Expanding personal space: A case study of caregivers in Hong Kong

Using an intensive case study method, this study examined the experiences of ten clinical counseling subjects who shared limited home space with their families. Systemic framework that embedded with stress model and privacy model was found useful to unravel the interplay between the individuals' complicated life situations, dilemmas and use of space. The findings revealed that goal frustration, lack of decision-making power and cultural factor as filial piety that pressure subjects to adopt the caregiver role were three main factors that influence the one's mental health. Regulate with internal stress that caused by family conflicts, subjects employed tactics to regulate and expand own living space. Personal objects in the household, keeping distance from family members or expanding personal space by going outdoors to re-energize themselves were used depending on the situation and need. Increasing price and rent of housing has led to families living in a congested space. This study could shed a light of what congested living may lead to family conflicts, and provided some references for constructive tactics to overcome the physical restraint.