10 living liver donors of the snow ball method. The results were delineated into 6 domains, 30 categories, and 35 subcategories by theme and the 6 domains include: 'positive emotions', 'negative emotions', 'difficulty in expressing feelings', 'mental difficulties', 'body image damaged' and 'thinking about living organ donations'. An appropriate medical care and continuous and systematic psychological and mental consultation before and after donation for the donors are required and the development and support system for them must be arranged.