Married Immigrant Women's Child-Rearing Experiences Including Parenting Stress and Parenting Efficacy

국제결혼 이주여성의 양육경험 - 양육스트레스와 양육효능감을 중심으로 -

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore married immigrant women's child-rearing experiences including parenting stress and parenting efficacy using parallel/simultaneous mixed method design. Method: Participants of this quantitative study were 53 immigrant women in G City. Data was collected from May 1 to July 31 and analyzed using the SPSS 14 program. Qualitative data was collected from 8 immigrant women through focus group discussions from April, 22 to August 5, 2008 in G City and G Province. The data was analyzed using a content analysis method. Results: The mean score of parenting stress scale and parenting efficacy were 63.49 and 43.11 respectively. Significant differences were found in parenting stress according to nationality, length of stay, religion, economic status, education level, Korean language skill, number of children, and program participation. Significant differences were found in the Parenting efficacy according to the nation, length of stay, economic status, education level, Korean language skill, children's health status, and program participation. Three themes emerged through this analysis: 1) Isolation from the maternal parent, 2) Insufficient support system, 3) Conflicts and Compromise of child-rearing practices. Conclusion: Married immigrant women experience double burdens of mothering. There is a need to develop educational and support programs for them.