IMPACTS OF SINGLE PARENTING ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT

A Research Paper Presented to the Faculty of University of Cebu

Maritime Education and Training Center

Cebu City, Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

For the Subject English 4

By

D/C Jalre Alido

D/C April Jay Larita

D/C Christian Taneo

D/C Wilson Jason Villancio

D/C Thyrone Denver Zanoria

March 2019, Cebu City

 ABSTRACT

Title : IMPACTS OF SINGLE PARENTING ON CHILD

DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDEVELOPMENT

Researchers : D/C Jalre Alido

ddddddddddddddddddddddddD/C April Jay Larita

ddddddddddddddddddddddddD/C Christian Taneo

ddddddddddddddddddddddddD/C Wilson Jason Villancio

ddddddddddddddddddddddddD/C Thyrone Denver Zanoria

Degree : Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation

School : University of Cebu – Marine Education and Training

ddddddddddddddddddddddddCenter

Adviser : Ms. Kay P. Diaz

Date Completed : March 2019

The controversy of single parenting is one of the major issues occurring in

our modern society. As divorced and broken marriage increases, the product is the

production of single parents in every community. Such situation does not only

affect the couple, but most of all, the impact of the situation affects the children.
Single parenting has proven vast influence and affliction in the development of a

child, wherein at early stage the ideal family figure is shattered. Theoretical

principles of parenting and model depicting the duties of ideal parenting are the

essential concepts necessary in order to explain the most probable impact of such

phenomena to the children.

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

It could not have been made possible without the people who help in

completing this research.

Our sincerest gratitude to our instructor, Ms. Kay P. Diaz, for guiding us and

patiently editing our research, without her, this research may not be created.

To the panel of examiners, for the meticulous details which greatly

substantiated in this study.

To the University of Cebu President, Atty. Augosto W. Go, for the opportunity

to finish this course

To D/C Denjohn Antipolo, D/C Ed Matthew Enad, D/C Bryan Victor

Gegavine, E/C Jayson Hisula, D/C Brian Ray Oronos, D/C Daryl Regala, for .

To the respondents,

To our family and friends for the encouragement,

And to those who helped and appreciated for our work on this research.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title page i

Acknowledgement ii

Approval Sheet iii

Table of Contents iv

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Acknowledgement

Rationale of the Study 1

Theoretical Background 3

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem 11

Significance of the Study 12

Chapter 2

RELATED STUDIES AND LITERATURE

Chapter 3

THE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design 14

Research Environment 15

Research Respondents 16

Research Instrument 16

Research Procedure

Gathering of Data 17

Treatment of Data 17

DEFINITIONOF TERMS 19

REFERENCES

Website Sources 21

APPENDIX A

TRANSMITTAL LETTER
 A. Campus Academic Director 23

B. Respondents 24

APPENDIX B

RESEARCH INSTRUMENT 25

APPENDIX C

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT MAP 27

APPENDIX D

CURRICULUM VITAE
 1

CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
INTRODUCTION

Rationale

Single parenting or single parenthood is a parent bringing up a child or

children alone without a partner. The reasons for this can vary. They may have been

in a relationship which they left, or their partner might have passed away. Single

parents face special challenges encountered during the course of family building,

especially on the ideal perspective. The DSWD or the Department of Social Welfare

and Development has no survey yet on the number of Filipino solo parents.

However, a study conducted by the Department of Health and the University of the

Philippines-National Institute for Health revealed that 14 million out of

approximately 94 million Filipinos are solo parents, or which is about 14-15 percent

of the total population.

The effects of single parenting on child development have caused

tremendous alteration in the normal physical, emotional, social and sexual

development. Each sex in parenthood contributes to the development of their

children by either negative or positive reinforcements. In the case of single parent,

the absence of the other parent greatly impairs the normal and ideal cycle of child
 2

development. Single-parent families usually conjure negative psychological,

emotional, and identity needs among children especially if this situation occurs in

the period of pre-adolescent (Bornstein M.H. 2002).

Children from single-parent homes are more likely to suffer deprivations and

denials of some rights and opportunities that will have negative psycho-social impact

on them in school years. The inability of the single- parent to cope is a result of

double responsibilities he/she faces which require extra time, attention and money

of the parent. Hence, less attention is paid to be psychological well-being and

education of the child (Azuka-Obieke, 2013).

In this research, the primary subject to be discussed is the effects of single

parenting in the child development in terms of emotional, social and educational

achievement of the child. This research also aims to identify some common positive

and negative effects of solo parenting on the development of the child. This study

plays a vital role in the society especially nowadays that solo parenting is very

common in our community; for us to be more conscious and responsible in dealing

in this kind of situation. With the help of this study, the readers will be aware what

are the circumstances or the challenges that the parent and child were going through.
 3

Theoretical Background

A study conducted by the Department of Health and the University of the

Philippines-National Institute for Health revealed that 14 million out of

approximately 94 million Filipinos are solo parents, or which is about 14-15 percent

of the total population. 53% of all children born in Philippines were illegitimate (c.

2015). In addition to these 53% children born out of wedlock, there are many more

broken marriages and separated couple who are not producing kids but in the past

had the legitimate children. Most of these single parents tend to have far few

economic resources and a much lower standard of living.

Single-parent families include never-married mothers, some of whom choose

to parent alone, and parents who are divorced, or their partner already passed away.

Single parents were facing some challenges encountered, especially on the ideal

perspective. Most importantly, single parent households are more likely to struggle

with poverty. Most of them tend to have far few economic resources and a much

lower standard of living. Being the bread-winner of the family can cause a noticeable

gap between your incomes compared to two-income peer. Unfortunately, most of

the situational effects are received by the children; hence, these children are the ones

that suffer the most in this kind of family set-up.

Youth with single-parents have a harder time with financial aid, as the parent

is only bringing in one income, compared to two incomes in a two-parent home. It

 4

is known that mothers run most single-parent households with the absence of the

father. In these cases, there usually a low income. When it comes to education, the

father’s financial support is important because the mother does not need to work as

much. It is said by Marnie Kunz (2014) that the lack of financial support from

fathers, causes mothers to work more. This has an effect on the child because they

receive less attention and guidance when it comes to school work/homework

(Vojnovic.,Zoran).

The direct effect of being raised by a single parent is especially visible in

child’s thinking and mental mindset. Psychologists and advocates have validated this

over time. Tests and observations have consistently concluded and found that single

parenting makes schoolchildren more aggressive and rebellious. Hence, these are

transferred on their educational needs for survival in the society. Experts say the

behavior could be the outcome of the anger and limitation the child experiences

while growing up. These are obvious reasons to make the child feel abnormal,

different and unaccepted (Mathu, 1999).

According to some research from sociologists and psychologists, single-

parent families with adolescent children are more likely experience some difficulties

with psychological and emotional adjustment. The child’s self-esteem and

confidence take a knock when having a single parent family. Also, according to

them, children are more likely to have behavioral adjustment problems. Children
 5

easily pick up on negativity and may blame themselves for the situation that there

facing. Moreover, this age group is noted to progress certain difficulties in their

future marriage, and earlier childbearing compared with children of two-parent

families. Single-parent children appear more vulnerable to a wide variety of societal

problems; these children have been routinely referred to as at risk for developmental

difficulties (Bornstein, 2002 p.109-110).

The effects of single parenting on child development have caused

tremendous alteration in the normal physical, emotional, social and sexual

development. Such scenario of single parenthood greatly impairs the ideal image of

family instilled in the intrinsic concept of the child and family. According to some

investigations to adolescents from single- parent family, it showed that these

children were more likely to engage themselves into more risk-taking behaviors (e.g.

substance abuse and sexual activity), emotional difficulties (e.g. depression and

aggression) inadequate social skills and poor academic performances (Lee,2005

p.506). Specifically, pre-adolescent children living in single-parent household

showed poor conflict management techniques compared to children with complete

families.

There can be emotional effects on single-parent households including both the

child and the parent. Having a lower income can create lower self-esteem, increased

anger and frustration, and an increased risk of violent behavior. Other emotional
 6

factors that may impact the child is feeling of loneliness, and not being able to have

that connection and social aspect with other youth. Single-parent households can

lack some of the guidance or influence from a parent especially the fatherly figure.

Research shows that children reared in single parent families do not fare as well as

children reared in two parent families, on average, regardless of race, education, or

parental remarriage (McLanahan and Sandefur, 1994); they are more likely to

experience increased academic difficulties and higher levels of emotional,

psychological, and behavior problems (Hanson et al, 1997; Previti and Amato,

2003). However, based on the studies, such differences differ when income level of

the parent is controlled.

In spite of all the difficulties that single parents face, many are highly

successful in the childcare that they provide; hence, some pre-adolescent children

still trying the normal course of development. However, children brought up in

single parent families are still predicted to be at risk unless there are major social

changes to provide more adequate support, and ways can be found for children to

maintain satisfactory contact with their absent parents. The trend of dysfunctional

parenting and broken relationships is likely to continue until training and help with

relationships for children are given a higher priority by society (Polany, 2002 p.430).

Divorced parents or widowed parents and their children find the first year to be very

painful, but research suggests that children who have a supportive, understanding,
 7

and affectionate parent tend to do well. Although the separated parent often is

uninvolved with their siblings, many of these children remain emotionally connected

to both parents, even when contact with the non-custodial parent is limited (Rudolph,

2003 p.510).

When only one parent is consistently present, that parent must be the sole

economic and parenting resource and must stretch to cover both domains. Often, a

single parent has less regular interaction and involvement in day-to-day activities of

the child (Carlson and Corcoran, 2001). This situation may give children the

opportunity to develop resiliency, to assist in household chores out of necessity, and

to become motivated to succeed.

There are however, positive effects in single-parent households. As Kunz

(2014) mentioned that youth can exhibit certain skills such as increased

responsibility, independence/dependence. They are asked to help out a lot more

around the house providing that responsibility and independence factor. The youth

are also more connected with the parent and form close relationships, as they are

dependent on one another throughout the child’s development.

Kunz (2014) also mentions that children from single-parent households will

form stronger bonds with other family members, and including family friends as

they are often there to help raise them.

 8

Erick Erickson's theory of psychosocial developmental developed (1963)

suggests if the caregiver is available, consistent, supportive and reliable children

achieve developmental milestones which ultimately supports their trust,

independence, self-awareness and desire to succeed. Children raised in single-parent

households have the same developmental needs as other children. Therefore, if the

single parent is consistent, supportive and reliable, they too should acquire attitudes

of trust, independence, self-awareness and the desire to succeed (Hart, 1992).

In social learning theory, the primary focus is given to learning experiences

that occur through reciprocal social interactions. Social learning theory emphasizes

the socializing influence of the family. Researchers have studied families by

comparing those with and without situational impairments in order to examine

behavior differences in the home environment. They have concluded that those with

lesser familial conflicts produce lesser problematic behavior, while those with

presently and evident familial difficulties, such as single parenting, produced

behavioral alterations in the children (Condie 2003 p.114).

Another theory proposed was the psychoanalytic theory, which was

introduced early in the twentieth century by Sigmund Freud, has been critiqued and

modified in different ways ever since. Psychoanalytic theory originated with the

work of Sigmund Frued. Freud proposed one of the best-known grand theories of

child development. According to Freud’s psychosexual theory, child development

 9

occurs in a series of stages focused on different pleasure areas of the body. During

each stage, the child encounters conflicts that play a significant role in the course of

development. In addition, according to it states that pre-adolescent is a time of

plasticity, and consequently, parent-child interactions have profound effects on

children’s later functioning. The theory utilized the concept of libido as a driving

force for the actions and motives implicated by this age group.

Psychoanalysts view parents as agents of control in the early years and sources

of moral values on identification. Thus, parents play a major role in shaping

children’s morality, although sometimes it can be unintentional (Bornstein, 2002

p.109). Freud believe failure to progress through a stage can result in a fixation at

that point in development. Failing to resolve the conflicts of a particular stage can

result in fixations that can then have an influence on adult behavior. While some

other child development theories suggest that personality continues to change and

grow over the entire lifetime, Freud believed that it was early experiences that played

the greatest role in shaping development. According to Freud, personality is largely

set in stone by the age of five.

Meanwhile in the behavioral perspective, according to some behaviorists they

claimed that all human behavior can be described in terms of environmental

influences. They insisted that learning occurs purely through processes of

association and reinforcement. These theories deal only with observable behaviors.
 10

Development is considered a reaction to rewards, punishments, stimuli, and

reinforcement. This theory differs considerably from other child development

theories because it gives no consideration to internal thoughts or feelings. Instead, it

focuses purely on how experience shapes who we are (Watsons,. John).

In Vygotsky's cognitive development theory (1978) stresses that parent’s play

a central role in the process of making meaning. Vygotsky further states cognitive

development stems from social interactions from guided learning within the zone of

proximal development as children and their partners co-construct knowledge. For

Vygotsky, the environment in which children grow up will affect how they think and

what they think about (Roth & Lee, 2007). He also believed that there were certain

higher functions developed through the direct interaction with significant people in

a child’s life. The absence of the missing parent to guide, discipline, direct, model,

and teach may be one of the causes that a child from a single parent family may not

perform at their full potential (Rothstein, 2004). To Vygotsky, the development of

the mind is the interweaving of biological development of the human body and the

appropriation of the cultural or ideal or material heritage which exists in the present

to coordinate people with each other and the physical world (Bronfenbrenner, 2002).
 11

THE PROBLEM

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the impacts of single parenting on child

development of University of Cebu – Maritime Education and Training Center.

Specifically, this study answers the following questions and concerns.

The following research questions were asked to serve as guide to the study.

1. What is the gender of the respondent’s parent?

2. What are the impacts of single parenting on child development as to:

1.1 Emotional effect;

1.2 Social effect; and its

1.3 Behavioral effect

3. Is there a significant effect on the impact on child development according

to the single parent’s gender?

4. Based on the findings, what action plan can be proposed?

 12

Significance of the Study

The output of this study will benefit the following;

The Solo Parents - With the help of this study, they were being able to identify and

to be more aware on the common struggles that they both experienced with their

children. It will encourage them to give more support and to take actions on the

negative side. It can help them to have a stronger bond to their children.

The Children with only One Parent - This study will help them to understand and

to be more aware on the situation their going through. This research will help them

to evaluate their own if they were experiencing either more positive or negative

impact. This will help them to realize how strong they are for handling this kind of

situation.

The Community- This research will help the community to embrace and understand

this common situation without any judgement. They will know the challenges and

effects of having only a solo parent. This will convince them that forming a family

is a very serious matter and should not be taken for granted.

The Students - This study may serve as guide and reference for the students taking

similar studies. This is also an eye opener to them that having a solo parent have

different impacts to the child and it should be taken seriously.

The Researchers- This research will help them to be more aware and conscious in
 13

dealing to children or colleagues who have only one parent. They will have an idea

what may be the possible effects to the child if there’s only one parent and it will

help them to realize to take relationship seriously.

To Future Researchers- To those who would plan to make any related study, this

research will be useful guide and reference.

 14

Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

RESEARCH DESIGN

This study used descriptive-comparative method of research.

Figure 1 shows the research flow.

INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT

 Gender of solo  Descriptive  Action plan

parent cooperative

 Data gathering

 Impacts of  Data

single interpretation

parenting on  Data analysis

child  Conclusion

development

FIGURE 1

RESEARCH FLOW
 15

Research Environment

The research will be conducted in the Faculty of University of Cebu

Maritime Education and Training Centre (UC- METC). This campus in Alumnos,

Mambaling, Ceby City is one of four campuses of the University of Cebu. While

other campuses such as; UC- Banilad, UCLM, and UC-Main house varied courses,

the UC-METC has only maritime courses as Bachelor of Science in Marine

Transportation (BSMT), Bachelor of Science in marine engineering (BSMarE) and

catering and stewardships (CS). Living with its’ mission to produce world class

seafarers, the university, as one of the leading seafaring institutions has been

accredited internationally by DNV (Det Norske Veritas), NMD (Norwegian

Maritime directorate for training centre.)

For years the UC- METC has been producing graduates who mostly work as

seafarers on board international vessel. With these standards and recognition, the

school adheres to the significance of using English as it’s’ office language of

communication and medium of instruction.

 16

Research Respondents

The source of data for our study has come from respondents as we used a

descriptive questionnaire method and the respondents were required to provide data

by answering the tool.

The study will make use of random sampling and a total of 50 students from

first year students who were enrolled in the first year level were taken as the

respondents. Each respondent was asked thoroughly regarding their family set-up

and were asked to present any proof (if available) in order to ensure that they come

from a single-parent family set-up and to ensure that they were qualified to be the

respondents of the said study.

The respondents were usually in their adolescent age and were perfect for the

study since at this age, adolescents usually need the support and guidance of there

parents, with that; they were perfect to be the respondents to determine the impacts

that they experience on having only one parent.

Research Instrument

The instrument used was a researcher-made questionnaire checklist to gather the

needed data of the respondents. The draft of the questionnaire was drawn out based

on the researcher's readings, previous studies and other relevant studies. The

questionnaire contains information where respondents will answer by choosing (4)

 17

strongly agree, (3) agree, (2) disagree and (1) strongly disagree to get the specific

result. These tools are easy to comprehend, it can simplify the experience of the

respondents and this can lead to greater survey completion rates.

In the preparation of the instrument, the requirements in designing the good

data collection instrument were considered. The questions included in the

questionnaire have been carefully designed considering the aims of the study and

also to collect relevant, honest and clear data to support the research study.

Research Procedure

Data Gathering

After an approval of the English teacher, Ms. Kay P. Diaz to conduct this

research, a letter will be forwarded to the student to seek information from the

respondents. The researchers will provide the questionnaire to the 50 students who

were enrolled in the first year level since they were the target respondents of this

study. Each respondent will be asked regarding their family set-up and asked to

present proof (if available). The handling of questionnaires will be done personally

by the researchers and will explain the purpose of the said study and reassured that

it will not use in other matter. Respondents were asked to answer all the questions

honestly in order to gather the factual data needed for the study.
 18

Treatment of Data

After the entire questionnaires were completed, we analyzed the answers and

the data collected on this study was treated and validated using the following:

Ranking will be used to identify which of the impacts (Emotional, social and

dddd behavior) of having a solo parent greatly affects the development of the

ddddddddchild.

Percentage will be used to identify based on the result, if children experience more

dddddddddpositive effects in having a solo parent or more on negativity.

 19

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Behavior

The way in which someone conducts oneself or behaves in a particular

situation or environment.

Child Development

Refer to the process through which human beings typically grow and mature

from infancy through adulthood. The different aspects of growth and development

that are measured include physical growth, cognitive growth, and social growth.

DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development)

The executive department of the Philippine Government responsible for the

protection of the social welfare of rights of Filipinos and to promote social

development.

Emotion

A natural instinctive state of mind deriving from one's circumstances, mood,

or relationships with others.

Economic Distress

Occurs when an organization or person is unable to pay its creditor or lenders.

This usually happens when there's no enough fund to sustain the needs.
 20

Single Parent

A person who raises a child or children without a partner.

Social

Relating to activities in which the person meets and spend time with other

people.
 21

REFERENCES

Internet Sources

The Effects of Single-Parenting on Youth “(2014, November 16) Retrieved from

https://youthdevelopmentthrurecreation.wordpress.com/2014/11/06/th e-

effectts-of-single-parenting-on-youth/.

The Impact of Single Parent and Child Development Retrieved from

https://studymoose.com/theimpact-of-single-parent-and-child-develop

ment-essay

The Effect of Single Parenting on Students’ Academic Performance in Secondary

Schools in Arusha City, Tanzania retrieved from

https://www.grin.com/document/370979

The Effects On Children Of Single Parents retrieved from

https://www.everydayhealth.com/kids-health/what-are-effects-on-children-

single- parents/

Single Mother Parenting and Adolescent Psychopathology retrieved from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5226056/

The Consequences of Single Motherhood retrieved from

https://prospect.org/article/consequences-single-motherhood

The Impact of Financial Hardship on Single Parents: An Exploration of the

 22

Journey From Social Distress to Seeking Help 2017 Oct 17 retrieved from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5932102/

Single parenting and today's family retrieved from

https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/single- parent.aspx

Single Mother Parenting and Adolescent Psychopathology by Daryanai,

Hamilton, Abramson and Alloy retrieved from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5226056/

The Consequences of Single Motherhood by Sara Mclahan Summer 1994

retrieved from https://prospect.org/article/consequences- single-

motherhood

Children in single-parent families more likely to suffer emotional problems by

Martin Beckford 21 Oct 2008 retrieved from

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/3235650/Children-in-

single- parent-families- more-likely-to-suffer-emotional-

problems-report- finds.html
 23

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A
Transmittal Letter
January 17, 2019
Capt. Arnel N. Amlaga
Academic Director
University of Cebu -METC
Alumnos Mambaling, Cebu City
Philippines

Dear Sir;
Greetings!
In partial fulfillment of the requirements of BSMT Students (SY 2019-2020) in
English 4 (Research), we are conducting a research entitled "Impacts of Single
Parenting on Child Development" in our campus here in University of Cebu
Maritime Education and Training Center (UC-METC).
We are in the process of gathering data, and we would like to ask your permission
to conduct a survey on the students in our campus here in UC-METC.
We would greatly appreciate your consent at our request.

Respectfully yours, Noted by:

D/C Chrsitian Taneo Ms. Kay P. Diaz

Lead Researcher Research Adviser
 24

B. Research Respondents

January 17, 2019

Dear Respondent,

Greetings!

We are currently conducting a research study entitled "Impact of Single Parenting

on Child Development" in University of Cebu- Maritime Education and Training
Center (UC-METC), as a requirement in English 4 (Research).

In this connection, we would like to request you to be one of our respondents in

our study. We hope you can help us by answering the instrument sincerely and
honestly.

Thank you very much!

Truly yours, Noted by;

D/C Christian Taneo Ms. Kay P. Diaz

Lead Researcher Research Adviser

 25

APPENDIX B

RESEARCH INSTRUMENT

"IMPACTS OF SOLO PARENTING ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT"

Name: ______________________________________ Date: _____________

INSTRUCTION: Check the boxes in the corresponding column which
corresponds your answer.

Gender of Parent Mother _____ Father _____

Strongly Agree = 4 Agree = 3 Disagree = 2 Strongly

Disagree = 1

Emotional Impacts 4 3 2 1

1. I am happy with my current situation.

2. I am still inspired and still looking forward to have a
positive future despite my situation.
3. I am eager to strive and study hard for my parent.
4. I feel loved by my parent.
5. I’m contented and still feel blessed even if I only have one
parent.
6. I’m jealous and insecure to those children who have a
complete family.
7. I am ashamed and embarrassed that I only have one
parent.
8. I am angry and I hated the set-up family.
9. I’m sad/unhappy with my situation.
Social Impacts 4 3 2 1

1. Still socialize to those children with a complete family.

2. Prefer to stay alone than to mingle to others.
3. I share/open-up to others regarding my situation.
4. Prefer to communicate or mingle to those children who
have the same situation with me.
 26

5. Afraid that other people may learn that I don’t have a

complete family.
6. I prefer more to stay at home and help my parent than
hanging out with your friends.
7. Prefer to be with friends than with my parent.
8. Behave well in public.
9. I often engage myself into troubles.
10.I inspire and give advices to my friends to be thankful for
having a complete family.
Behavioral Impacts 4 3 2 1

1. I do not experience peer pressure.

2. Make decisions consulted by parent.
3. Always moody and being anxious.
4. Always get into trouble with other people.
5. I am an alcoholic drinker.
6. I am into drugs and cigarettes.
7. Socialize well to people.
8. I am discipline enough.
9. Constantly want to control other’s life.
10.Hurt others because you didn’t get what
 27

APPENDIX C

RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT MAP

Figure 1

UC – METC
 28

APPENDIX D