Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a substantial theory that explains the experiences of divorced women and the decisionmaking process before divorce. Methods: Data collection and analysis were conducted according to the grounded theory methodology. Data collection was performed through in-depth interviews and observations, which was recorded and transcribed verbatim by consent of the participants. The period of data collection was from December 2003 to October 2004, and the participants were 8 divorced women who had not remarried. Results: The core concept of this study was 'searching for one's real self' not 'an imposed self'. The decision-making process consisted of two phases and six stages. The factors that had an influence on the decision- making process of divorce were causal factors (risk factor of marriage), contextual factors (problems during marriage life), and intervening factors ('factors against divorce' and 'factors for divorce'). Conclusion: The findings of this study were expected to be useful in establishing effective nursing strategy and intervention suited for each stages of the decision making process on divorce.

서 론
    1. 연구의 필요성
    2. 연구목적
연 구 방 법
    1. 연구 설계
    2. 연구 참여자 선정
    3. 윤리적 고려 및 자료수집
    4. 자료분석
연 구 결 과
    1. 핵심범주
    2. 이혼 결정과정
논 의
결 론 및 제 언
REFERENCES

• 주혜주(경인여자대학교 간호학과) | Joo Hye Joo (Department of Nursing, Kyung-InWomen's University, Inchon, Korea) Corresponding author