東南亞籍喪偶女性新住民的家庭生活經驗與調適歷程

Abstract

本研究旨在探討東南亞籍喪偶女性新住民在臺灣面臨配偶逝世後，其家庭生活經驗與調適歷程。隨著臺灣新住民人口逐年攀升，單親新住民家庭逐漸成為社會中不可忽視的組成之一。喪偶事件所引發的家庭與心理變化，不僅深刻影響家庭功能與成員關係，也對個人情緒、社會適應與生活重建造成重大挑戰。然而，既有研究多聚焦於離婚或一般生活適應經驗，對喪偶女性新住民的實際處境與調適歷程著墨甚少。本研究採取質性研究方法，深度訪談八位東南亞籍喪偶單親女性新住民，蒐集其家庭生活經驗、情緒歷程、社會互動與實際因應方式研究透過主題分析法建構其調適歷程與家庭變遷樣態，關注其生活處境如何與性別、文化、階級與社會制度交織，並在結構限制中展現主體能動性。研究主要聚焦於：一、喪偶事件對其個人與家庭的衝擊；二、家庭系統的調適與角色重建；三、各階段面臨的困境與因應策略；四、調適歷程中展現的保護因子與風險因子。研究結果顯示，受訪者普遍面臨多重困境與挑戰，包括情緒悲傷壓抑、角色轉換負荷、子女教養負擔、經濟困難與社會支持網絡的缺乏等。然而，她們亦展現出高度的生命韌性與主動性，透過工作參與、學習語言、參與社區活動、尋求社會資源等方式，逐步重建生活秩序與家庭穩定。喪偶雖對家庭系統造成劇烈衝擊，卻也成為女性新住民重新定位自我與轉化傷痛的契機。本研究歸納出其調適歷程可大致區分為三個階段：（一）震盪期：以壓抑悲傷、維持日常為主要應對；（二）調整期：逐步承擔親職與經濟責任，積極連結外部資源；（三）穩定與轉化期：生活節奏逐漸穩定，展現重建家庭與自我實現的能力。此歷程並非單向或線性的進展，而是伴隨著情緒波動與適應回溯的動態變化。此外，影響其調適成效的關鍵因素包括：個人特質（如堅韌與樂觀）、子女支持、宗教信仰、原生文化信念與社會資源的可近性與信任感。即便面對語言障礙、社會偏見與經濟壓力，她們依然展現主體性與行動力，將家庭創傷轉化為自我成長與家庭復原的力量。本研究指出，喪偶單親女性新住民並非被動的弱勢承受者，而是積極參與自身生活重建的行動者。她們的生命歷程展現出強韌的適應力與責任感，也體現家庭復原力的潛能。建議未來社會工作實務與政策設計應重視其文化敏感性與特殊需求，建構多元穩定的支持系統，協助其強化社會連結與自我效能，促進生活福祉。社會亦應超越標籤與偏見，肯認這群女性在家庭與社會中所展現的價值與貢獻。This study explores the family life experiences and adjustment processes of widowed Southeast Asian immigrant women in Taiwan. As the population of immigrant families—particularly those formed through transnational marriages—continues to grow, single-parent immigrant households have become an increasingly significant part of Taiwanese society. The loss of a spouse brings profound disruptions to both family structures and emotional well-being, posing serious challenges to personal adjustment, social adaptation, and life reconstruction. However, existing research has largely focused on divorce or general adaptation experiences, with limited attention given to the specific circumstances and adjustment trajectories of widowed immigrant women.Employing a qualitative research approach, this study conducted in-depth interviews with eight widowed Southeast Asian immigrant women who are raising children alone in Taiwan. Their narratives reveal the complexities of daily life, emotional transitions, social interactions, and coping strategies following spousal loss. Using thematic analysis, this research constructs a contextualized understanding of their adjustment trajectories and family transitions, highlighting how their lived experiences are shaped by intersections of gender, culture, class, and social structures. The study focuses on four dimensions: (1) the impact of spousal loss on individuals and families; (2) the reorganization of family systems and roles; (3) stage-specific challenges and coping strategies; and (4) protective and risk factors embedded in the adjustment process.Findings show that participants commonly faced multiple challenges, including emotional grief, role overload, parenting burdens, economic hardship, and insufficient social support. Nonetheless, they demonstrated notable resilience and agency by actively engaging in employment, language learning, community participation, and resource-seeking behaviors to rebuild family stability and life order. While widowhood significantly disrupted family systems, it also served as a turning point for these women to redefine themselves and transform their grief into action.The study identifies a three-stage adjustment process: (1) Shock and Disruption—marked by emotional turmoil and disrupted daily routines; (2) Adaptation—characterized by gradually assuming financial and caregiving responsibilities and reaching out to external support systems; and (3) Stabilization and Transformation—where a more stable life rhythm emerges, alongside redefined roles and enhanced personal efficacy. This process is neither linear nor unidirectional but rather dynamic, involving fluctuations and regressions.Key factors influencing successful adjustment include personal traits (such as perseverance and optimism), emotional support from children, religious beliefs, cultural values, and the accessibility and trustworthiness of social resources. Despite encountering language barriers, structural exclusion, and societal prejudice, these women exhibited strong agency and transformed family trauma into opportunities for personal growth and family resilience.This study argues that widowed immigrant women are not passive recipients of hardship but active agents in reconstructing their lives. Their experiences highlight diverse pathways of adaptation and resilience, challenging stereotypical portrayals of immigrant families. It is recommended that future social work practices and policies adopt culturally sensitive approaches, establish diverse and sustainable support systems, and address the complex and evolving needs of this population. Moreover, society must move beyond stigmatization to recognize the contributions and strengths these women bring to their families and communities.