Abstract

【Purpose】Shortage of social and medical resources due to population decline exacerbates the difficulties of living in depopulated areas. To continue living in such areas, mutual support among residents in maintaining health, raising children, and supporting older adults is considered important. However, few studies have focused on mutual support among child-rearing residents. Therefore, this study aims to clarify perceptions of mutual support among child-rearing residents in depopulated areas.

【Method】Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine residents in depopulated areas who are raising children up to the age of junior high school. The data were analyzed using qualitative inductive analysis.

【Results】The results of analysis produced the following eight categories as perceptions of mutual support: [Trying to connect with people inside and outside the community], [Deepening relationships among residents in everyday life], [Mutual acknowledgement among residents], [Acting according to rules among residents], [Acting within reasonable limits], [Creating an environment where children can be raised safely even in depopulated areas], [Using residents’ services] and [Being mindful of the existence of older adults].

【Considerations】Child-rearing residents recognized that connections inside and outside the community, as well as building relationships of trust are important elements of mutual support. An environment where residents understand each other’s life backgrounds and child-rearing residents can share information with each other is believed to create peace of mind when raising children. In addition, creating a community in which older adults feel comfortable to ask for help will contribute to a safer life for the child-rearing households as they age.