신혼기 부부의 결혼생활 경험과 결혼의 의미에 대한 현상학적 탐색

A Phenomenological Exploration of Newlywed Couples’ Marital Experiences and the Meaning of Marriage

본 연구는 신혼기 부부의 결혼생활 경험과 그 의미를 탐색하기 위해 결혼 5년 이내의 부부 7쌍을 대상으로 심층면담을 실시하고 Giorgi의 현상학적 연구방법으로 분석하였다. 그 결과 결혼 동기의 형성, 결혼 준비의 양가감정, 결혼생활 적응, 결혼의 의미 재구성 4개의 구성요소와 20개의 하위구성요소가 도출되었다. 신혼기 부부는 결핍을 충족하려는 무의식적 동기로 배우자를 선택하였으나, 갈등 조율과 상호 이해를 통해 관계적 성숙과 연합의 의미를 형성하였다. 이러한 결과는 결혼의 의미와 관계 형성의 과정을 이해하는 데 기여하며, 혼전상담 및 신혼기 부부상담에서 적용 가능한 실천적 시사점을 제공할 수 있을 것이다.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to explore the lived marital experiences of newlywed couples and examine how they construct the meaning of marriage during the early stage of marital life. Methods: Using Giorgi’s phenomenological research method, in-depth interviews were conducted with seven couples married for less than five years. Interview data were analyzed to identify the essential structures of newlyweds’ marital experiences. Results: Analysis revealed four essential components and twenty subcomponents: formation of marriage motivation, ambivalence during marriage preparation, early marital adjustment, and reconstruction of marital meaning. Although some participants entered marriage with unconscious motives to fulfill unmet personal needs, they gradually developed relational maturity and a sense of union through conflict negotiation, emotional regulation, and mutual understanding. Conclusions: These findings illuminate the essential structure of newlywed couples’ marital experiences and enhance understanding of how marital meaning is constructed through relational processes in early marriage. The study also offers practical implications for premarital and early marriage counseling by emphasizing support for couples’ adaptive meaning-making and relational growth.