The Lived Experience of Living in Skipped-Generation Household among Southern Thai Elders

Abstract

This phenomenological study explored the experiences of Thai elders who were living in a skipped generation household in Southern part of Thailand. A purposive sampling
technique was used to recruit the participants. In-depth interview using semi-structured interviews guideline conducted with 17 older adults. Husserlian phenomenological research
design was adopted to proceed inductively and to derive meanings from the elders’ experiences.
The method of analysis described by Colaizzi (1978) was utilized to provide a rich description
of the essential structure of the phenomena.
Data analysis identified the main themes, “living in a skipped-generation household”.
Six sub-themes emerging under the themes were 1) meaning of living in a skipped-generation household which composed of a negative meanings such as live the tough life, become a parent again, and no one good to me while the positive meaning was not lonely anymore. 2) Cause of living in the skipped-generation household come from broken families issues, drug addicts, and death of parents. 3) Duty in the family which composed of raising grandchildren, managing household chores, and earning daily living income. 4) Social activity such as attending cultural activities with their neighbor such as to give alms and to maintain religious commandment. 5) Feelings toward the living arrangements which mixed between good and bad feelings. 6) Supporting benefits for living in the three generation household composed of two factors which were internal factors and external factors.

The result showed that the elders who raised their grandchildren in the skipped-generation households were likely to report low quality of life. They need help and support from community and society. The local government should take on responsibility for developing policies to increase employment participation of older worker who live in rural areas and provide variety of services for the elders in need. In addition, the result of this study would be useful for one who is involved in community health care services.