A Structure Model for Positive Psychology of Japanese Female Spouses of Husbands Posted Overseas
Abstract
Aims: Wives of Japanese expatriates (hereafter referred to as spouses) are reported to be highly likely to develop mental health problems. However, positive perceptions and evaluations have played a beneficial role in reducing the occurrence of this problem. This study clarified the framework of positive psychology for the spouses, based on the workshop undertaken by the spouses, and the descriptions that they provided in response to the post-implementation questionnaire.
Study design: This research was a descriptive qualitative study.
Methodology: The descriptions collected through the workshop for spouses in November 2018 were classified and structured using the KJ method.
Results: From 105 labels, 4 themes were formed, namely [Country M has the foundation to support my life], [I am experiencing a life of feeling calm in country M], [I seek the proof that I spent time in country M], and [I accept myself from the realization]. The foundation that supported the daily lives of the spouses became calm through social support from others and emotional self-control. In addition, the foundation of the spouses’ lives was connected to their actions, which served as proof that they had been in country M. In response to what they had learned in the workshop, the spouses became realize of their own strengths and abilities and gained the ability to accept themselves.
Conclusion: Searching for positive factors induces the spouses to experience a greater sense of self-acceptance. The revealed framework of positive psychology could serve as a means to reduce the spouses' negative stress responses.
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