Understanding the Life Experience of Single Mothers

of Barangay Mabilbila Sur, Santa, Ilocos Sur

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

in Practical Research 1
Presented to the Faculty of Senior High School
Mabilbila Integrated School.

Researchers:
Jan Paul Baldo
Christian Jade Belano
Marben Empee Ben
Irish Mae Ducusin

May 31,2024

Chapter 1 The Problem Chapter III Research Methodology

Introduction Sample

Statement of the Problem Data Gathering

Scope and Delimitation Sampling and Data Gathering Procedure

Significance of the Study

Operational Definition of Terms

Chapter II Theoretical Framework

Conceptual Framework

Review of Related Literature

 Chapter I
Justify the text

THE PROBLEM

Introduction What you are to include here is background information about

single motherhood

A family is the smallest unit in society. A family comprises a father,

mother, and children. Traditionally, we are used to seeing a family having a father

and a mother. Yet, due to the many circumstances where husband and wife could

not hold on to their promise of forever, they part ways from each other, choosing

to leave each other’s side leaving the other in charge of breeding the family alone.

In our society today, single parenting is already accepted. Solo parents are

defined as a mother or a father taking charge of the family and raising it all alone

by himself/herself with all his/her means. (Kayo na ang bahalang magdagdag pa)

Statement of the Problem ( Please do not use the pronoun I, instead use the

researcher/researchers. Anyway hindi lang iisa ang may gawa nito.)

In this research, I will use a phenomenological, qualitative research design to

explore the experiences of single mothers in Brgy. Mabilbila Sur, Santa, Ilocos

Sur. The researcher has observed that there has been a surge in the number of

social ill present in Brgy. Mabilbila Sur, the most prevalent one being the

presence of single mother families within the area. Many of these single mother

families in the community struggle to make ends meet and are unable to provide

stable support in their households. As a result of this, many children or families

are affected of this situation.

 Therefore, the results of the study shall be the basis in helping the social

workers of the Brgy. Mabilbila Sur particularly in providing assistance (financial

support, workforce support and etc.) to the single mothers of the said Barangay.

Specifically, it seeks to answer the following:

1. What is the life status of the single mothers of Brgy. Mabilbila Sur?

2. How do the single mothers of Brgy. Mabilbila Sur live their life day by day?

3. What assistance/support should be provided to the single mothers of Brgy.

Mabilbila Sur?

Conceptual Framework
 -Single
-Understanding
Mothers the -Data Gathering
Through Interview
Life Experiences of
(Independent
Single Mother
variable) and Observation to
Single Mothers
-Life Experiences of
in Brgy. Mabilbila
Single
hhhgffccixrei6srsryed hhhgffccixrei6srsryedd
Sur, Santa, Ilocos Sur
deteerdfrsjbhuvgvgvu eteerdfrsjbhuvgvgvu
Mothers of Brgy.
Mabilbila Sur,

Santa, Ilocos Sur

(Dependent variable)

Scope and Delimitation

This qualitative research employed a phenomenological research design.

According to Creswell (2013), it was an approach directed to the similarities of

the lived experiences among a particular group. The main objective was to come

up with an explanation of the nature of a particular phenomenon. Moreover,

Manen as cited in Finlay (2013), this research design started with the interest and

desire of the researcher transforming it into epistemic inquiry. Likewise, this was

geared toward a broader understanding of a specific phenomenon whether it was

lived experience, event, or even a situation. This study aims to explore the

experiences and difficulties faced by single mothers within the broader societal

context they inhabit. However, it is important to note that this study will not delve

into the experiences of single fathers or the experiences of single mothers during

their marriage. Additionally, the reasons or issues behind the separation of these

single mothers from their ex-husbands will not be addressed. The main focus of

this study is not to examine the preaching aspect of the church's response to the

challenges faced by single mothers, but rather to assess how the church is

supporting and empowering single mothers within both the church community

and society as a whole.

Significance of the Study

The result of this study will benefit the following:

BARANGAY CAPTAIN – Can use the study findings to understand the unique

challenges and needs of single mothers in the community, and advocate for

policies and programs that benefit them, such as education, employment,

childcare, and healthcare.

BARANGAY OFFICIALS – Can integrate the findings in their planning, and

allocation of resources for community development and welfare projects that

address the needs of single mothers, including social services, housing, and skills

training program.

TEENAGER IN RELATIONSHIP – Are similarly exposed to the depth of issues

single mothers face in their community. As a result, they may develop greater

compassion, knowledge, and norms.

Definition of terms

The definition of the following selected terms used in this study is presented to

achieve clarity and precision in their use:

Lived Experiences – According to Adams and van Manen (2018), lived

experiences are identified as experiences as we live through them and recognize

them as particular types of experience. Additionally, given (2008) identified lived

experiences as the understanding of experiences, decision and Oppurtunites and

how these factors influence our perception of knowledge.

Single Mother – As used in this study, this refers to the selected single mother

that it will help the researchers to get the information that it will need in this

study.
Brgy. Mabilbila Sur – This specific brgy. is the area that we will go to select

respondents to get information for our study.

Emotional Experiences and Expression - Difficulties in assertively expressing her

feelings and emotion in different environments, characterized by remain silent

when she was angry, isolating in her room when her child was behaving

inappropriate, losing control of the situation and acting impulsively by shaking

her child. She reported that most of the time she felt frustrated.

Life Struggle - This can be incredibly challenging, balancing the responsibilities

of providing for her family and often facing financial and logistical hurdles alone.

It requires immense strength, resilience, and determination to navigate these

challenges and create a stable and nurturing environment for her children.

Chapter II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

 One of the most crucial tasks that single mothers encounter every day is how

to survive financial distress, how to educate their children to be responsible

citizens, and how to make up for their children, (Isola, et,al,2022).

According to Taylor, et,al 2022, self-employment inevitably involves struggle.

When single mother work to achieve their goals, nothing is ever simple. Their

everlasting companions will be challenged and hardship. Some individuals like

single contractual mothers are currently dealing with it. Single mothers must seek

something more to keep going because they know it will be difficult for a while.

Something that will continue to provide them with energy, inspiration, and

motivation over time. During this dilemma, single mothers, who seem to be

frequently the main patriarchal and laborers for their families, may be particularly

prone to mental health and stress issues.

Meanwhile, Collado and Arpon, 2021, asserted that there’s no difference

between single-parent family to a two-parent family for they are more beneficial

especially when calamity occurs. The single mothers are receiving equal

treatment similar to those two-parent families.

Likewise, Ramos & Tus, 2020, Indeed, all of us cannot predict what will

happen in the future, and one of the most common lessons of a single mother with

their journey is to save especially money. Among single mothers, loneliness was

the most common feeling and financial issues (including battles to provide for the

basic necessities of the family and children) were experienced frequently. In order

to cope with their circumstances and ensure their survival, they rely heavily on
their faith, the support of their family and community, and their job. As a result,

they felt good about themselves and were able to raise their kids on their own

with confidence and independence.

Also, Ramos and Tus, 2020, further suggest that the most common difficulties

single mothers face are financial problems and loneliness. Financial problems for

helping them earn a living together and educating their children with basic family

needs. Loneliness comes, therefore there are not ment single mothers' close

friendship like a family with two parents.

In addition, Ramos and Tus, 2020, further assert that most single mothers

seem to rely on their faith for support of family and community as well as their

work too so that they can solve the difficulties they face.

Moreover, Zakaria Mohamad, Melati Sumari, Patricia Fenner, Siti Aishah

Mohamad Noor International Journal of Management (IJM) 11 (6), 2020, playing

the role of a single parent is a challenging experience especially when women

lead the family. Some of the challenges faced by single mothers include raising

children without a partner, the need to play the role of the partner as well as their

own, working long hours to provide the financial needs of the family, balancing

between work and family, and facing societal stigma.

 Furthermore, Dries Van Gasse, Dimitri Mortelmans Social Sciences 9 (5), 85,

2020, this study aims to define the perspectives taken by single mothers when

combining work and motherhood in a stressful work–life constellation. One of the

challenges for single mothers after divorce is to find a work–life balance in their

single-parent family system. Regarding work-life balance, we take a General

Strain Perspective, describing the work-life conflict as a combination of financial

strain and role strain. We argue that both strains are the most problematic for

single mothers in comparison to their married and/or male counterparts, as both

finances and parenthood ideologies are more under pressure.

Additionally, Kim and Kim,2020, assert that the age of single mothers has a

relationship with the number of difficulties they face confrontation. Single

teenage mothers will have a more difficult time in life earning money for their

family compared to single mothers from 30 to 50 years old.

Finally, according to Lu, et,al, 2019, point out wage inequality among men

and women, especially those who are pregnant. Bachelor mothers are more likely

to have epilepsy than single fathers. It was not obtained from multivariate

analyses gender, age, marital status, years of experience and geographic area

affects taxable income.

 Chapter III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design
 This study used qualitative phenomenological research design to explore and understand

the single mothers’ perspectives on the difficulties encountered in balancing their personal,

social, and professional life. A random survey involving the formulated interview

questionnaire which were converted into Google Form was also used to gather data.

Repondents

The participants were the single mother of Mabilbila Sur, Santa, Ilocos Sur. There were

Ten (10) total number of respondents. The number of respondents were determined using

Slovin’s formula, but the final number was based on the willingness of the respondents who

answered the google form questionnaire. The respondents was randomly selected and the data

were gathered through Google Form questionnaire to ensure the health and safety of the

respondents.

Research Instrument

The researchers used the a formulated in-depth, semi-structured questionnaire which was

converted into Google Form to gather data needed to determine the single mothers’

perceptions on the difficulties experienced in balancing their personal, social, and

professional life. The interview questionnaire consisting of five (5) questions.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations were given throughout the data collection process The approval of

the data collection and tool were obtained and that ethical guidelines have been strictly

adhered to. Qualified and selected respondents based on the defined criteria were requested to
provide explicit consent. The respondents’ voluntary involvement were defined, and that they

were informed that they could withdraw at any time. The study’s aim and objectives were

also given to them, and they were reassured that all information gathered would be utilized

only for academic purposes. Respondents’ voluntary provided personal information will be

kept private and will not be utilized in a manner that violates that Data Privacy Act.