한 여성 상담자의 노모와의 동거 경험에 대한 자문화기술지

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to reflect upon and explore the meaning of the experience of living together with an elderly mother whose overall functioning has deteriorated, from the perspective of middle-aged child. An autoethnography was used as a study method, and various sources of data were employed for the study, including researcher’s recollections, records, and interview data. The collected data were organized and analyzed cyclically in line with the study topic. Results of the study were categorized into four main themes, namely “the context of family caregiving”, “like blocked veins”, “reversed roles” and “still a long way to go”. Through the study process, the researcher gained an understanding of the challenges of living together while unprepared, breakdowns in communication, changes in the roles within the mother-daughter relationship, and the need for healthy separation and individualization. Furthermore, beyond the conflicts inherent in the experience of living together, the researcher came to accept the heartwarming love for her mother. This study aims to not only understand the anger and guilt experienced by those facing difficulties in living together with their parents but also hopes to translate this understanding into ethical practices in the context of life.