穩定自願單身男性的家庭生活經驗與因應－以生態系統理論為架構

Abstract

本研究旨在探討選擇穩定自願單身男性的他們身處在華人文化之中，藉由生態系統理論去了解他們選擇穩定自願單身的原因、面臨到的家庭生活挑戰及其因應策略。本研究採用敘事研究，透過深度訪談與四位研究參與者對話，再透過整體－內容分析法來探究穩定自願單身男性在不同的家庭生活的挑戰與因應。本研究結果如下：一、選擇穩定自願單身的男性研究參與者，其決定的關鍵因素與自身的生命經驗有緊密的關聯，對於自身興趣（如：音樂的熱情）、自身興趣（如：懶惰的個性）及偏好自由的生活模式，是讓研究參與者選擇成為穩定自願單身的原因。二、當研究參與者在家庭生活經驗中遭遇催婚的情況時，有無主動告知選擇穩定自願單身與面對不同親疏遠近的家人、親朋好友和同事及情境而產生不同的因應策略，整體來說，因應策略包括直接拒絕、輕描淡寫回應、敷衍、微笑與不需因應，其中，敷衍的因應策略使用機率較高，顯現出研究參與者並不想回應與表達過多有關自身對婚姻的想法。三、當研究參與者思考老年生活圖像時，分成兩方面，一方面是自身的老年生活安排，一方面是難以想像未來的生活，決定專注於當下並照顧好自己，另一方面是逐步開始構思與規劃。當研究參與者思考照顧老年父母的規劃時，不論有無和父母同住，皆擔任著奉養、照顧父母的責任。本研究藉由與穩定自願單身男性的對話來了解他們選擇穩定自願單身男性的原因，更從對話中可以看見結婚與否或選擇自願單身與否，選擇權都在於個體本身以及是否真的了解自己想要追求的是什麼樣的狀態與生活，還包括了自身老年生活和老年父母的照顧與規劃。This study aims to explore the reasons why men choose to stable voluntary singles and their experiences within the Chinese cultural context. By using the Ecological Systems Theory, the study seeks to understand the reasons behind their choice of stable voluntary singles, the challenges they face in family life, and the strategies they employ to cope with these challenges. The study employs narrative research, conducting in-depth interviews with four participants and analyzing the data through a holistic content analysis approach to investigate the challenges and coping strategies of stable voluntary single men in various family life situations. The findings of this study are as follows:1.The key factors influencing the decision of male participants to choose stable voluntary singles are closely related to their life experiences. These include personal interests (such as a passion for music), personality traits (such as a lazy nature), and a preference for a free lifestyle. These factors are the main reasons for their choice of stable voluntary singles.

2.When the participants encountered pressure from family members regarding marriage, they adopted different coping strategies based on whether they chose to openly communicate their decision to stable voluntary singles and the closeness of their family members, friends, and colleagues. Overall, the coping strategies included direct rejection, vague responses, avoidance, smiling, or choosing not to respond. Among these, avoidance was the most commonly used strategy, indicating that the participants did not wish to express or elaborate on their thoughts about marriage.3.When considering their image of elderly life, the participants viewed it from two perspectives: one focused on planning their own plans for elderly life and the other involved difficulties in imagining their future life, leading them to focus on the present and take care of themselves. Additionally, they began to slowly contemplate and plan for their future. Regarding the care of aging parents, regardless of whether they lived with their parents or not, all participants felt the responsibility to support and care for them.Through conversations with stable voluntary single men, this study gained insights into their reasons for choosing stable voluntary singles. It also revealed that the decision to marry or remain voluntarily singles ultimately lies with the individual and depends on whether they truly understand the kind of lifestyle and state they wish to pursue. Additionally, it includes considerations of their own elderly life and the care and planning for their aging parents.