고3 수험생 자녀를 둔 아버지의 가족관계 경험

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore family relationship experiences of a father whose child prepares college entrance and to find out its meaning. In-depth interviews were conducted with five fathers. The data was analyzed based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Participants in the study experienced family relationships by “taking a step back from feelings that cannot be revealed,” “accumulated anxiety and burden”, “increasing authority through mediation and decision-making assistance,” and “invisible hard work and maturity”. Participants experienced anxiety and fear of damage to family relationships while supporting children’s college entrance exams, but could not reveal them. Participants used distancing and rationalization strategies in their children’s academic areas to eliminate worries and anxiety. Participants listened to their wives who were tired of applying for the entrance exam, cared for their children who were sensitive to the entrance exam, and at the same time, were physically exhausted by the burden of private education expenses and supporting their children. Participants experienced the ability to mediate conflicts between children and wives with a rational attitude and help their children make decisions. In this process, the participants felt sorry for their lack at the limit of accountability as middle-aged office workers and fathers, and they could not see their hard work and maturity. This study presented the father’s subjective world experiences and provided an understanding of multi-layered family relationships.