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Journal Analysis Paper: The Impact of Parental Absence on Family Dynamics in

the Philippines: Attachment, Academic Performance, and Social Behavior in
Children and the Emotional We...

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 Journal Analysis Paper: The Impact of Parental
Absence on Family Dynamics in the Philippines:
Attachment, Academic Performance, and Social
Behavior in Children and the Emotional Well-being of
Spouse

A Journal Analysis presented as a final requirement

For Clinical Psychology CLIN311

Gudoy, Michael James V.

BS Psychology

3-YB-4

Mr. Emmanuel Paciano Mabulay

2024
 Abstract

The Philippines has a large number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), with over 2.3

million Filipinos working abroad. These OFWs send billions of dollars in remittances each year,

which are critical for eliminating poverty and raising family living standards. However, their

absence has a significant impact on the family left behind. Due to a lack of parental presence,

children have emotional and developmental concerns such as attachment disorders and

intellectual difficulty. Spouses left behind face greater stress, loneliness, and the weight of

simultaneous caregiving and provider responsibilities. These implications are explained by

theoretical frameworks such as attachment theory, family systems theory, and social learning

theory. While OFWs make significant economic contributions, the social costs to families

underline the need for improved support services.

 Introduction

The Philippines is well-known for its large number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs),

who relocate abroad in quest of better economic prospects. According to recent figures, around 2.3

million Filipinos labor overseas, making major contributions to the country's economy through

remittances worth billions of dollars per year. These remittances serve an important role in

reducing poverty and raising the standard of living for many Filipino families. However, the

economic gains of this movement have far-reaching consequences for the families left behind.

The absence of a parent owing to a job abroad creates unique issues and dynamics within

the family, especially for children and spouses. For children, a parent's prolonged absence can

cause a variety of emotional and developmental concerns. The relationship between parent and kid

is critical throughout the formative years, and a lack of physical presence and active participation

in daily activities might damage it. Attachment issues, academic achievement, and social behavior

are all causes for concern. Children may feel abandoned, which can lead to anxiety, despair, and

difficulty building secure attachments. The change in family structure can have an impact on their

academic achievement, as the surviving parent may struggle to give the same degree of support

and supervision. Furthermore, children's social behavior may be influenced as they negotiate peer

interactions without their missing parent's advice and emotional support.

The hardships for spouses who have been left behind are just as important. They frequently

play dual responsibilities as caregivers and providers, resulting in heightened stress and emotional

strain. The absence of a companion can cause loneliness, anxiety, and despair. Furthermore, the

remaining spouse must balance household responsibilities, financial pressures, and the emotional

well-being of their children, which can be difficult. The shift in family duties and dynamics can

put a strain on marital relationships and the family's general cohesion.

Theoretical Approach

Attachment theory, created by John Bowlby (1969), asserts that earlier ties with caregivers

are crucial to a child's development and ability to form secure relationships later in life. The

absence of a parent, especially a primary caregiver, can interrupt the attachment process, resulting

in insecure attachment styles. According to research, children of OFWs may experience attachment

disorders such as anxiety, avoidant behaviors, and difficulty building trusting relationships.

Family systems theory created by Murray Bowen (1950) sees the family as an integrated system

in which each member's behavior influences the entire unit. The departure of a parent for an

overseas job can disrupt family roles and obligations, putting significant emotional and

psychological strain on the surviving parent and children. This disruption may cause changes in

family dynamics, compromising the family's general functionality and emotional well-being.

Albert Bandura's social learning theory (1977) places a strong emphasis on the role that

modeling, imitation, and observational learning play in the formation of behavior. Through their

interactions and observations of their parents, children pick up social behaviors. These contacts

may be restricted in the absence of a parent, which may result in social skill deficiencies, an

increase in behavioral issues, and difficulties navigating peer relationships.

Effects on Academic Performance with OFW Parents

The impact of having Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) parents on the academic

performance of college students. It highlights the substantial number of Filipinos working abroad

and their crucial economic contributions through remittances. Although these remittances enhance

family income and educational opportunities, extended parental absence can adversely affect

children's emotional well-being and development. This absence may disrupt family dynamics,
leading to a lack of parental guidance and emotional support for the children. The document also

reviews various studies indicating that children left behind, particularly when mothers are the ones

migrating, often face emotional challenges. However, robust family support systems can help

alleviate these negative effects (Girado, et.al 2019). The research focuses on understanding how

parental absence influences college students' academic performance.

Influence of Parental Absence on children's social behavior

The Philippines is among the countries with the highest number of Overseas Filipino

Workers (OFWs) worldwide. Often, both parents, either the father or the mother, work abroad to

earn higher incomes and meet their children's needs, particularly for education. A critical aspect

for parents to consider is the importance of addressing the needs of millennial learners. Due to the

distance, it is challenging for OFW parents to monitor their children closely and provide proper

reinforcement. This situation can lead to issues such as rebellion, discomfort, loneliness, and

feelings of abandonment among children. These emotional challenges may result in negative

behaviors like drug use, alcoholism, truancy, and misuse of property (Deacon 2021). These

outcomes are inevitable as children's emotions towards their absent parents are unpredictable and

constantly changing.

The emotional impact on spouses left behind

The study looked at the myriad obstacles and hardships that wives of Overseas Filipino

Workers (OFWs) face on a daily basis, as well as how they deal with them. These wives encounter

a variety of challenges, ranging from managing household tasks on their own to dealing with the

emotional and psychological effects of their husbands' extended absences. To deal with these

obstacles, they use a variety of techniques, including seeking support from extended family and
community networks, participating in social and religious activities, and developing personal

resilience and independence (Derasin et.al 2024). In addition to these coping techniques, the study

emphasizes the women's strong appreciation for their husbands' sacrifices in working abroad to

provide a better future for their families. Despite the considerable emotional and logistical

challenges they face.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) is a double-edged sword for the

Philippines. On the one hand, OFW remittances contribute significantly to the economy and help

raise families out of poverty. However, the personal sacrifices made by these workers have a

significant impact on the emotional and psychological well-being of the families they leave behind.

Children face significant hurdles in their emotional and intellectual development owing to a lack

of parental direction, while spouses face increasing stress and loneliness as they negotiate their

roles alone. Attachment theory, family systems theory, and social learning theory are all valuable

theoretical frameworks for understanding the dynamics of familial connections and individual

development in this environment.

Moving forward, the government and other important stakeholders must emphasize the

creation of comprehensive support networks for families affected by OFW migration. These

programs should address not only a family's financial requirements, but also their emotional and

social wellbeing. Policymakers can help children and spouses cope with the negative effects of

parental absence by providing opportunities for emotional support, therapy, and community

engagement. Furthermore, efforts should be undertaken to promote family resilience and cohesion,

so that families can prosper despite the challenges given by migration. Finally, by investing in the
 holistic well-being of families, the Philippines can realize the full potential of its OFW population

while also protecting the welfare of its residents at home.

Reference

Saul Mcleod, PhD 2024. John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory

https://www.simplypsychology.org/bowlby.html#:~:text=Bowlby's%20monotropic%20theory%2
0of%20attachment,that%20ensure%20that%20attachment%20occurs.

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Apr; 16(7): 1255. Family Systems Approach
https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/glossary/family-systems-
approach/#:~:text=Psychiatrist%20Murray%20Bowen%20developed%20the,interconnected%20
system%20of%20interdependent%20individuals.

Wayne W. LaMorte 2022. The Social Cognitive Theory

https://sphweb.bumc.bu.edu/otlt/mphmodules/sb/behavioralchangetheories/behavioralchangethe
ories5.html

Pinky Girado 2019. Children W/ OFW Parents

https://www.scribd.com/document/428626038/Children-w-OFW-Parents

Deacon 2021. Social Effects of Parents' Absence to their Children in San Isidro High School
https://www.coursehero.com/file/84364267/Social-Effects-of-Parents-Absence-to-their-Children-
in-San-Isidro-High-Schooldocx/

Dr. Lloyd Matthew Derasin 2024. Exploring the Adjustment of Wives of Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFW) Through the Perspective of Hermeneutic Phenomenology.
https://harbinengineeringjournal.com/index.php/journal/article/download/2344/1536/3853

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