Group Work for Korean Expatriate Women in the United States: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

This paper presents the results of exploratory research with a group of seven Korean expatriate women. The study employed a modified Reality Therapy approach over eight meetings conducted by two professionally qualified leaders who also speak Korean. Qualitative research methods were used to analyze and describe the participants' experiences. Results indicate that members commonly experienced stress from language barriers, cultural adaptation, homesickness, financial difficulties, disrupted family relationships, and lowered self-esteem. Through candid discussions and identification of coping methods, the group experienced increased self-esteem, improved well-being, and group cohesiveness. Progress was found to be sustained after 12 weeks.