Expanding Personal Space of Caregiver, The Expanding Personal Space of the Caregiver: A Case Study in Hong Kong

Using an intensive case study method, this study examined the experiences of ten clinical counseling subjects who were caregivers living with their families. A Privacy modelwas employed to unravel the interplay among the caregivers’ complicated life situations, dilemmas and condition in home space. The findings revealed that goal frustration, lack of decision-making power and cultural factors (such as filial piety) that pressure subjects to adopt the caregiver role were the main factors that influenced the subjects’ mental health. Subjects were found to regulate their psychological stress by using personal objects, maintaining distance from family members or going outdoors to re-energize themselves. Increasing price and rent of housing has led to families living in a congested space. This study could shed light on why congested living might lead to family conflicts, and suggests constructive tactics to overcome the physical restraint. Keywords: Space, Caregiver, families, health, mental healthStream: Mental health, Gender, Families