Self-Sacrificing Mothers: Narratives and Identity Reconstructions of Filipino Birth Mothers Who Relinquished Their Child for Adoption
Caryl Joyce Boncodin
Ateneo de Manila University
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Christine Danielle De Dios
Ateneo de Manila University
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Patricia Eillene Ignacio
Ateneo de Manila University
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Welison Evenston Ty
Ateneo de Manila University
Past studies identify identity reconstruction of birth mothers who have relinquished their child for adoption merely as an emerging theme rather than delving into the reconstruction process itself, which may include her experiences before, during and after relinquishment. Using McAdams’ life story framework, this study explored the narratives of birth mothers who relinquished their child for adoption and its implications to their identity reconstruction. Five birth mothers from low socio-econmic backgrounds were interviewed. Narratives represented redemption stories wherein mothers were able to transform their negative experience of relinquishment into a positive one. Three sub-themes emerged under "Redemption," which served as catalysts for the transformation of their narratives, namely: "Communion," which consisted of people who gave them support throughout child relinquishment; "Agency," which demonstrated the degree to which they were able to affect change in their own lives or influence others; and "Meaning Making," which pertained to how they made sense of child relinquishment. These catalysts also aided the reconstruction of their identities, as shown in the theme of "Exploratory Narrative Processing." In this theme, the identity of the mother was reconstructed from being lowly and shameful to becoming someone who is stronger, more confident, and no longer ashamed of her decision of relinquishment. Ultimately, the theme of "Self-Sacrificing Mother" was embodied—a mother who will do everything for her child’s sake. The findings served as a voice for birth mothers to tell her story, and challenge society to take action on how it can provide psychosocial support for similar others.
The Trajectory of Filipino Nurse Migrants in the United States & Canada
Pearl Ed G. Cuevas, PhD, MAN, RN, FGNLA
Centro Escolar University, College of Nursing, Manila, Philippines
Patricia M. Davidson, PhD, MEd, RN, FAAN
Johns Hopkins University, School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD 21205
Joylyn L. Mejilla, MAN, RN
Centro Escolar University, College of Nursing, Manila, Philippines
Anjanette S. De Leon, MAN, RN
Centro Escolar University, College of Nursing, Manila, Philippines
The study aimed to shed light to the question of why Filipino nurses choose to migrate in a foreign land. This study particularly saw the perspective of migration to the United States & Canada. A case study research design is used to give a detailed consideration to the development of nurse migrants, their situation and the event that transpired in their lives over a period of time. Results showed the following trajectory: (1) Focal point; (2) Hesitancy; (3) Attachment; (4) Austerity; (5) Euphoria; (6) Ambivalence; (7) Acculturation; and (8) Preservation.
The study highlighted the trajectory of Filipino nurse migrants and serve as an eye opener to society into the trials and triumphs of this population group.
MAIN PRESENTER
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Pearl Ed G. Cuevas is the First Filipina Fellow of the Honor Society of Nursing.
The Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Psychological Well-Being of Children-in-Conflict with the Law: Basis for Wellness Program
Carmelle Faye Montalbo
This study determined the relationship between parenting styles and psychological well-being of children-in-conflict with the law. Specifically, the study aimed to determine the level of parenting styles; determine the profile of psychological well-being; determine the relationship between parenting styles and psychological well-being and propose a wellness program based on the findings of the study,
The descriptive correlational method was used to describe and interpret the parenting styles and psychological well-being. Purposive sampling technique was used for the selection of the respondents.
Most of the participants had authoritative parents. Among the components of psychological well-being, positive relations appeared to be the highest while autonomy was the lowest. It was also found out that there is a moderate but significant relationship between parenting styles and psychological well-being. Among the components of psychological well-being, only self-acceptance, personal growth, and environmental mastery have significant relationship to parenting styles. Based on the results of this study, a wellness program is recommended to be implemented in order to help CICL increase their psychological well-being.
The wellness program is recommended to be implemented in the rehabilitation centers to help children-in-conflict with the law gain better understanding of themselves, increase self-efficacy, and improve interpersonal relationship.
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Effects of Socio-economic Factors on Infant Mortality Rate and Life Expectancy at Birth: Evidence from a Panel of Regions in the Philippines
Maria Irina Grace A. Maddara
University of the Philippines Baguio
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Legriv Vilee I. Marquez
University of the Philippines Baguio
Infant mortality and life expectancy are important health outcomes that are thoroughly studied in development economics and demography because they serve as primary drivers of the country’s socio-economic development. Despite the abundance of research in the global arena, there is a dearth of research in the Philippines about these health outcomes, especially one that employs a regional analysis. This study, using advanced panel data methods and instrumental variable regression, assesses the effect of socioeconomic factors such as income, education, and income inequality on health outcomes per region. Using regional data from 17 regions in 2006, 2009, 2012, and 2015, this study tackles the relationship between infant mortality and socioeconomic and health-related factors. It also seeks to explore the simultaneous relationship between life expectancy and income. Findings from the study suggest that in order to decrease infant mortality, closing the income gap and prioritizing the improvement and increase in the number of barangay health centers are necessary steps. In order to improve life expectancy, policies supporting children’s secondary education and improvements in income and material living conditions should be prioritized.
MAIN PRESENTER
Legriv Vilee I. Marques is currently working as Economic Development Specialist 1 at the National Economic and Development Authority Regional Office 1 and currently taking his graduate degree in Psychology at UP Diliman.