• Ery Lyn L. Calantas

  Author

• Pryor I. Lobaton

  Author

This research endeavor used a phenomenological approach that looked into the lived
experiences of teenagers with Overseas Filipino Worker parents. A purposeful sampling method
was used to identify the ten (10) teenagers whose both parents are working abroad as the
participants of this study. This study is anchored on the Attachment Theory of John Bowlby and
Lazarus and Folkman Cognitive Stress Model. The data were gathered through a semistructured
in-depth interview and observation to gather information of the participants.
Following Creswell’s approach, the data were recorded, transcribed, analysed and interpreted
by the researcher and verified by the professionals in the field of Psychology and Guidance and
Counseling. The data obtained nine important aspects of these lived experiences (1) A vision for
a better future (2) Acceptance being away from parents (3) Act of rebellion (4) Being envious of
families who are complete (5) Companionship of friends (6) Feeling of extreme sadness (7)
Isolation from others (8) Neglected as child (9) Self-reliance. This phenomenon was presented
through thematic presentations of each participant’s lives, and results showed that teenagers
have the tendency to be rebellious and envious to others. They tend to be alone, sad and feeling
neglected. However, these teenagers have developed acceptance and understanding to their life
situation. They wanted to have a better future not just for themselves but also for their future
family to be stable and to avoid separation. These teenagers will have seminar-workshop,
learning and group session at school.

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