Lived Experiences of Thai Children Applying Five Love Languages to Promote Emotional Well-Being of Rural Bedridden Older Adults: A Phenomenological Study

Authors

1 Department of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, School of Nursing, Walailak University, Thailand;

2 The Excellent Center of Community Health Promotion, Walailak University, Thailand;

3 Department of Community Nursing, School of Nursing, Walailak University, Thailand;

4 Department of Education Research and Evaluation, Faculty of Education, Nahkon Si Thammarat Rajabhat University, Thailand;

5 Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran

10.30476/ijcbnm.2025.107191.2811

Abstract

Background: In rural Thailand, caregiving for bedridden older adults often emphasizes physical
support, while their emotional and psychological needs remain unmet. The Five Love Languages
framework offers a positive psychology-based approach to enhancing emotional care. This study aimed
to explore the lived experiences of Thai children and to use the Five Love Languages framework to
promote the emotional well-being of bedridden older adults in a rural Thai community.
Methods: A phenomenological study using Colaizzi’s method was conducted on eleven children (aged
11–12) who were purposively recruited. Data were collected and analyzed from April to May 2025
through semi-structured interviews until conceptual richness was achieved. All transcripts were then
manually analyzed using Colaizzi’s seven-step process.
Results: Three overarching themes with eight subthemes emerged: 1) Awakening emotional sensitivity
in caregiving— transitioning from task-based care to emotionally responsive care; (2) Reconstructing
social bonds—strengthening intergenerational connections and reduced isolation; and (3) Personal
growth and reciprocity—developing empathy, leadership, and civic responsibility.
Conclusion: Applying the Five Love Languages framework enabled children to foster intergenerational
bonds that enhanced the emotional well-being of older adults and supported children’s personal growth.
Nurse-led programs can sustain intergenerational caregiving in rural communities.

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