Strength of Intercultural Couples in the Transition to Parenthood: A Qualitative Study of Intermarried Parents in Japan

ABSTRACT

This qualitative research used a strength-based approach to examine how intercultural couples in Japan managed their cultural differences during the transition to parenthood. This study reveals the strengths of intercultural couples, namely, the resources they have acquired and the lessons they acquired throughout the marriage process. These made the intercultural couples resilient and able to maintain a mutually satisfactory relationship. Prior to parenthood, the main resources were Intrapersonal, Strength Shared by Two, and Acceptance by Extended Family and Friends. Once the intercultural couples became parents, two new resources appeared: Growth of Parent–Child Relationship and Enhanced Partnership. Regarding the lessons learned, Couple Communication, Adjusting and Respecting, What-is-Best-for-Us, and Self-Care were identified. The couples were successfully turning cultural differences into minor issues or even opportunities. The findings not only may help practitioners to support intercultural couples but also provide implications for all who are involved in intercultural settings.

KEYWORDS:

• grounded theory approach
• intercultural couples
• international marriage
• parenthood

Notes

Kuramoto (2017a).