The Transition to Parenthood and Parenting Experiences of Youth Parents: A Qualitative Study - The Case of P City in Gyeonggi Province -

This study aimed to explore the transition to parenthood and parenting experiences of youth parents in P City, Gyeonggi Province. In-depth interviews were conducted with seven youth parents who had their first child between the ages of 16 and 22, and the data were analyzed using Stake's (1995) qualitative case study method. The findings revealed that youth parents became parents through unplanned pregnancies, with significant delays in recognizing their pregnancy. After learning of their pregnancy, they faced a series of decision-making situations but gradually accepted their parental role by forming emotional bonds with their fetus. However, they experienced psychological isolation due to family rejection and social prejudice. During the parenting process, they faced complex difficulties including family role confusion, identity conflicts, mental health problems, economic hardships, and lack of parenting knowledge. This study is distinctive in that it analyzed the experiences of youth parents in general, including both single youth parents and youth couples. Based on the findings, the study suggests the need for integrated support across the life cycle from pregnancy to parenting, strengthened academic and employment support for economic self-reliance, and the establishment of an integrated support system to strengthen family and social support.