The Mental-Psychological Experiences of Living Liver Donors

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the aspect of the mental-psychological 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 4 domains, 23 categories, and 26 subcategories by theme and the 4 domains include: ‘positive emotions’, ‘negative emotions’, ‘mental difficulties’, and ‘body image damaged’. An appropriate medical care and continuous and systematic mental-psychological consultation before and after donation for the donors are required and the development and support system for them must be arranged.