Human Ecology Research

The Korean Home Economics Association (대한가정학회)
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A Qualitative Study on the Adaptation Process of Middle-Aged and Elderly Couples with Retired Husbands

남편의 은퇴 이후 중노년기 부부의 적응과정에 관한 질적 연구

  • Lee, Ju Yeon (Department of Child Studies, Chonbuk National University) ;
  • Kim, Deuksung (Department of Child Development and Family Studies, Pusan National University)
  • 이주연 (전북대학교 아동학과) ;
  • 김득성 (부산대학교 아동가족학과)
  • Received : 2014.03.31
  • Accepted : 2014.11.09
  • Published : 2015.04.30
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Abstract

This study examined the retirement adaptation process for middle-aged and elderly couples. Twelve couples who had experienced retirement were recruited by theoretical sampling. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed through the grounded theory approach of Strauss and Corbin (1998). This study showed the results of 124 concepts, 41 sub-categories and 17 categories indicated through an open coding process. As a paradigm in axial coding, the causal conditions in the adjustment procedures of elderly couples whose spouses are retired were 'retirement preparation,' 'retirement acceptance,' and 'marital satisfaction.' A central phenomenon was 'crisis and conflicts of twilight couples.' The contextual conditions that correspond to this phenomenon were 'psychological separation from adult children,' 'division of household labor,' and 'economic status.' The action/interaction strategies to control the phenomenon were 'recognition of marital relationships,' 'conflicts coping,' 'resolution methods,' and 'self-reflection.' The intervening conditions that facilitate action/interaction strategies were 'attitudes of husbands,' 'mutual awareness of couple,' 'health status,' and 'support systems.' The consequences were 'readaptation of marital relationships,' and 'unresolved conflicts,' and 'trying alone.' This research classified middle-aged and elderly couples' adaptation into three types such as mutual effort, separation & resignation, and conflicts vestige. The findings provide basic information to develop a retirement adaptation program for the middle-aged and elderly.

Keywords

References

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