발달장애인과 어머니의 행복 인식 차이에 대한 Q 방법론적 분석 = A Q-Methodological Analysis of Differences in Happiness Perception between Individuals with Developmental Disabilities and Their Mothers

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study examined differences between mothers’ perceptions of their children’s happiness and the happiness perceived by adults with developmental disabilities using Q methodology with an identical set of statements. A concourse was developed and refined into a final Q sample of 33 statements. The Q sample comprised eight adults with mild developmental disabilities who were capable of verbal communication and their eight mothers. Participants performed Q sorting using a forced distribution, and factor analysis was conducted with the QUANL program. Five types of happiness perception were identified: daily life–oriented, recognition-seeking, relationship-centered, autonomy-seeking, and social role–oriented. Adults with developmental disabilities were most frequently classified into the daily life–oriented and autonomy-seeking types, whereas mothers were more often classified into the recognition-seeking, relationship-centered, and social role–oriented types. The proportion of mother–child dyads assigned to the same type was low, with a mean perceptual agreement of 20.3%. These findings indicate that mothers tend to conceptualize their children’s happiness in terms of socially normative and externally evaluated factors, whereas adults with developmental disabilities emphasize immediate, experiential, and self-directed aspects of everyday life. The results demonstrate substantial differences in happiness perception structures between adults with developmental disabilities and their mothers. They underscore the importance of person-centered approaches that respect self-determination, individualized support planning, and interventions that promote mutual understanding between parents and children. The study provides foundational evidence for quality-of-life policy development and family support programs for adults with developmental disabilities.