Whilst there has been a high volume of research exploring quality of life, the specific issues important to the quality of life of people from older black and minority ethnic groups living in the United Kingdom (UK) remains relatively under explored. The aim of this research was to explore and understand the concept of quality of life held by older Chinese migrants living in the UK. The findings of this study provide an understanding of what is important to older migrants and why, as well as providing insight into the issues involved in cross-language and cross-cultural research. A qualitative approach was taken utilising grounded theory methodology. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews. 29 participants aged between 52 and 78 were interviewed; 17 interviews were undertaken in Cantonese with the aide of an interpreter. Quality of life emerged as a multi-dimensional concept and numerous influential factors were identified. Data analysis also resulted in a conceptual explanation of why these factors were important to participants - the concepts of identity, belonging and value systems emerged playing a crucial role in their lives and migration and ageing were identified as key variables. This led to a substantive grounded theory being developed that demonstrates that participants are involved in an ongoing process of constructing a harmonious sense of self across their lives, and that this is paramount in their quality of life. The research findings are related to existing theory and knowledge and how they extend or challenge them is discussed. The research supports the proposal that quality of life is a multi-dimensional, complicated concept and extends this to demonstrate that the sense of self is important in its construction and retention. Recommendations are made regarding application of the research findings and for the design of cross-language and cross-cultural research.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:721612 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Bailey, Janet |
| Publisher | Keele University |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://eprints.keele.ac.uk/3808/ |
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