Leisure, acculturation, and life satisfaction of Korean transnational-split families: A mixed-method study

Abstract

Korean Transnational-split Families (KTSF) are some of the most unique Living Apart Together relationships. However, little is known about their acculturation to a new host country and its relationship with leisure and life satisfaction. Using a convergent mixed-method design, this study investigated the relationship between leisure, acculturation, and life satisfaction of KTSF in the U.S. An online survey and in-depth interviews with 10 KTSF adults were conducted. The results from structural equation modeling showed that leisure time with Koreans negatively impacted acculturation, yet it positively affected life satisfaction. Leisure time with Americans did not significantly affect acculturation and life satisfaction. Acculturation positively affected life satisfaction. Most qualitative data supported the quantitative findings. The data also showed other important issues in KTSF’s life satisfaction, such as the academic and personal success of children, “laid back” American lifestyles, less emphasis on materialism, quality natural environment, and lack of obligation to extended family.

Keywords:

• Split family
• acculturation
• leisure
• life satisfaction
• mixed-method design

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea Grant funded by the Korean Government (NRF-2017S1A2A2041103).