A Study on the Life Experiences of Marriage Immigrant Middle-aged Women in Korea: Focusing on the Experiences of Climacteric

Abstract

Purpose : This study is intended to understand the life experience of middle-aged women who are marriage immigrants, focusing on their climacteric experiences, by conducting an in-depth exploration of their life experiences and the essential structure of their experiences in overcoming such challenges. Methods : Data were collected through in-depth interviews with a total of six marriage immigrant middle-aged women in their 40s or older, living in Gangwon Province and experiencing climacterium. The collected data were processed through applying Colaizzi’s phenomenological data analysis. Result : As a result of the analysis, eight categories and 19 themes were identified from 113 meaning statements. The eight categories of marriage immigrant middle-aged women’s life experience focusing on climacterium are as follows: a whirlwind of changes, the boundary of the family, unsatisfactory reality, aspects of myself I want to hide, life of isolation, missing my homeland, life of overcoming obstacles, and the desire for social support where gaps exist. Conclsion : It is urged that appropriate social support programs to alleviate climacteric symptoms be developed and efficiently provided to marriage immigrant middle-aged women, to reflect their climacteric experiences.