다문화가정 부모-자녀관계에서 외국인 모와 자녀의 내적 표상 연구

A Study on the Internal Representation of Foreign Mothers and Children in Parent-Children Relationships of Multicultural Families

This research aims to explore the internal representation of foreign mothers and children in parent-children relationships of multicultural families. In order to achieve such a goal, the data were collected through in-depth interviews with five foreign mothers and six children from multicultural families. The data were analyzed through case study methodology. The research results show that within the parent-children relationship, foreign mothers were self-reinforcing their internal representation as “an understanding mother,” “a confident and proud mother,” and “a mother who strives not to get in their children’s.” Foreign mothers expected their children to “be just as much as other children,” “own their lives,” and also perceived their children as “beings who exchange love with their mother” and “beings who can be comforting during lonely and hard times.” On the other hand, the children were found to view their mothers as “a person who gives love and happiness,” “a person who I am proud of,” and “a mother who presents unique experiences.” Based on the above research results, practical propositions and limitations of the research are discussed.