Fathers too soon: attitudes and behavior towards family formation among Filipino adolescents.

• المؤلفون الرئيسيون: Dajao, Verencio Japhet V., Escape, Brent Arvin D.
• التنسيق: Theses and Dissertations NonPeerReviewed
• منشور في: 2014
• الموضوعات: BF Psychology; HM Sociology
• الوصول للمادة أونلاين: http://thesis.dlsud.edu.ph/123/1/DajaoEscape%20...%20-%20FamilyFormation.pdf; http://thesis.dlsud.edu.ph/123/
• المؤسسة: De La Salle University

Name of Institution: De La Salle University – Dasmariñas Location: Dasmariñas City, Cavite Title: Fathers-Too-Soon: Attitudes and Behavior towards Family Formation among Filipino Adolescents Researchers: Dajao, Verencio Japhet and Escape, Brent Arvin Funded by: Parents of the Researchers Cost: 7,000.00 Php Date Started: June 2013 Date Finished: January 2014 Statement of the Problem This study aimed to determine the attitudes and behavior the adolescent fathers are exhibiting in relation to how they form their own family. Specifically, the researchers seek to answer the following: 1. What is the demographic profile of the participants in terms of the following: 1.1 Name 1.2 Age 1.3 Address 2. What are the attitudes exhibited by the adolescent fathers, in relation to their own family formation, in the following areas? 2.1Sexuality 2.2Manhood 2.3Marriage 3. What are the behaviors exhibited by the adolescent fathers, in relation to their own family formation, in the following areas: 3.1Sexuality 3.2Manhood 3.3Marriage Scope and Limitation The research is about the attitudes and behavior of fathers-too-soon in terms of family formation. The study focused on how the said participants exhibit their attitudes and behavior on three aspects; sexuality, which shall primarily focus on the sexual act; manhood and marriage. The research participants of the study are adolescent fathers ranging from the age 15 – 24 years old that has children or had a partner that is still pregnant, and is residing at the province of Cavite. The adolescent father should also be cohabiting or has not officially separated with their partner. The researchers used interview guide questions to gather the necessary information needed in terms of behavior in the three variables of the study, and a rater scale to identify the attitudes of the adolescent fathers which is supported by the participants interpretation of their own score through a follow-up interview. Methodology The researchers of the study used qualitative case study design in order to analyse the results acquired form the participants. Instruments used in gathering the necessary information are the following; a researcher-made rater scale for measuring the attitude De La Salle University – Dasmariñas and; interview guide questions for the behavior. Both instruments are validated by three professors coming from the Psychology Department. Conclusions Through the rater-scale and interviews conducted, several themes regarding the attitude and behaviour toward the areas of family formation among Filipino adolescentfathers, namely, sexuality, manhood, and marriage; were acquired from the participants’ responses. With this, the following conclusions were derived: 1. On their attitudes related to sexuality, manhood, and marriage: There are varying views on sex among the fathers-too-soon. Some accepted the idea of having pre-marital sex, while others expressed a neutral stance about the concern. Sex is considered by the fathers-too-soon to be a medium of romantic expression and of strengthening relationships. Abortion, although perceived, was not deemed as a viable way in escaping the pre-marital pregnancy situation among the fathers-too-soon. As for manhood, the fathers-too-soon considered financial support as the main manifestation of their paternal responsibility, followed by both emotional and spiritual support. With regard to marital views, the fathers-too-soon considered marriage as essential in forming a family, but it was not their initial priority. Also, varying views on divorce were present among the fathers-too-soon, since some openly welcomed the idea of the latter; while others did not, and claimed that it would also depend on their partner. 2. On their behavior related to sexuality, manhood, and marriage: The fathers-too-soon engaged in repeated sexual acts which eventually led to the pre-marital pregnancy situation, due to the pleasurable experience caused by the act itself. Environmental factors, specifically their peers and the media, primarily contributed in reinforcing sexual ideation and influencing the fathers-too-soon to further engage in sexual acts. Remorse existed after committing the sexual act among the fathers-toosoon, in response to its possible pre-marital consequences. An increase on familial responsibility among the fathers-too-soon manifested together with the subsequent feeling of optimism in response to their early fatherhood. The quest for career stability temporarily shunned most of the fathers-toosoon from pursuing marital vows, due to the immediate needs of their newlyformed families. 3. Some attitudes and behaviors of the fathers-too-soon towards the three areas of family formation do complement with one another. The fathers-too-soon’ view on sex as an optional medium of expressing love and of strengthening relationships may relate to their repeated engagement in sexual acts. The fathers-too-soon’ evaluation on manhood as vital to family formation and provision, and the existence of responsible parenting ideas towards their own children; do complement with their increased familial responsibility caused by the pre-marital pregnancy situation. The fathers-too-soon’ view on marriage as essential in forming a family may also relate to their pursuit of a stable career before marriage. Recommendations The researchers would to impart these specific insights to the following recipients: Teachers. Since most of the fathers-too-soon acquired their initial sexual ideations from the environment, competent educators may be of help regarding sex education, specifically in highlighting proper observance of its practicality to their class; especially if such a curriculum involving the said subject is in effect. Parents. Only one fathers-too-soon participant uttered parental influence on sexuality. More so, ideas on divorce differed among the participants. In light of these facts, additional guidance may be required toward Filipino adolescents in relation to the aforementioned areas of sexuality and marriage, in accordance to a more proper family formation. Psychologists. A fathers-too-soon participant unexpectedly suggested consultation on a counselling program in relation to divorce, for those having ideations in committing such an act. This insight may allow mental-health practitioners to pursue the improvement of like-minded endeavours. Future Researchers. In relation to the undeniable lack of participants due to mortality, the success of a possible replication of this research, for future purposes, is expected; or even highly encouraged by the researchers of the current study, to include a more extensive network of fathers-too-soon individuals.