GROUP 3
Lacsi, Angel
Conel, Maica
Quintans, Raine
Tarun, Jamiel
Valor, Aira
Exploring the
Experiences of
Students Living
with a Solo Parent
Introduction and
Background of the Study
This study examines the
experiences and challenges
faced by senior high school
students living in single-
parent households.
The prevalence of single-
parent families has
increased globally, with
significant growth in the
Philippines. Students in
these households often
face unique difficulties,
such as financial
constraints, limited
emotional support, and
academic challenges, which
can impact their educational
outcomes and well-being.
Despite legislative efforts like
the Solo Parents' Welfare Act,
many solo parents still face
economic hardships, with a
significant percentage of
these households living below
the poverty line.
Previous research has
focused on the general
effects of single-
parenthood, but this study
specifically aims to
explore
the experiences of senior
high school students in
these families, with the goal
of informing policies and
interventions that can
better support them.
By understanding the
challenges and strengths of
these students, the study seeks
to provide insights to enhance
educational opportunities and
overall support for those living
with solo parents.
Statement of the Problem
1. What are the
experiences of students
living in a single-parent
household?
2. What challenges do
students in single-parent
household encounter in terms
of:
2.1 Psychological
2.2 Financial
2.3 Intellectual
3. How can the findings of this
study be utilized to provide
support for students living with
a solo parent?
Conceptual
Framework
Scope and Delimitation
This study aimed to explore the
experiences of senior high
school
students who grew up with a
solo parent,
specifically focusing on how
this family structure
impacted their psychological
well-being, financial
situation, and intellectual
aspect.
The research involved one-on-
one interviews conducted
between the researchers and
participants to gather insights
into the unique lived
experiences of these students.
The study was conducted at
San Jose-Litex Senior High
School, focusing on students
who were currently living
with a solo parent.
It excluded students who lived
with guardians, extended family
members,
or a solo parent with a partner,
as well as those whose other
parent provides them with
financial support.
Additionally, the research did not
address factors such as cultural
background, gender-specific
challenges,
the reasons for becoming a child of a
solo parent, or the duration of time
the students had been living with a
solo parent.
The findings provided valuable
insights into the experiences of these
particular students, though they may
not have
fully represented all individuals living
with a solo parent. The study was
conducted from January to March
2025.
Significance of the Study
•Children living with a solo
parent
•Solo parents
•Educators and School
Administrators
•Mental health Professionals
•Policymakers
•Community Organizations
CHAPTER 2
Despite extensive research on
solo parenthood, there
remains a significant gap in
understanding the lived
experiences of students
raised by solo parents,
particularly in relation to their
psychological well-being,
financial struggles, and
intellectual development.
While existing studies
primarily focus on the
challenges
faced by single parents or
general child outcomes, little
research explores how
students themselves navigate
these aspects of their lives.
Additionally, research on the
effectiveness of school-based
interventions for these students is
lacking. Addressing these gaps
through further research can help
develop targeted interventions,
providing students with the
necessary resources and support
to succeed.
CHAPTER 3
Research Design
The researchers used a
phenomenological research
design for this study.
Sampling Procedure and
Participants
This study will involve ten (10)
students living with solo parents.
Focusing on exploring their lived
experiences regarding
psychological, financial, and
intellectual challenges.
The participants will be selected
from San Jose-Litex Senior High
School.
This study utilized the
purposive sampling procedure
to ensure they meet the
study’s criteria.
Ethical standards will be
maintained by securing informed
consent
from participants and obtaining
permission from teachers and
school administration.
Research Instrument
The primary research
instrument utilized in this
study is an unstructured
interview guide.
Data Collection Procedure
The researchers obtained
informed consent from
participants and scheduled
individual interviews to explore
their experiences.
Using an interview guide, they
ensured focused yet open-ended
responses.
Participants were briefed on the
study, and rapport was built to
create a comfortable
environment for open discussions.
Once participants felt comfortable,
interviews were recorded using a
video recorder to capture their
responses accurately. These
recordings were later transcribed
and translated
if necessary.
The data were analyzed using
thematic analysis. Conducted at
San Jose-Litex Senior High School,
the interviews provided valuable
insights into the challenges faced
by students from solo-parent
households.
Data Analysis
This study employed
Thematic Analysis.
CHAPTER 4
Sample Results
1 PRIMARY THEME
st
“Experiences of Students
Living with a Solo Parent”
2nd PRIMARY THEME
Challenges Faced by
Students Living with a Solo
Parent
12 secondary themes were
described namely:
(1) Life Experiences (2) Adjusting
to Circumstances (3) Minimal
Psychological Influence (4)
Mental Struggle
(5) Yearning for a Complete
Family (6) Financial Hardship Due
to a Parents’ Passing (7) Striving
for Stability (8) Generating Own
Income (9) Financially Adequate
(10) Financial Struggle (11)
Fuelled Determination (12)
Academically Unaffected
CHAPTER 5
Findings
1. What are the experiences
of students living in a
single-parent household?
Many students find living with
a solo parent difficult and
challenging.
Some students feel lonely or
sad due to the absence of one
parent.
2. What challenges do students
in single-parent household
encounter in terms of:
2.1 Psychological
2.2 Financial
2.3 Intellectual
- In the psychological aspect,
Some students become more
mature and responsible at an
early age, and others state
that their situation has little to
no emotional effect on them.
Financial struggles are a
common issue, with some
families relying on external
support or loans.
Academic performance
varies among students
living with a solo parent.
Some remain motivated
while others feel pressured
or struggle to focus.
3. How can the findings
of this study be utilized to
provide support for
students living with a
solo parent?
There are no existing school
and community program to
support students living with
a solo parent
Conclusions
1. Experiences of Students
Living with a Solo Parent
- Students experience both
struggles and resilience. Financial
difficulties and emotional
Distress are common, with some
feeling incomplete without a
traditional family structure.
However, many adapt, becoming
independent and responsible.
Some take on part-time jobs,
while others focus on personal
growth and academic success.
2. The main challenges
include financial struggles,
emotional distress, and
academic pressure. Many
students face financial
instability, relying on external
support or working part-time.
Emotionally, they experience
loneliness or pressure from
parental expectations.
Academically, some remain
focused, while others feel
distracted or pressured by
home responsibilities.
3. There are no existing
school or community
programs specifically
designed to help students
living with a solo parent.
Recommendation
- Parents
- School Educators &
Administrators
- Mental Health Professionals
- Policymakers
- Community Organizations
- Future Researchers
END
OF
PRESENTATION
