Overcoming Stress: A Phenomenological Study of Field Missionaries Rescuing North Korean Defectors

Overcoming Stress: A Phenomenological Study of Field Missionaries Rescuing North Korean Defectors

In this study, the stress and experience of overcoming stress by on-site missionaries who rescue North Korean defectors was investigated in depth through a phenomenological approach. To this end, 7 missionaries with more than 5 years of experience in North Korean missionary mission were selected, and in-depth interviews and written interviews were conducted once. The collected data were analyzed through the phenomenological research methods of Giorgi and Colaizzi. The results were categorized into 'calling and obedience', 'mission and stress', 'anxiety situation and stress', 'stress situation and frustration', 'stress experience and psychological change', 'self insight and overcoming stress', 'resolution and recovery of stress', and 'new determination and rededication'. By researching and analyzing the stress and stress experience of the missionaries who rescue North Korean defectors in the field, this study has significance for helping missionaries continue to help them through managing and overcoming their stress.