Experiences of Suffering by South Korean Soldiers during North Korean provocation: Parse’s Human Becoming Methodology

Background: The aim of this study is to investigate the subjective experience structures of South Korean soldiers during North Korean provocations. Since the soldiers are going through high level of mental stress during their service terms, an occupational therapist specializing in mental health may be required. Methods: 10 participants who served in the front line near the border with North Korea were recruited for a dialogical engagement from August 2016 to January 2017. Data were collected until the participants’ narratives of subjective experiences during the provocation were repetitive. Data collection and analysis followed Parse’s Human Becoming Research Methodology. Results: The experiences of soldiers in the front line during North Korean provocations were anger due to physical and psychological stress, occupational deprivation due to work and restriction, mistrust and dissatisfaction towards the military hierarchy system, and fear of death. Conclusion: If occupational therapists are assigned as a mental health support personnel, there is a potential for resolving physical and psychological stress and occupational imbalance during the frequent events of North Korean provocation.