若者の親に対するイメージの発達過程

抄録

　　The purpose of this study was to explore how young adults change their image of their parents and the reasons for these changes. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 young adults (10 males, 9 females; mean age = 24.3 years). The data were qualitatively analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. Results identified three stages in which young adults changed their image of their parents.

　　First, young adults put themselves in the shoes of their parents. This is done when young adults compare their parents to other adults. Young adults also observe marital interaction by their parents, such as fathers telling them about their mothers (or vice versa). Young adults also learn about their parents' past and understand their parents more than before.

　　Second, young adults alter their image of their parents. They appreciate the fact that their parents have given them advice regarding later life and a basic sense of security. Young adults also come to see their parents as human beings and understand that their parents also have faults.

　　Finally, young adults more fully accept their parents than before. They come to accept their parents as their parents are, they feel like they are growing and developing with their parents, and they come to see their parents' lives as a model of how to live.