대학생 대상 연상을 활용한 정(情)의 개념에 대한 질적 연구

Qualitative Research on the Conceptualization of Cheung via use of Association with Korean College Students

This study aims to investigate the conceptual characteristics of Cheung, which is perceived as a unique feeling among Korean college students. The participants were 124 Korean college students, and the data acquired from 115 out of 124 college students was used for content analysis. The characteristics of Cheong were categorized within three major dimensions: the experience of affections, disappearance of boundaries, and increase of unselfish material exchange activities. Specifically, nine subcategories were derived from these three dimensions: two subcategories (positive and negative emotion) concerning the experience of affection, five sub-dimensions in relation to the disappearance of boundaries (i.e., speaking without reserve, having long conversations, a decreased sense of physical distance, increased contact frequency, and increased shared desire), and two subcategories (gift giving and generous spending for unselfish material exchanges). Based on the results of this study, the necessity and implications of follow-up research on Korean’s unique affections, including Cheung, were discussed.