Using Q Methodology to Study Wellbeing Associated with Informal Caregiving∙157 Using Q Methodology to Study Wellbeing Associated with Informal Caregiving 1) Susan Ramlo, Ph.D. Professor, General Technology - Physics and Professor of Education, The University of Akron Kari Berit, MS Kari Berit Presents, Inc. Abstract As the population ages, the international demand for care of aging adults increases and many will find themselves, possibly unexpectedly, in a caregiver situation. According to the National Family Caregivers Association, 59% of the U.S. population will become informal caregivers to aging friends and/or family. Our social wellbeing is affected when family members and friends age and require our care, creating an increasingly complex relationship. Most models of successful caregiving are limited to what researchers perceive to be successful caregiving rather than connecting to caregivers and determining their views (Hilton, Kopera-Freye, & Krave, 2009). We will describe three studies of informal caregivers that used Q methodology, find common themes, and demonstrate how these studies provide descriptive models that are not tied to researcher pre-conceived views and allow the caregivers to provide their own perspectives such that government policies and programming can better serve this population. Key words: Q methodology, caregiving, caregiver, aging, adult, needs assessment, wellbeing * Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to : Susan Ramlo 302 Buchtel Common Akron, OH 44325-6104 330-972-7057 Email: sramlo@uakron.edu Received 13 Feb., 2013 Revised 10 June, 2013 Accepted 22 June, 2013