은퇴를 경험한 부부의 관계 변화에 대한 질적 연구 = A Qualitative Study on Changes in Marital Relationships After Retirement

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This qualitative study employed a narrative inquiry approach to explore how retired public servant couples from Korea’s baby boomer generation experienced relational, psychological, and spiritual changes before and after retirement. Retirement, marking the transition from midlife to later adulthood, is a significant event affecting psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions. In-depth interviews were conducted with three retired civil servants and their spouses to understand how they adapted to this transition. Findings revealed that the couples faced challenges in renegotiating roles, identity, and emotional connection within their marriages. Feelings of loss, confusion, and burden were commonly reported, yet couples engaged in small daily practices-such as shared conversations and emotional expression-to rebuild their connection. The study suggests that post-retirement adjustment requires not only financial or medical support, but also programs focusing on emotional communication and mutual understanding. Narrative inquiry provided valuable insights into how relationships and self-identity are reshaped through lived experience.