청년 1인 가구 반려인의 반려동물 양육경험에 대한 현상학적 연구 = Experiences of Young Adults Living Alone with Pets: A Phenomenological Study of Pet Ownership

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study aimed to elucidate the subjective experiences of young adults who live alone with pets, uncovering the meaning and essence of their experiences. We collected data through in-depth interviews with women in their 20s who lived alone and raised pets. We utilized recorded interviews, field notes, and email questions and answers. We applied Colaizzi’s phenomenological method to categorize the data into explicit meanings, themes, and categories. The findings were summarized into 196 meaningful statements, 13 explicit meanings, seven overarching themes, and four distinct categories. The four categories were labeled as “independent support,” “two faces of parenting,” “connecting us,” and “growing up.” In the independent support” category participants utilized their pets to cope with feelings of depression and lethargy following their transition to living alone and seeking a sense of psychological stability. In the “two faces of parenting” category, participants relied on their pets to assist them in navigating the responsibilities of parenthood. In the “connecting us” category, participants deepened their bond with their pets over time, sharing experiences of nurturing and maintaining a sense of connection with family members who might otherwise feel distant due to physical separation. In the “growing up” category, participants expressed concerns about fostering respect for life and understanding animal-related systems while raising pets. They suggested the necessity of cultivating a pet culture. This study focused on delineating the subjective experiences of young adults living alone with pets and examining the implications of their pet ownership. Drawing from the study's findings, we propose avenues for further research into the challenges faced by young adults living alone with pets and potential solutions to address these challenges.