EXPLORING THE PERSPECTIVE AND EXPERIENCES OF CHILDREN

RAISED BY SINGLE FATHER

_________________________

A Qualitative Research
Presented to the Faculty of
Almeria National High School-SHS
Almeria, Biliran

_________________________

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirement for the Subject
INQUIRIES, INVESTIGATIONS, AND IMMERSION (III)

_________________________

JANICE S. AMBE
BEEGY N. BALIBER
CARL OSCAR EUGEN B. EBAJAN
KOLIN JUDE ALUA
HONEY MARIE MONTES
CHELSEY MAE B. JUNTILLA
RENEL A. RADA
JOHNRY C. NIERRA
DAN EMMANUEL G. GADUGDUG

April 2024
 APPROVAL SHEET

This research entitled “EXPLORING THE PERSPECTIVE AND EXPERIENCES

OF CHILDREN RAISED BY SINGLE FATHER”, prepared and submitted by BALIBER,
BEEGY N., AMBE, JANICE S., EBAJAN, CARL OSCAR EUGEN B., ALUA, JUDE.
MONTES, HONEY MARIE V., GADUGDUG, DAN EMMANUAL G., NIERRA,
JOHNRY C., RADA, RENEL A., JUNTILLA, CHELSEY MAE B., in partial fulfillment of
the requirements for the subject Investigations, and Immersion (III), has been examined and is
recommended for acceptance and approval.

Date Approved: ____________________________

Accepted and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the subject Inquiries,
Investigations, and Immersion (III).

Approved:

JERAMINE B. OPRIL
Subject Teacher
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This masterpiece of academic achievement was a product of collaboration and support

extended by some kind-hearted people to whom the researchers convey their endless

thanksgiving and that wishes to acknowledge the deeds with genuine appreciation and sincere

gratitude.

First, we are grateful to our supervisor, Ma’am Jeramine B. Opril, for her guidance,

expertise, and continuous encouragement. Furthermore, her valuable insights and feedback have

been instrumental in shaping the direction and quality of our research.

To, Miss Rheamy N. Baliber, our External Research Adviser, for her constructive

suggestions and corrections and for helping us complete this research paper. Her patience,

motivation and continuous support made an impact on us in pursuing this piece.

Additionally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the participants who generously shared

their time and insights, without whom this study would not have been possible. Their willingness

to contribute their experiences has greatly enriched our findings and added depth to our research.

We would also like to acknowledge the contributions of our friends and family, whose

unwavering support and understanding have been a constant source of motivation. Their

encouragement has sustained us throughout this endeavor.

Furthermore, we express our gratitude to the researchers and authors in our field whose

work has provided a solid foundation for our study. Their contributions have broadened our

knowledge and helped us developed our methodology.

Above all, to our Almighty Father, Lord Most High, for the divine providence, and the

wisdom and knowledge given to us.

THE RESEARCHERS
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE ---------------------------------------------------------------- i

APPROVAL SHEET -------------------------------------------------------------- ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT ------------------------------------------------------------- iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS --------------------------------------------------------------- v

LIST OF TABLES ----------------------------------------------------------------

LIST OF FIGURES ------------------------------------------------------------------

LIST OF APPENDICES -----------------------------------------------------------------

ABSTRACT ---------------------------------------------------------------- 5

CHAPTER I – INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study -------------------------------------------------------- 6

Statement of the Problem -------------------------------------------------------- 9

Framework of the Study ---------------------------------------------------------- 10

Theoretical framework ----------------------------------------------------- 10

Significance of the Study ------------------------------------------------------- 11

Scope and Delimitation of Study ---------------------------------------------- 13

Definition of Terms ------------------------------------------------------------- 14

Review of Literature ------------------------------------------------------------ 15

CHAPTER II – METHODOLOGY

Research Design ------------------------------------------------------------------ 20

Research Locale ------------------------------------------------------------------ 21

Participants of the Study -------------------------------------------------------- 21

Research Instrument ------------------------------------------------------------- 21

Data Gathering Procedure ------------------------------------------------------ 21

Data Analysis -------------------------------------------------------------------- 22

 Ethical Considerations --------------------------------------------------------- 23

CHAPTER III – RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Summary of Findings ---------------------------------------------------------- 37

Conclusion ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 40

Recommendations -------------------------------------------------------------- 40

LITERATURE CITED ---------------------------------------------------------------- 42

APPENDICES -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48

CURRICULUM VITAE -------------------------------------------------------------- 69

 ABSTRACT

BALIBER, BEEGY N., AMBE, JANICE S., EBAJAN, CARL OSCAR EUGEN B.,

ALUA, JUDE ., MONTES, HONEY MARIE V., GADUGDUG, DAN EMMANUAL G.,

NIERRA, JOHNRY C., RADA, RENEL A., JUNTILLA, CHELSEY MAE B. Almeria

National High School, Almeria, Biliran Province, Philippines, April 2024, “EXPLORING THE

PERSPECTIVE AND EXPERIENCES OF CHILDREN RAISED BY SINGLE FATHER”.

A Research
 Chapter I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Family, as defined by Scanzoni (1995), is a group of individuals connected by marriage,

blood relationship, or adoption. It is within this familial context that many people believe

economic and emotional support to be fundamental functions in today's households. These

functions are seen as crucial in fostering children's achievement. Moreover, the economic

structures of society are deeply intertwined with the foundation of the family. Families provide

the necessary support and resources for individuals to pursue their goals and aspirations,

ultimately leading to success, as highlighted by Bohorquez (2021).

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the important role that family

support plays in an individual's journey towards success. Research has shown that family

support, particularly from dedicated parents, can have a profound impact on various aspects of a

person's life, including academic excellence (Shahzad, 2020). Jethro & Aina (2012) highlight the

significance of parental engagement in shaping a child's future, emphasizing the various actions

encompassed by parental involvement, such as being present at home, practicing effective

parenting, assisting with homework, communicating with teachers, participating in school

events, and even engaging in school decision-making processes. Chohan and Khan (2010)

conducted a study on the impact of parental support on academic performance and self-concept

of students. Their research found that supportive parents significantly influenced students'

academic performance. When students receive emotional support from their parents, especially

during times of academic difficulties, it can positively impact their self-confidence and

motivation to overcome challenges. These studies collectively emphasize the crucial role of
parental involvement and support in fostering academic excellence and personal growth in

students.

Early childhood holistic development is crucial because it lays a solid basis for the child's

wellness and lifetime learning according to Queen Margaret University (2023). The family

environment can have an impact on a child's behavior, including how they talk, dress, worship,

and many other activities that are done among family members. Through that habit, the child's

attitude will gradually form, and if the habit is strong enough, it will stick and become a part of

the child's personality (Hanifa and Lestari, 2024). Due to the absence of a second parent, children

of single parents have low self-esteem, negative self-talk, feelings of rejection, and continuous

comparisons with children raised by both parents. This could result in suppressed grief and

loneliness as well as bitterness and animosity toward their absent parent (Chavda and Nisarga,

2023).

In 2022, according to Census.gov website, there were approximately 10.9 million one-

parent family groups with a child under the age of 18. These households were primarily

maintained by mothers, accounting for 80% of all one-parent family groups. Consequently, the

growing literature on single mothers has gained significant attention in recent years. Researchers,

such as Abdullah et al. (2022), have conducted extensive studies on this topic, utilizing the

reputable publications available in the Scopus database. The exploration of single motherhood

has become crucial as it sheds light on the unique challenges faced by these individuals and their

families. Furthermore, it is important to acknowledge the need to examine another often

neglected single-parent family type: those headed by fathers. Researchers, such as Eggebeen et

al. (1996), have delved into this topic, shedding light on the unique dynamics and circumstances

surrounding single-parent families headed by fathers. According to Cable, G., (2017), single

fathers experienced a variety of difficulties and strains in their roles as single parents, such as

negative social and personal outcomes when defying conventional masculine norms and carrying

out a more nurturing motherly role. By assuming unconventional roles, they managed to create

an alternative masculinity in spite of all these obstacles and difficulties.

These studies have focused primarily on the experiences and perspectives of the single

fathers themselves, rather than including the voices and perspectives of the children being raised

by them. While these studies have provided valuable insights into the challenges and experiences
faced by single fathers, they have not fully explored the impact of single fatherhood on the well-

being, development, and perspectives of the children involved. Therefore, there is a need for

research that specifically includes the perspectives and experiences of the children in order to

gain a more comprehensive understanding of the dynamics and outcomes in single-father

households. This will help to fill the gap in knowledge and provide a more holistic understanding

of the experiences and perspectives of all individuals involved in single-father families.

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study is to explore the perspectives and

experiences of Senior High School students who were raised by single fathers in Almeria

National High School-Senior High School during the academic year of 2024-2025. The study

aims to investigate the specific challenges that these students encounter in their daily lives.

Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following questions:

1. What are the challenges of the students raised by single fathers?

2. How do these students overcome these challenges they encounter as a result of being raised by

single fathers?

3. What realizations and insights gained by the students regarding their unique family situation

and its impact on their lives and academic journey?

Framework of the Study

What are the challenges of the students

raised by single fathers?

According to Erik Erikson's theory of

psychosocial development (1993), individuals

go through various stages of development, each characterized by a specific psychosocial crisis

that must be resolved for healthy development. In the case of students raised by single fathers,

they may encounter challenges related to their sense of identity, autonomy, and social

interactions. Additionally, they may face challenges in establishing and maintaining social

relationships, dealing with societal stereotypes or judgments, and balancing their responsibilities

within the family. Understanding Erikson's theory can help shed light on these specific

challenges and provide a framework for supporting the psychosocial development of students

raised by single fathers.

How do these students overcome these

challenges they encounter as a result of

being raised by single fathers?

Ungar's resilience theory (2004), highlights

the multi-contextual nature of resilience

and the importance of supportive

relationships and resources. It recognizes that resilience is not solely an individual trait but is

shaped by various factors, including social, cultural, and environmental influences. This

framework emphasizes the need to understand the unique experiences and challenges faced by

these students and the protective factors that contribute to their resilience. By considering the

systemic nature of resilience, it encourages a comprehensive examination of the interactions

between individuals and their environments, highlighting the role of supportive relationships,

access to resources, and adaptive coping strategies in fostering resilience.

What realizations and insights gained by

the students regarding their unique family

situation and its impact on their lives and

academic journey?

According to Bowen’s family systems

theory (1950), families are seen as

interconnected systems where each member's behavior and experiences are influenced by the
dynamics and interactions within the family unit. Family systems theory suggests that they may

come to realize and understand the unique dynamics and challenges of their family structure.

They may gain insights into the roles and responsibilities they assume within the family, the

support systems available to them, and the ways in which their family structure impacts their

daily lives and academic journey. This theory emphasizes the interconnectedness of family

members and highlights the importance of considering the family as a whole when examining the

experiences and outcomes of individuals.

Overall, these theories can provide valuable insights into understanding human

development, coping mechanisms, and the impact of family dynamics on individuals.

Significance of the Study

Children raised by single fathers often face unique challenges and experiences that can

impact their well-being and development. Despite efforts to support these families, there is still a

need for a deeper understanding of their experiences and needs.

This study delves into the perspective and experiences of children raised by single

fathers, focusing only Senior High School students at Almeria National High School during the

academic year 2023-2024. The result of this study will be valuable to the following:

School. This study will shed light on the unique experiences and challenges faced by

children raised by single fathers, offering valuable insights for educators and administrators. By

understanding the needs of these students, schools will be able to develop targeted support

programs and initiatives to foster academic success and socio-emotional well-being for all

students, promoting inclusivity and equity within the school community.

Teachers. Insights from this study will provide educators with a deeper understanding of

the diverse family structures represented in their classrooms, enabling them to create inclusive

and supportive learning environments. By recognizing and addressing the needs of children

raised by single fathers, teachers will be able to provide tailored support and guidance, fostering

positive relationships and academic success for these students.

Parents. Understanding the experiences of children raised by single fathers will offer

guidance and support for parents within the community. By recognizing the challenges faced by

these families, parents will be able to foster empathy and support among their own children,
promoting inclusivity and understanding of diverse family structures. Additionally, this

knowledge will empower parents to advocate for resources and support networks that benefit

their own families.

Students. This study will offer an opportunity for students to gain empathy and

understanding towards their peers from single-father households. By learning about the

challenges and strengths of children raised by single fathers, students will be able to develop

respect and inclusivity, creating a more supportive and accepting school environment for

everyone.

Future Researchers. The findings of this study will provide a foundation for ongoing

research into the experiences of children raised by single fathers. Future researchers will be able

to build upon this study to explore additional factors, such as the long-term outcomes and

interventions that promote resilience and well-being in single-father families. This continued

research will contribute to a deeper understanding of family dynamics and inform future

interventions and policies aimed at supporting diverse families in educational settings.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study aimed to explore the perspective and experiences of children raised by single

father in Almeria National High School – Baluarte Campus for the year of 2024-2025.

This study was limited to children raised by single fathers with the age of 18 below. The

participant include only in the study were the children raised by single father.

Definition of Terms

Children Raised by Single Fathers. This refers to children studying in Almeria National

High School – Baluarte Campus, who are under the care and upbringing of a single father,

regardless of whether they live with or have regular contact with their other parent.

Perspective. This refers to the subjective viewpoints and attitudes of children raised by

single fathers in Baluarte, Almeria, Biliran, influencing how they perceive and interpret their

familial dynamics, relationships, and experiences.

 Experiences. This refers to the range of events, interactions, and situations encountered

by children raised by single fathers in Baluarte, Almeria, Biliran, including familial interactions

school environment, peer relationships, and emotional challenges.

Single Fatherhood. This refers to the status of being a sole or primary caregiver of

children by a father residing in Baluarte, Almeria, Biliran, entailing unique parenting

responsibilities and challenges without the presence of a spouse or partner.

Review of Related Literature

This section presents the various literature and studies considered in this comprehensive

form as part of the due course of its proceedings.

 Chapter II

METHODOLOGY

This presents the research design, research locale, research instruments, participants of

the study, data analysis, data gathering procedure, and ethical considerations.

Research Design

This study makes use of descriptive phenomenological, a qualitative method for

collecting data. This approach focuses on collecting data through observation and in-depth

interviews with open-ended questions to draw conclusions about understanding personal

experiences by discussing a specific life event and exploring its significance with the individual

who lived through it. Specifically, the aim of this study is to gain insights into personal

experiences by discussing specific life events and interpreting their significance from the

individual’s perspective of children’s raised by single fathers.

Research Locale
 This study will be conducted in Almeria National High School – Baluarte Campus

for the School Year 2023-2024.

Participants of the Study

The ideas behind a specific sampling approach vary significantly, and reflect the

purposes and questions directing the study (Punch, 1998). The researcher employed a purposive

sampling technique to select participants. This type of sampling is primarily strategic and

requires an effort to ensure a strong alignment between the research questions and the sampling

process (Bryman, 2004). The inclusion criterion was based on participants who are senior high

school students at Almeria National High School (ANHS) and were raised by single fathers.

Research Instrument

In order to attain the objective of the study, an interview guide sheet with open-ended

questions were used as a method to gather data. This method was appropriate because it allowed

for individual and contextual responses that are unique to the participant, eliciting the most in-

depth and rich information. Furthermore, the research question speaks to the need to find the

essence of what the experience means to these individuals. Seidman (2012) noted that

interviewing as a form of data gathering is time consuming and costly, but necessary if the true

meaning is to be identified in phenomenological research.

Data Gathering Procedure

This study utilizes an interview guide sheet as one way in data gathering procedure.

Before we conduct this study, a letter asking permission is seek to conduct study from the

Principal of ANHS and to our III subject teacher. After which, interview will immediately

follow.

Data Analysis
 In analyzing the data, the researcher utilized the Colaizzi’s Method Data Analysis which

follows the certain steps to obtain a valid and reliable results of the study, to wit:

Table 1. Steps of Colaizzi’s Method

Steps Ways Description

This steps determine the

trustworthiness of the results

of the study. This process was

Transcribing and an exacting and time

Step One
translation of interviews consuming activity requiring

strict attention to detail to

ensure accuracy of

transcription.

This process involved

identifying sentences and

Extracting significant
Step Two phrases that directly related to
statements
the phenomenon under

investigation.

This required to consider both

Formulating meanings
the explicit and implicit
Step Three from significant
meanings inherent in each
statements.
statement.

Step Four Organizing the aggregate The themes were pre-

formalized meanings determined and constructed a

into theme clusters. sub-theme each of the themes.

The most important aspect in

this step was to ensure that

there was confluence between

the formulated meanings and

the theme clusters. This

involved the researcher

reviewing the sequence of the

 participants’ statements,

formulated meanings and the

identified theme clusters for

consistency across each stage

of the analysis process.

The researchers write a full

and inclusive description of

Developing an
Step Five the phenomenon,
exhaustive description,
incorporating all the themes

produced in step 4.

The researchers condense the

exhaustive description down to

Producing the a short, dense statement that

Step Six
fundamental structure, captures just those aspects

deemed to be essential to the

structure of the phenomenon.

The researchers return the

fundamental structure

statement to all participants (or

sometimes a subsample in
Seeking verification of
larger studies) to ask whether
Step Seven the fundamental
it captures their experience. He
structure,
or she may go back and

modify earlier steps in the

analysis in light of this

feedback.

Ethical Considerations

The anonymity and confidentiality of the participants was preserved by not revealing

their names and identity in the data collection, analysis and reporting of the study findings.
Before conducting the interview session with the participants, they are informed through letter

requesting them to be one of the participants on this study. Each interview was conducted

individually in a private and quiet room without access by outsiders. The researcher personally

made sure that she was the only one could identify the participants and voice recordings.

Informed consent is essential, with researchers obtaining explicit and informed consent from

participants, explaining the purpose, procedures, and potential risks involved in the study (Smith

& Osborn, 2007). Upholding these ethical considerations ensures the integrity and well-being of

participants involved in qualitative research.

STEM 12 – INVENTORS, GROUP 3

Group Members:

JANICE S. AMBE

BEEGY N. BALIBER

CARL OSCAR EUGEN B. EBAJAN

KOLIN JUDE ALUA

HONEY MARIE MONTES

CHELSEY MAE B. JUNTILLA

RENEL A. RADA

JOHNRY C. NIERRA

DAN EMMANUEL G. GADUGDUG

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