EFFECTS OF BROKEN FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AMONG SENIOR HIGH

SCHOOL STUDENTS AT SAN AGUSTIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDY

PEÑAFIEL, PRINCESS ANGELA C.

MAGHINAY, JHON PREDEL S.

TANGHINAN, RICHIE JANE C.

ORENCIO, KYLENE KATE S.

LLACUNA, VIEN HEART G.

LARANIO, ARGIELYN C.

LOPEZ, NIKO B.

2023
 SAN AGUSTIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Valencia City, Bukidnon

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Practical Research 1

APPROVAL SHEET

A research paper hereto entitled, “Effects of broken family relationships

among senior high school students at San Agustin Institute of
Technology,” prepared and submitted by Princess Angela C. Peñafiel, Jhon
Predel S. Maghinay, Richie Jane C. Tanghinan, Kylene Kate S. Orencio, Vien
Heart G. Llacuna, Argielyn C. Laranio, Niko B. Lopez in partial fulfillment of the
requirements for Practical Research 1 is hereby accepted.

ANTONIETA B. TORRES, MAEd __________

Adviser, Research Advisory Committee Date Signed

GART R. SOLATORIO, PhD __________

Member, Research Advisory Committee Date Signed

AIDA C. SELECIOS, PhD __________

Member, Research Advisory Committee Date Signed

CLAIRE H, LACERNA, LPT, PhD __________

Member, Research Advisory Committee Date Signed

CLAIRE H. LACERNA, LPT, PhD

High School Principal
________
 Date Signed
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The researchers would like to begin by expressing their deepest gratitude

to God for providing us with the strength, perseverance, and guidance necessary

to complete this research study. Without His grace, this accomplishment would

not have been possible.

We would also like to extend our sincerest thanks to our Practical

Research 1 adviser, Ma'am Antonieta B. Torres, LPT, MAEd, for her invaluable

support, encouragement, and expertise. Your guidance and feedback throughout

the research process have been truly instrumental in shaping this study.

To our fellow researchers, the researchers are incredibly grateful for your

assistance in collecting and analyzing the data. Your contributions have been

invaluable to the success of this research project.

We would like to extend our appreciation to our friends and family for their

unwavering support and encouragement throughout this research journey. Your

love, understanding, and motivation have been a constant source of inspiration.

Finally, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all of the study

participants who generously shared their time and experiences to make this

research project possible. Your contributions and willingness to participate have

been truly appreciated.

Thank you all for your contributions to this research project.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE
1 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3
Objectives of the Study 4
Significance of the Study 4
Scope and Delimitation 6
Definition of Terms 7

2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Related Studies 8
Theoretical Framework 13

3 METHODOLOGY

Research Design 15
Research Locale 16

Selection of Participants 17
Research Instrument 17
Data Gathering Procedure 18
Data Analysis 19

4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION 20

5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary of the Findings 46

Conclusion 47
Recommendation 48

REFERENCES 50

APPENDICES

Appendix A. Archival Log 53

Appendix B. Questionnaire 57

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1 Causes of Broken Family Relationships 20

Table 2 Effects of Broken Family Relationships 28

Table 3 Coping Mechanisms of Senior High School 37

Students Who Came From a Broken Family

Relationship
 ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of broken family

relationships among senior high school students at San Agustin Institute of

Technology. This study’s primary goal is to assess the lived experiences of

senior high school students from broken families, specifically, it sought the

following objectives: (1) to discover the causes of broken family relationships

among senior high school students, (2) to understand the effects of broken family

relationships among senior high school students, and (3) to explore the coping

mechanisms of senior high school students who came from a broken family.

Researchers used an interview method to obtain the data among senior high

school students who have broken families. Researchers selected 15 participants

ages 16 and 19. Results revealed that one of the major reasons why the family

broke up is because one of their parents was having an affair with another

person. Results also revealed that being envious to complete family is the main

effect of being in a broken family. Most of the participants’ coping mechanism is

to wander around or go out with friends because, for some of them, wandering

around can help them get rid of their hidden problems.

Keywords: broken family, effects, senior high school students, and

divorce
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of Study

A home is where a family lives. It may be alternated with the word "house"

but a house is more appropriate referring to the material structure whereas

'home' refers to the intangible things that bind together the family members

(Stephen & Barry, 1983). It has the immeasurable love and care that keeps

together the mother, father, and their children. A broken home, could either be a

single-parenthood home, a divorce, or a separated couple. In order words, a

broken home can be defined in which the parents are divorced or separated. It

contributed a lot to anti-social behavior in society. Children who come from

broken families will most likely have a difficult time in life.

Broken family relationships can have significant effects on the lives of

senior high school students. Children from single-parent families were more likely

to have problems with friends and engage in risky behaviors than those from

intact families (Cherlin, 1991). Therefore, it is crucial to understand the

1
challenges that these students face and identify potential strategies and

interventions to support their success.

Senior high school is a critical stage in a young person's life, marking the

transition from adolescence to adulthood. When a family breaks up, it is usually

difficult for everyone in the family to cope with the situation. However, children

are often the worst victims of family breakups. There are powerful reasons to be

alarmed about the impact of broken home on children. The stability of the family

creates a building block for children to progress throughout life. In response to

these challenges, they may engage in various coping strategies and activities to

manage their emotions, build resilience, and achieve academic success.

Previous studies have examined the coping strategies and activities of children

and adolescents from broken families in different cultural and socioeconomic

contexts. For example, Xie and Zhang (2017) found that high school students

from broken families in China tend to engage in problem-solving, social support

seeking, and positive reframing activities. Kelly (2008) found that eighth-grade

students from broken families in the United States tend to focus on their

academic pursuits as a way to cope with the stress and anxiety of family

breakdown.

According to a study by the United Nations (2015), family breakdown is a

significant social problem in many developing countries, with divorce rates on the

rise. However, most studies on this topic have been conducted in Western

countries, and there is a need for research that explores the effects of broken

2
family relationships in different cultural contexts. By exploring the experiences of

senior high school students from broken families, this study aims to contribute to

a better understanding of the importance of family relationships in young people's

lives and the need for effective coping mechanisms to promote their well-being.

Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to investigate the challenges faced by senior high school

students at San Agustin Institute of Technology from broken families.

Specifically, it sought to answer the following research questions:

1. What are the causes of broken family relationships of parents among

senior high school students?

2. What are the effects of broken family relationships among senior high

school students?

3. What are the coping mechanisms of senior high school students who

came from a broken family relationship?

3
Objectives of the Study

The primary objectives of this study were to:

1. Discover the causes of broken family relationships among senior high

school students.

2. Understand the effects of broken family relationships among senior high

school students.

3. Explore the coping mechanisms of senior high school students who came

from broken families.

Significance of the Study

This study can provide valuable insights into the effects of broken families

on senior high school students and identify the coping mechanisms they use to

manage this phenomenal problem.

Moreover, this study can contribute to the body of literature on the effects

of broken family relationships among senior high school students. While previous

studies have explored this topic, there is a need for more research that

specifically focuses on the experiences of broken family relationships among

4
senior high school students. By addressing this gap in the literature, this study

can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effects of broken family

relationships on adolescent development.

For the students – this study can help students to understand the impact

of family breakdown on their academic performance, mental health, and social

relationships. It can also provide them insights into how to cope with the

challenges of coming from a broken family and help them develop resilience and

adaptive skills.

For Parents - this study can provide them with insights into how to

support their children and help them cope with the consequences of family

breakdown. It can also help them understand the importance of maintaining a

healthy and stable family environment to promote their children's well-being.

For Teachers - this study can help teachers to understand the challenges

that students from broken families face and provide them with strategies to

support these students in the classroom. It can also raise awareness among

teachers on how to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all

students.

For the Community - this study can help the community understand the

impact of family breakdown on the social and economic well-being of individuals

and families. It can also provide insights on how to develop community-based

programs and services that can support families going through a difficult time.

5
 For the Readers – the readers can benefit from a study on broken

families as it can raise awareness of the issue and provide them with a better

understanding of the challenges that families face when going through a

breakdown. It can also provide readers with insights on how to support their

friends, family members, or colleagues who are going through a similar

experience.

For the Future Researchers - this study can serve as a foundation for

future research on the topic, providing a starting point for further investigation

and analysis. It can provide future researchers with insights into the methods and

techniques used to study the impact of family breakdown on individuals and

families.

Scope and Delimitation

The scope of this study focused on the effects of broken family

relationships among senior high school students. The study was conducted in

selected senior high schools within a specific geographic location and involved

students who come from broken families. The study explored the effects of

broken family relationships among senior high school students and identified the

coping mechanisms they use to manage this phenomenal problem.

6
Definition of Terms

A broken family refers to a family unit where one or both parents are

absent, either due to divorce, separation, or abandonment.

7
 Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

The family is the basic unit of society. A home is a place where a family

lives and gives children a sense of security and stability. The family forms the

child's initial environment for personal and social adaptation. Anything that

interferes with these feelings can be viewed as dangerous to adolescents. It

helps to The impact of family breakdown on child development depends on many

factors, including the child's age at the time the parents separated, personality,

and family relationships.

Causes of Broken Family Relationships

Aktar (2013) stated that family breakdown is a common feature of modern

societies. Part of a couple's life is misunderstandings and conflicts, which often

lead to heated arguments and later to the breakdown of the family. For example,

one of the most common problems couples face every day is money. There is a

misunderstanding between them. Budgeting money is hard these days, and

some people make money because of bad habits like gambling. Lack of funds

can trigger couples to start fighting. Instead of understanding each other and

discussing their issues, they decided to break up. According to Pitman (2019),

belief differences, domestic violence, persistent resentment, rudeness, divorce,

8
financial problems, or illness are other reasons families break up. A simple

quarrel leads to a violent quarrel between husband and wife, in which they

contemplate divorce or simply separation (Tus, 2020).

According to Dr. Kale (2008), divorce is never a desirable outcome for

family life, yet it occurs. Divorce is often cited as the primary cause of a broken

family. Common issues that lead to marital disputes include finances, sexual

misunderstandings, early marriage, teenage pregnancy, education, health

problems, and more. When parents divorce, one or both of them typically leave

the home, resulting in an absence that can impact family dynamics and ultimately

result in a broken family. Doughty (2008) asserts that research confirms that

children experience negative consequences as a result of parental separation,

and those who are raised by a single parent are more likely to struggle

academically, experience health issues, and be at risk of engaging in criminal

behavior, addiction, and poverty in adulthood.

Effects of Broken Family Relationships

The family was a major factor influencing a student's academic

performance. It has been said that a broken family can be seen as a threat to

adolescent well-being, including emotional, mental, and personal health, you

have to create an image of yourself (Igbinosa, 2014). As mentioned earlier,

families have a huge impact on students, whether they do well or not

academically. In a broken family, the big picture has a negative effect. Whether

students from broken homes have complex problems or encounter such

9
problems in life, some people look at things positively, achieve exemplary results,

and strengthen their strengths (Widyastuti, 2017).

Wood (2019) stated that parental separation has positive effects on

students. For example, students eventually develop compassion for others and

understand that not all people are the same. Morals and values also exist in

education. In addition, Lopez et al. (2018) found that students' responses to facial

problems varied with such difficulties. Some students struggle with problems.

Speaking up and sharing thoughts with peers is their way of coping. Some

strengthen their faith in God, accept it, and move forward. Reassessing one,

even after growing up in a broken home, can be overcome through therapy,

which involves moving out of traumatic childhood experiences and interacting

appropriately with current family members (McCormack et al. al., 2016).

Students from broken homes have problems that affect their academic

performance, confidence, and behavior. The main factors that influence a

student's response to separation trauma are:

Reliability, according to a report by Child & Family Blog Editor (2019), the

product of a traumatic family background is often an inner critic who tells you that

you are not good enough, or an inner voice that constantly lets you down and

downplays your needs (Johnson, 2020). Mackay (2005) found that isolation has

common effects from infancy through adulthood, both temporary and permanent

periods. Statistics show that a student from a broken home has 30% more

absences, tardiness, and absenteeism than students from a stable home. These
10
are the findings that most studies of students who come from broken families

have found. In addition, students are exposed to drug and alcohol use, and

smoking during the rebellious and inquisitive stages. They tend to engage in

sexual activity, often leading to teenage pregnancies (Fallet, 2017). In the article

'So Good As a Family', the stress of family breakdown also led to behavioral

problems that affected social skills and the development of peer problems.

Broken family ties can have a significant impact on a high school student's

academic performance. For example, students from broken families may

experience increased stress and anxiety due to changes in family dynamics. This

can lead to poor concentration, lower grades, and less motivation to succeed in

school. Additionally, students may be required to take on additional

responsibilities. For example, caring for younger siblings or supporting a family

can affect academic performance and overall well-being. The impact of broken

family relationships on school performance has also been extensively studied.

Children from divorced families were more likely to drop out of high school than

those from intact families (Carlson & Corcoran, 2001). Studies have shown that

depression and anxiety are present in students with broken homes (Morin, 2019).

O'Neill (2002) also found that more than 20% of her children were most likely to

experience lasting effects on their mental health.

Witnessing such problems among parents increases stress levels for

students and distracts them from their academic pursuits (Bubelwa, 2014).

According to Oxford Learning (2017), these examples of academic challenge are

11
procrastination. Procrastination can negatively impact a student's literary output,

grades, and even overall well-being. The high levels of anger, regret, tension,

and fear students encounter often lead to serious problems such as low self-

esteem and depression. This can become a cycle of poor grades and low

confidence that students find difficult to break (Oxford Learning, 2017). Thus,

financial problems (struggling to meet the basic needs of children/family

members) and loneliness as dominant emotions among parents are common

problems and experiences (Ramos & Tus, 2020).

The level of affection and emotional attachment in a broken home is

always lower than in the family as a whole and this damages the attitudes and

behavior of such children. In this case, children who do not have a necessary

and necessary family tend to be inevitably vulnerable to peer group training,

which can lead to delinquency. Lack of parental control not only contributes

directly to antisocial behavior in children but also indirectly as it contributes to

exposure to deviant peers, indicating higher levels of deviant behavior

(Okorodudu, 2010).

Coping Mechanisms of Students Who Came from a Broken Family Relationship

Adolescents who are under a lot of stress and disappointment may try to

create their world or adapt to their situation. Adapting is a natural human

response, but different people have different coping strategies due to their

personalities. According to Gutierrez's (2008) research, more males (40%) than

females (4%) smoke, which may be related to the fact that men find it culturally
12
unacceptable to express their emotions and may fear criticism for doing so. In

contrast, women tend to express their problems to their support group or peers

(Shawn, 2008).

When dealing with a broken home, some adolescents turn to smoking,

drinking, drugs, sexual activity, or juvenile delinquency as coping mechanisms

(Cruz & Berja, 2008). Additionally, girls may exhibit more emotional distress than

boys (Yeo & Huan, 2007).

Interestingly, some studies have found that single parenthood may not

have negative effects on children. For example, Lloyd and Blanc (as cited in

Park, 2008) found that in sub-Saharan African countries, children in female-

headed households had greater educational opportunities than those in male-

headed households. However, little research has addressed this issue in

societies like Korea and Japan, which historically have had low divorce rates and

strong family ties (Park, 2008).

Theoretical Framework

Various theoretical frameworks can help explain the causes of broken

family relationships resulting from infidelity, the effects on students from broken

families, and the coping mechanisms students use to manage the stress of

broken families.
13
 The theory of attachment is the first framework. In 1988, John Bowlby's

theory suggested that our attachment patterns in childhood have an impact on

the ability of us as individuals to be involved with one another throughout life.

Infidelity may result from attachment insecurities, like anxiety about

abandonment, or avoidant attachment styles that result in emotional detachment

from the primary partner. How children are attached and their ability to form close

bonds throughout life may also be affected by the lack of family fidelity.

A second framework, which Albert Bandura (1977) proposes is a social

learning theory that teaches us to learn by observation, imitation, and

reinforcement. Children growing up in families where infidelity is normalized may

imitate such behaviors, leading to negative impacts on their relationships. In

addition, students who grow up in a broken family may have envious feelings

about their peers from complete families and imitate the bad habits of their

parents.

The family systems theory, which considers the family to be a network of

interdependent parts, is another framework developed by Murray Bowen in 1978.

Infidelity can cause disruptions and lead to breakdowns in communication and

trust, impacting the children's sense of security and stability. Ways of coping, for

example by getting out with friends, might have been seen as attempts at

regaining balance and connection outside the family system.

14
 Chapter 3

METHODOLOGY

This chapter outlines the systematic and scientific approach used in

collecting and analyzing data. In this chapter, we will explore the various

components of the methodology, including the locality of the study, research

design, population and sample, participants of the study, data gathering

procedure, data analysis, and research instrument.

Research Design

This study utilized a qualitative research approach using phenomenology

design that aims to explore the lived experiences of senior high school students

who have broken families. A phenomenological study according to Creswell

(1998), the recommendation also ranges between 5 and 25 interviews for a

phenomenological study. The goal of qualitative phenomenological research is to

describe a "lived experience" of a phenomenon.

Since the research is concerned with the effects of broken family

relationships among senior high school students at San Agustin Institute of

15
Technology in the school year 2022-2023, phenomenological research was

recommended as the most appropriate method.

Research Locale

This study was conducted at San Agustin Institute of Technology. San

Agustin Institute of Technology, commonly known as SAIT, located in Mabini St,

Valencia City, Bukidnon, Philippines is a private educational institution. The

school offers preschool education up to College education. SAIT has been

providing Catholic education in Valencia City. San Agustin Institute of

Technology (SAIT) was established in 1960 out of funds solicited from abroad by

Fr. Manlio, S.J. the Catholic Priest assigned in Valencia, Bukidnon. It started as a

general high school with 101 students attending classes in the parish convent.

16
Selection of the Participants

In a qualitative study, phenomenology in this instance, the number of

participants was generally small—the participants of the study comprised

students from broken families. Fifteen students were purposively selected

concerning the potential sample size of students who are from broken families.

The study participants are students who were categorically based on the

following: ages 16- to 19-year-old and from the broken family who is residents of

Valencia City, Bukidnon. In selecting the participants as the key informants, the

researchers used purposive sampling which is a non-probability sampling

procedure in which the researcher selected the participants according to the

inclusion criteria (Nieswiadomy, 2008).

Research Instrument

The research instrument helped the researchers to find answers to the

specific problem discussed. The study used an interview method to understand

better and explore the participants' experiences.

The following tools and instruments were used to gather the data:

17
 An interview guide was used for the researchers to have a guide and be

able to gather information from the participants.

Laptops and smartphones were devices used to record the answers of the

participants and to gather the data the researchers needed.

Data Gathering Procedure

The researchers interviewed senior high school students at San Agustin

Institute of Technology who have broken families. Each questionnaire asked to

answer three (3) areas: 1) what are the causes of broken family relationships of

parents among senior high school students, 2) what are the effects of broken

family relationships among senior high school students, 3) what are the coping

mechanisms of senior high school students who came from a broken family

relationship. Data collection continued until the researchers believe saturation

has achieved. After the researchers got the information needed, the researchers

then proceeds in analyzing the questions and information they get from the

participants.

18
Data Analysis

Each informant transcription was examined for significant responses. All

the significant responses obtained from the fifteen (15) informant transcriptions

were compared and clustered according to the common themes. As stated by

Larkin, Watts, and Clifton (2006), the importance of not just describing what

participants says. A rather, interpretative phenomenological analysis is about

getting underneath what a person is saying to try to truly understand the world

from his or her perspective. Each transcription was also examined for significant

responses and compared with the clustered common themes to ensure the

validity and reliability of the data. Coding of data was applied to organize the

themes. The themes were categorized according to three (3) areas: 1) what are

the causes of broken family relationships of parents among senior high school

students, 2) what are the effects of broken family relationships among senior high

school students, 3) what are the coping mechanisms of senior high school

students who came from a broken family relationship.

19
 Chapter 4

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of broken family

relationships among senior high school students at San Agustin Institute of

Technology. The research questions focused on the causes of broken family

relationships among senior high school students, the effects of broken family

relationships among senior high school students, and the coping mechanisms of

senior high school students who came from broken families.

Table 1. Causes of Broken Family Relationships

Significant Statements
Cluster(Theme)
Participants’ Responses English Translation
My father cheated because
P8: “akong father nag cheat kay
he was not satisfied and he
dli siya kontinto tas dli pa siya
was not ready for the
ready sa kuan commitment.”
commitment.

P10: “ana sakong papa naa daw My father told me that my

Having a third lain kauban akong mama…” mom is with someone else.
party
Mistress. Cheating issue
P11: “Kabit, cheating issues nag
maybe he was just
padala guro siyas iyang
pressured by his co-
katrabaho.”
workers.
P12: “…third party mga ing.ana Third party, just like that
kay nag OFW si papa tas wala because my father is an
20
 OFW, and they just did not
sila nag work and everything.”
work out.

P14: “Naay kabit akong papa ano My father has a mistress

igat lang siya.” and that he is a whore.

P15: “kay kuan siguro failure ug Maybe because of failure

third party” and third party.

P2: “Palahubog, medyo Drinker, a bit of a

babaero…” womanizer.

My father is a drunkard that

P4: “Palahubog man ang akoang
is why my mother wants to
papa, gibulagan ni mama kay
breakup with him because
wala siya ka agwanta sa batasan
she cannot stand my
ni papa.”
father's behavior.
P6: “inom lang ang iyang
His only problem is drinking,
Drunkenness and problema wa syay lain nga he only has that habit of
gambling kanang bisyo inom lang jud and
drinking and what he does
ang iyang ginabuhat man jud kay
because that is what mom
mao sab ang pinaka hate ni
hates the most, so mom has
mama, so pila sab ka years nag
been sacrificing with that for
agwanta si mama ana, gikapoy
a few years, she got tired,
na siya, so mao to ni give up na
so that is why she give up.
siya…”
P7: “Nag bulag sila kay dli na They got separated because
maka tolerate akong mama sa my mother can no longer
iyang batasan ug pakga sugarol tolerate his behavior and his
ug mga ano toxic side.” gambling and toxic side.

P2: “…Usahay gina dapatan niya Sometimes he hits mom,

si mama, physical abuse…” physical abuse.

Physical abuse
P3: “kanang away-away ing-ana It is the fighting thing,
ba, physical abuse” physical abuse.

P10: “…ana pud akong mama My mother said that my

21
 ganahan daw ug sumbag akong
papa like gina kulata akong
mama sakong papa mao ng
reason maong nag bulag sila.”
P1: “kay wa sila kabalos ilang
gipang buhat. Wala na kabalo
ang isa na mao ang ginabuhat
Misunderstanding
tapos namali di na dayun sila ga
sabot og explanation kay third
chance naman to”
P13: “financial problem, ang
reason man jud ato kay gusto ni
mama nga maka trabaho na
Financial problem bitaw si papa nya tas si papa ni
adtog Davao ato nya galisodan
bitaw akong papa mao dayun to
nasuko akong mama.”
father likes to punch her and
she got hit by my father.
That is the reason why they
separated.
Because they did not know
what they have done. There
is one person who did not
know that they've done
wrong so they
misunderstood it that is why
they did not want to hear
any explanation because it
is the third chance already.
Financial problem, the
reason is because mom
wants her husband - my dad
to be able to work. While my
dad is going to Davao it is
getting difficult for my dad
that is why my mom got
angry.

Theme 1: Having a Third Party

One of the major reasons why the family broke up is because one of their

parents was having an affair with another person. One of the participants said

that their father cheated because he was not satisfied and that he was not ready

for commitment. One of them also said that maybe their father cheated because

he was just pressured by his co-workers. Another mentioned that their father

cheated because he is an overseas worker, which is quite common when it

comes to people who work abroad.

22
 There may be a feeling of betrayal, hurt, and anger if one or both partners

in the affair are married or committed to someone else. Children may also be

affected by the affair, especially if it leads to a breakdown in the family, and it

leads to an even more difficult situation. Trust may be broken, and it may be

challenging to repair the damage done to the relationships between family

members.

Kass (2018) shared that a family is like passengers on a boat. If the boat

sinks, everyone drowns. Using this analogy of a sinking boat and taking it one

step further, adults know how to swim, but often children do not. The same holds

true for a separation or divorce. Even though splitting up is tough and sad, most

individuals can endure the end of their marriage or committed partnership and go

on. According to Miller (2013), this is frequently not the case for children.

Children from broken families are more likely to suffer failure or damage on the

academic, social, and emotional fronts. All persons impacted by infidelity

experience uncertainty, damage, and de-integration of their pre-existing

psychological states when it breaks out in our romantic relationships.

Theme 2: Drunkenness and Gambling

Drunkenness and gambling are also common causes of broken family

relationships. According to one participant, their father's alcohol addiction was

the reason why their mother ended the relationship, as she could not tolerate his

behavior. Another participant mentioned that their father's only issue was
23
drinking, which their mother despised the most. The mother had put up with this

habit for several years, but eventually grew tired of it and decided to end the

relationship. Additionally, another participant revealed that their parents

separated because their mother could no longer tolerate their father's toxic

behavior and gambling habit. This became the reason for their separation

because if you lose control of drinking and especially gambling, you may hurt

your surroundings, and also because of drinking people become abusive.

The moment the other family members detect a lack of responsibility, a

parent who drinks begins to lose that trust and confidence. One of the reasons

families do not understand each other and are separated is due to a bad habit.

There are many types of bad habits, but drinking alcohol is one of the reasons

why families break up because when we're drinking too much, and when we get

angry, we cannot control our emotions and we may hurt others and it can lead to

separation or divorce.

According to Addiction Helper (2021), if alcohol consumption is not

stopped, it may eventually cause the family to break up. The family begins by

cutting back on social connections and spending less time together even at

home. However, when confidence and trust destroy and family roles start to

change, things become worse. Financial stress, verbal and physical abuse

suffered by certain families, and stress all rise together. When the damage is

finally severe, there is nothing left to keep the family together.

24
Theme 3: Physical Abuse

Physical abuse is one of the reasons why parents may separate. As one

of the participants shared, their father used to physically assault their mother,

and this was the primary reason for their separation. Physical abuse often arises

during misunderstandings or arguments between parents. When physical abuse

occurs, it can shatter trust and confidence, which may ultimately lead to

separation.

One of the reasons why families or couples may separate is physical

abuse, which is a clear indication that there is a lack of love and respect between

the parties involved. The parents of our respondent separated due to physical

abuse because such behavior is not acceptable and can only lead to a strained

relationship. To prevent this kind of situation, it is crucial to have a deep

understanding of each other and to practice mutual respect and discipline.

According to Rose (2010), physical abuse involves behaviors like kicking,

slapping, shoving, hitting, punching, restraining, pushing, confining, scratching,

confining, throwing things at a person, threatening or attacking the person with a

weapon locking the person in or out of the house or abandoning the person in a

dangerous place, refusing to provide assistance when the person is injured, sick,

or pregnant, breaking bones, burning, and murder.

Theme 4: Misunderstanding

25
 Misunderstanding is a factor that can lead to the breakdown of a family.

According to one participant, one of their parents did something without realizing

it was wrong, leading to a misunderstanding and a refusal to listen to

explanations. A lack of communication or miscommunication is often the

underlying cause of such misunderstandings within families.

Misunderstandings are one of the common sources of conflict in many

relationships. One of the reasons why misunderstandings can cause broken

families is because it can create a sense of distance and disconnection. When

family members do not feel understood or heard they may become defensive,

leading to a vicious cycle of miscommunication and hurt feelings.

Maree (2015) expressed that family conflict may take many different forms

and frequently causes young people to become separated from their family unit.

Recurrent patterns of misunderstanding and misinterpretation are the root of

most of this conflict, and in the worst cases, they may be the cause of a young

person's homelessness.

Theme 5: Financial Problem

A financial problem can be a cause of family breakdown, as illustrated by

the experience of a participant who reported that their mother became angry

when their father faced challenges that prevented him from working. Money is
26
 frequently a source of tension in families, as disagreements over how to manage

or spend money can lead to conflict and strain relationships. Ultimately, financial

problems can damage trust and communication within a family, which are

essential for a healthy and stable relationship.

Clawson (2000) said that while money cannot guarantee happiness, it can

provide the necessary means to achieve it. Financial difficulties can cause

significant stress and difficulties for families, especially those that are already

facing the challenges of a broken family. When parents separate or divorce, they

may face additional financial obstacles, such as supporting two households

instead of one.

According to Afifi (2018), financial stress arises when families are unable

to meet their current and ongoing financial obligations. Financial stress is often

operationalized as the physical or mental health symptoms that arise from having

difficulty meeting basic needs, difficulty paying bills, and money leftover at the

end of the month.

Table 2. Effects of Broken Family Relationships

Significant Statements
Cluster(Theme)
Participants’ Responses English Translation

27
 P2: “wa lang ko ka experience nga I do not have the chance to
complete and family, legitimate na experience a complete and
family…” legitimate family.
P3: “…jealous sa uban pamilya” Get jealous of other families.
P10: “Dako siyag effect sakong life
It has a big effect on me
since maka kita bitaw kog family like
because every time I see a
inani tas naa dayon jealous like
complete family, I get jealous
ngano wala koy inana nga
about why I do not have that
relationship like ngano wala koy
kind of family and
chada nga relationship sakong
relationship. They have a lot
mama sakong papa tas daghan pud
of imperfections toward me,
Envious to silag pagkulang sakoa pero okay
but it is okay.
complete family raman noon sakoa…”
P11: “Ma sadgirl kay dli na complete I get sad because I do not
imong family.” have a complete family.
P13: “…Karun ayha nako na realize
Now I realize that I get
nga kanang gaka selos kos uban
jealous of other families.
pamilya.”
P6: “…Sakit, lisod kayo, ahm
It hurts, and it is hard that you
mahimo nga kanang separate
have a separate family
imong family kay waka kabalo nga,
because I get jealous of the
murag maibog kas lain nga
other family that I do not
complete sila nya ikaw kay wakay
have.
ana ana.”
Already used to It is normal for me. I am used
P3: “normal raman japun, naanad
having a broken to it because they got
nako, kuan bata paman jud ko nag
family separated when I was
kuan sila…”
younger.
Because I am used to not
P4: “…kay naanad man ko nga wala
having them together, I do
sila ay waka akoang papa sa
not experience having my
akoang kinabuhi.”
father in my life.
P5: “…wala jud ko na kuan na
apektuhan jud tungod jud sa I am no longer affected
pagkuan sa akoang papa kay wala because he does not fit in my
manjud siya ni fit sa akoang life kay life because my father is in
army manggud ang akoang papa so the army and he is not here.
wala siya.”
P12: “kanang naa koy two-sides I have a two-sided family, and
28
 nga family, tas kanang daghan
bitaw kog gaka encounter, like side
sakong step mother tas side nasab
sakong step father tas Upat bitaw
kabuok akong family…”
P15: “ah nidako ko nga nga walay
father sa akoang kuan side…”
P7: “Dako siyag effect financially ug
kanang ano kay sige man kog ano
ug place ug asa si mama or papa
didto ko ibutang.”
Financial
P14: “Bali sa financial daghan gyud
difficulty
nag lisud gyd mi pero at the sme
time sa emotions ug sa mental
health sakong mama ug saakoa
pud.”
P8: “…ga ano kos iyang presence
tas kuan suko kay dli ko mo abot sa
inani nga point feel nako kay mao ni
akong pinaka lowest point sa life ug
Self-issues,
dli ko ma inani ug wala si nag bulag
Attachment
ang ano bitaw effect kay naka ano
Issues, and
kog self-issues, attachment, trust
Trust Issues
issues ug daghan kaayo na self-
issues na tungod saila like ang root
gyud sakong mga issue kay tungod
sailaha.”
P1: “Ilang expectations. Gaka stuck
japon sakong utok nga ga expect
High
sila permi sa akoa unya wala ko
expectations
kabalo kung unsa akong buhaton sa
from parents
future. Ga libog pako sa akong mga
desisyon sa life.
Became an P6: “sa pag bulag nila nahimo ko
independent nga independent person and since
person grade 6 nag working ko till grade 7
then anang mga highschool grade 9
I have encountered many
people, like my stepmother's
side and my stepfather's side,
then I have four families in
total.
I grew up without a father by
my side.
It has a big effect financially,
and I keep changing places
where my mother or father
will go.
Financially, we are going
through a lot of difficulties,
but at the same time, it is the
emotions and the mental
health of my mother and mine
as well.
I beg for his presence. I am
angry because I cannot reach
this point in life where I feel
like I am at my lowest point in
life, and this could not have
happened if they did not
separate. Because of it I have
some self-issues, attachment
issues, and trust issues. I
have a lot of self-issues
because of them, like they
are the root of my self-issues.
They expect too much from
me and it even gets stuck in
my mind, and I do not know
what to do in the future. I am
still confused about my life
decisions.
When they separated, I
became an independent
person, and since grade 6, I
worked until grade 7. Then in
29
 high school grades 9 to 10,
to 10, until now is ga extra² kog
until now I work with my aunt
trabaho sakong mga ante or sa asa
or wherever I can work, like
man ko maka trabaho like manglaba
doing laundry, and then they
ko sa lain naa koy 300, or mag work
give me like 300, or I work 6
ko 6 hours naa koy 250 but libre ra
hours, and they give me 250,
tanan…”
and the expenses are all free.

Theme 6: Envious to Complete Family

The primary effect of growing up in a broken family is feeling envious of

complete families, as reported by most participants. They expressed envy

towards families that are whole and happy, as they have not experienced it

themselves. They acknowledge that seeing a complete family can trigger feelings

of jealousy and even self-doubt about why their own family cannot have a similar

relationship. The participants also shared that the experience of having a

separate family is painful, and they struggle with jealousy towards families that

they do not have. As a result, they feel sadness about not having a complete

family compared to others.

When you're from a broken family, it is easy to envy those that have grown

up in complete families. We must recognize that everyone in every family has

their own set of challenges and difficulties, even if they appear to be perfect on

the surface. Remember, however, that it is not possible to change the past, but

we can make our own choices as to how this will be handled. Try to focus on the

positive aspects of your family and the relationships you have with your family

30
members if you feel jealous. Remember that building healthy relationships

require time and effort. It is not too late to get started.

Jabian (2016) stated that children with broken families tend to get jealous

whenever they see complete parents of children having picnic at the park or

going shopping at the mall. They feel sad when it is father's day or mother's day.

Jealousy also comes from their sense of insecurity. They always feel harmed

around. According to the Save the Children charity (2014), children from

dysfunctional households make up the majority of vulnerable youngsters.

Theme 7: Already Used to Having a Broken Family

Growing up in a broken family can result in becoming used to the situation

or feeling unaffected by it. For example, one participant reported feeling used to it

because they were very young when their father left. Another participant

described having a complex family structure, having met both sides of their

parents and stepparents, which made it seem like they have four families. Our

participants have shared that they have grown used to their family

circumstances, despite their parents' separation, as one of their parents has

been there to provide guidance, support, and love. As a result, for them, coming

from a broken family is no longer a significant obstacle as they have become

used to it.

Living in a broken family situation can be challenging, and it can have a

significant impact on a person's emotional well-being and relationships with

31
others. When someone says they are "used to" something, it suggests that they

have adapted to the situation and it has become a normal part of their life.

However, this does not necessarily mean that the person is happy with the

situation or that they do not experience any negative emotions related to it.

Reagan (2022) shared that before you can even explore the idea of

reconciliation, you must first complete your profound healing process. Just as

compassion and love are necessary for the process of healing and so too are

grief and fury. However, there is strong pressure to compel forgiveness. We have

to build that division and establish those boundaries before we can say, "It

happened a long time ago" or "Let go of the past." A healing separation is

essential for many people. Additionally, it might take weeks, months, or even

decades. There must be a period when you discover your identity outside of the

context of your family and build your independent autonomy.

Theme 8: Financial Difficulty

Growing up in a broken family can also lead to financial struggles, as

stated by one participant who shared that it has had a significant impact on their

life. They mentioned that they frequently move from one place to another with

their parent, which contributes to their hardships. In addition, the lack of support

from one of their parents, particularly in terms of their education and daily

necessities, worsen their struggles in coping with their broken family situation.

32
 Managing finances is more about how you handle what you have, rather

than simply having enough money, according to Orman (2007). Financial

difficulties can be particularly tough for families experiencing separation or

divorce. The decrease in household income and increase in expenses due to

maintaining separate residences can add to the financial stress for both parents

and children. To address this, it is important to tackle financial issues one step at

a time and seek help when necessary.

According to Claremont Port Side (2022), there is a real economic

consequence in addition to the emotional repercussions that shattered families

may have on both children and adults. For some people, financial instability and

even hardship can result from families dissolving. Children from broken homes

are more likely to be poor than those from two-parent homes, according to

studies.

Theme 9: Self-issues, Attachment Issues, and Trust Issues

One of the effects of coming from a broken family is experiencing self-

issues, attachment issues, and trust issues. According to a participant, they feel

angry because their parents' separation has prevented them from reaching a

point in life where they feel secure. As a result, they have developed issues with

self-esteem, attachments, and trust. They attribute their self-issue to their

parents' separation, which they consider the root of their problems.

33
 A sense of unworthiness or hopelessness can lead to self-issues,

attachment issues, and trust issues. Children may experience these issues when

their parents separate or divorce, even if they are not responsible for the family

breakdown. Such children may struggle to form secure attachments with others,

which can affect their ability to establish healthy relationships in the future. Trust

issues can also arise when children feel betrayed after their parent's separation,

especially if they were misled about the reasons for the separation. Thus, such

children may find it challenging to trust others, including themselves, and rely on

their judgment.

According to Amato and Keith (1991), children from broken families are

more likely to experience low self-esteem and engage in problem behaviors.

Similarly, Bowlby (1979) suggests that broken families can lead to attachment

issues, where children may struggle with forming healthy relationships with

others. Trust issues can also arise in children from broken families, as suggested

by Betz and Redcay (2019), who found that children from broken families may

struggle with trusting others due to the instability and unpredictability of their

family situation.

Theme 10: High Expectations from Parents

One of the effects of children growing up in a broken family is the pressure

of high expectations from their parents. A participant shared that their parents

expect a lot from them, despite not being sure about their future plans and feeling
34
uncertain about their life decisions. This expectation has left a lasting impression

on the participant, causing them to feel burdened by their parents' demands.

It can be challenging for any child to meet high parental expectations,

whether the family is complete or broken. Peters (2003) suggests that parents

who hold high expectations for their children are more likely to have academically

successful children. However, when a family goes through a divorce or is broken,

additional stressors can make it even more challenging for children to meet these

expectations. The child may feel torn between their parents, and the emotional

effects of the divorce may affect their well-being. Moreover, the child may feel the

need to work harder to compensate for the family's brokenness, which can

become an overwhelming burden. Parents should also be conscious of their

child's emotional state and provide the necessary resources and support to help

them cope with the stress of the divorce.

According to Rtor.Org (2021), children start making decisions on their own

once they reach a particular age. One road may lead to parents' expectations

and aspirations, while the other leads to the child's own aspirations. Confusion,

doubt, and the stress of not disappointing parents can all result from this fork in

the road. You are prevented from pursuing your own goals by following your

parents'. They may desire what they believe is best for your life, but your parents

and you are two very different beings. Your life does not have to look like theirs

or have the same hobbies or professional path for it to be satisfying.

Theme 11: Became an Independent Person

35
 One of the effects of growing up in a broken family is developing

independence. As reported by a participant, they started working as a junior high

school student and are currently employed doing laundry for their aunt to support

themselves. From our observations, independence is often seen in children from

broken families as it may be a result of one parent's inability to support the family,

leading the child to work and live independently.

Growing up and becoming independent in a broken family can be tough,

but it also presents a chance for personal growth and discovery. To become

independent, you must first accept your circumstances and acknowledge that

you cannot alter the past. This may require setting objectives for your education,

work, or personal life. The path to independence is gradual, and it is all right to

stumble and acquire knowledge from mistakes. Keep your sights on your goals

and have confidence in yourself, even when faced with challenges.

Julia T. (2016) said that despite the fact that it is awful to have a broken

family, you do learn a lot from it. You develop the ability to persevere in the face

of difficulty and survive suffering. You get the ability to confront and manage

humiliation. You develop a special feeling of empathy and compassion. Since

you never know what someone is dealing with at home, you should never treat

them badly. Through these experiences, you develop close friendships, and even

though you worry that one day you'll have a dysfunctional family of your own, you

know you'll go to any lengths to maintain a loving and supportive home.

36
 Table 3. Coping Mechanisms of Senior High School Students Who Came

From a Broken Family Relationship

Significant Statements
Cluster(Theme
)
Participants’ Responses English Translation
P3: “Kuan mag laag-laag mangitag Wander around looking for
lingaw…” fun.
P7: “…kanang mag laag” Roam around.
Hanging out
with peers P9: “Mag laag2 lang uban sa mga Just hanging out with my
barkada” friends.
Roam around with my
P11: “…makig laag sakong amiga”
friends.
P6: “…gina distract nako akong self sa I distract myself to have fun
maglipay lipay lang ko sakong, friends with my friends and my
ug sakong uyab.” boyfriend.
Distraction is what I am
P8: “distraction mao na akong gina
doing. I am distracting
buhat gina distract nako akong self tas
Distracting myself and not thinking
dli nako gina dibdib like dli nako
oneself about it, like I am not
gina acknowledge ang sakit akong gina
acknowledging the pain and
feel ug gina ignore lang nako hantod
I am just ignoring it until I do
wala nakoy gaka feel.”
not feel it anymore.
P14: “Gina distract lang nako akong self Distracting myself by
like mag dula ug games” playing games.
P2: “…Di lng ko ga bali bali sa ila btaw.” I do not mind them.

Ignoring the P3: “…ginapasagdan raman gud nako
situation sila pud”
P11: “Dli nanako gina mind kay naa
man koy mama…”
Play games P10: “Spend ug time sakong love ones
nako bali si ronald tas pirme man mi
uban ni ronald since bata pami tas mag
uban mi ni ronald like mag dula mig
online games ug unsay buhaton ni
ronald mao pud akong buhaton.”
I just let them do what they
want to do.
I just did not mind it at all,
because I have my mother.
I spend my time with my
loved ones, Ronald and I
have always been together
since we were kids. When
Ronald and I are together,
we like to play online

37
 games, and what Ronald
does, I do too.
P13: “mag dula rako, tas dili ko I am not affected by my
gapadala sa problema, gina dula ra problem. I just play games
nako kay mao ra akong ampay, nya ga because that is what I want,
spend kos akong time alone…” and I spend my time alone.
P14: “…mag dula ug games” I just play games.

P1: “…self-isolation” Self-isolation.

Self-isolation
P8: “self-isolation…” Self-isolation.

Stress eating P7: “…mag ano lang stress eating…” Does stress eating.
P1: “moduol og isa ka tao didto
I will go to a person and
Had someone mastorya, mag rant sa iya dayun
talk, I will rant to her and my
to rant on marelieve dayun akong mga
pressures will be relieved.
pressures…”

Theme 12: Hanging Out With Peers

The majority of the participants have coping mechanisms that involve

going out or spending time with friends. Some find that wandering around can

help them deal with their hidden issues, and hanging out with friends can help

them forget about their problems. For those who have problems that they cannot

express or vent to anyone, going out or spending time with peers can be

particularly helpful.

It helps us to hang out with our friends, because if we have a problem that

we're trying to hide, and we're hanging out with our friends, all of our problems

will disappear, because our friends make us happy, and they make us forget our

problems. It helps students who are fighting against their broken families and
38
turns hanging out into a coping mechanism. It is possible to get rid of the troubles

you have by hanging out with your friends. Hanging out also relieves stress,

gives us peace of mind, and relieves the problems we harbor in life.

The findings, according to Lustig (2019), emphasize the value of setting

aside time for friends and family, particularly given that loneliness was found to

be negatively correlated with self-reported health and well-being. Finding

companions for fun activities like working out, volunteering, or sharing a meal

may be the best and easiest way to restart an empty social life, he explains

(Ducharme, 2019).

Theme 13: Distracting Oneself

One way our participants cope with their problems is through distraction.

Some of them find socializing with friends and playing games as effective ways

to distract themselves from their issues and relieve their pain. They mentioned

that these activities help them stop worrying about their problems. One

participant also mentioned that they cope by ignoring the pain and not

acknowledging it, just distracting themselves until they no longer feel it.

Distracting oneself also helps us to be calm, and to be okay with

ourselves. With its help, we forget the things that hurt our feelings. When you're

scared, anxious, or distressed, having distraction strategies can help you focus

on something else. Distraction can become a useful way of coping with the

situation. It helps, especially for students who have suffered from a broken family
39
because being distracted helps us to forget our hidden problems, whether it is a

family problem or a personal one. Because when we distract ourselves, our

attention goes to other things and helps us get away from our problems.

Finding ways to distract your self is a positive coping mechanism. Going

out for a walk or drive, participating in an activity that you enjoy such as playing

an instrument or knitting, or working out at the gym, can all be adaptive strategies

for coping, according to The Meadow Glade (2019).

Theme 14: Ignoring the Situation

One of the coping mechanisms mentioned by some of our participants is

to avoid paying attention to their problems. They believe that by ignoring or

neglecting their issues, they can find peace and a sense of relief. For instance,

some participants mentioned that they just let their parents do what they want

and do not pay attention to it, while another stated that they simply do not mind it

at all because they have their mother to rely on.

Choosing to ignore the things that cause us pain has become a coping

mechanism. By ignoring these issues, we can avoid dwelling on them and feeling

the associated emotional distress. Avoidance serves as a helpful strategy for

shielding ourselves from personal or family problems. It is particularly beneficial

for individuals who carry burdens they no longer wish to confront or contemplate.

Amato and Keith (1991) conducted a meta-analysis of studies on the

effects of parental divorce on children. They found that some children may
40
attempt to cope with divorce by suppressing their emotions and avoiding dealing

with the situation. They suggest that this coping mechanism may help children to

maintain a sense of stability and control in the face of the upheaval caused by

divorce.

Theme 15: Play Games

Another coping mechanism commonly used by participants is playing

games. One of them mentioned that they are not affected by the situation and

simply enjoy playing games and spending time alone. For some, playing games

serves as a distraction that provides comfort and brings joy, allowing them to

forget their problems for a while.

Playing online games has become a coping mechanism for many young

people. Engaging in these games allows them to shift their attention away from

their problems and find enjoyment. Playing provides a sense of joy, replacing

negative feelings. For some, online games have become a way to fight their

problems, such as those stemming from broken families. These games allow

them to focus on something else rather than their family issues, which is why

many use them as a coping mechanism.

Some people use avoidance as a coping mechanism to deal with

emotional pain. By ignoring or not acknowledging their problems, they can avoid

the pain and discomfort that comes with confronting them. While this may provide

41
temporary relief, it is important to recognize that avoidance is not a long-term

solution and can lead to further emotional distress in the future. It is important to

seek help and find healthy ways to cope with problems and challenges, rather

than relying on avoidance as a primary coping strategy.

According to Games Reviews (2021), when your mind is in a fight with

itself, finding good a distraction is not always simple. However, certain video

games can offer enough distraction to ease your symptoms or allow you to more

comfortably retrace your triggers. You're not just sitting around wasting time or

worrying, which would just make the situation worse. Being occupied with

something you like doing might be beneficial.

Theme 16: Self-Isolation

Self-isolation is one of the common coping mechanism people from

broken families have. Some of the participants said that they isolate themselves

because of their parents' separation. They isolate themselves from others as a

way to cope with the sadness they feel, and they find peace in spending time

alone because it brings them happiness and helps them forget about what

happened with their parents' separation.

Self-isolation can be a difficult experience, especially when coping with the

effects of a broken family it can cause a lot of emotional pain and stress for those

involved. Self-isolation can be a way for individuals to take a break from the

stress of their family situation, and to create a sense of safety and control in their
42
environment. Self-isolation can be challenging, but it is possible to get through it

with the right support and coping mechanisms. Self-isolation can be an

opportunity to reflect, grow, and recharge.

According to Bartel, Sherry, & Stewart (2020), self-isolation can be a

dangerous strategy to isolate you from friends and family. A little time to cool off

or reflect is okay. However, isolation can be a risk factor for the development and

regression of mental health symptoms.

Theme 17: Stress Eating

One of the coping mechanisms that many participants have is stress

eating. According to one of the participants, their way of coping is through stress

eating, which can provide a temporary sense of relief and emotional fulfillment.

However, emotional eating does not address the root cause of our emotional

issues. While it may provide a temporary distraction, our problems will continue

once we stop stress eating.

Stress eating is a widespread coping mechanism for many individuals,

although it is not a healthy way to handle emotional issues. When food is used to

manage stress or other emotional problems, it can result in weight gain, poor

nutrition, and other health issues. During a family breakdown, stress eating may

be utilized as a way to deal with the emotional pain and loneliness that can occur

due to the parents' separation or divorce. Food may offer temporary comfort and

a diversion from these painful emotions.

43
 According to Galan (2018), a registered nurse, emotional eating is the

practice of consuming food to satisfy emotional rather than stomach needs.

Sadly, emotional eating does not address emotional issues. In reality, it typically

worsens your mood. The initial emotional problem persists thereafter, and you

additionally feel bad for overeating. Keeping a food diary or journal can help to

identify situations when someone is more likely to eat because of emotional

instead of physical hunger.

Theme 18: Had Someone to Rant On

One of the coping mechanisms that participants use is having someone to

rant on. According to one of the participants, they seek out someone they can

talk to and express their thought to, which helps to relieve their stress or

pressures. Ranting is an effective way to ease our emotions when we have

feelings that are overwhelming. By sharing our thoughts with others who

genuinely listen to us, we can feel lighter and relieved after releasing our

feelings.

We can express our thoughts or feelings by expressing them to other

people. We can rant to our friends or to the people we consider our comfort zone

or safe place. 'Cause when we're angry, it is like we're letting go of the pain

we've been carrying. So, ranting has been an effective or desirable activity for us

as a way of easing the pains that we feel.

44
 When a person seeks emotional or instrumental support from the

community, they are engaging in a social coping or support-seeking coping style

(Algorani & Gupta, 2021). While young children may look for their parents for

support, adolescents begin soliciting the support of their peers or themselves

(Leipold et al., 2019). But venting may cause an excessive focus on the issue at

hand (Marr, Zainal, & Newman, 2022). Further, ranting to the wrong person may

cause additional issues and amplify the problem.

Chapter 5

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATION

Summary of the Findings

45
 This study featured eighteen (18) themes based on the causes of broken

family relationships among senior high school students, the effects of broken

family relationships among senior high school students, and the coping

mechanisms of senior high school students who came from broken families.

Most of the participants said that the reason their family split up was

because one of their parents had an affair. Children from broken homes are more

likely to experience failure or suffering on the levels of education, society, and

mental well-being. Another cause is having bad or unhealthy habits, which are

gambling and drunkenness. Alcohol abuse might eventually lead to the family

breaking down if it is not stopped. The family starts by reducing their social

engagements and their time together, even at home. The other causes that can

break your family relationships are physical abuse, followed by financial

problems, and misunderstandings.

Having a broken family makes the participants used to it or not affected by

being in a broken family, but most of them are envious of having a complete

family. They even question themselves about why they do not have that kind of

relationship with their family members, and they feel sad because they do not

have that kind of family compared to others. These are the effects of having a

broken family. Also, because of this situation, they tend to become independent.

A couple of them said that they are affected by it financially, and some of them

develop self-esteem issues, attachment issues, and trust issues.

But even though they experience this situation, they have some coping

mechanisms to make them feel better or not overthink it. Most of the respondents
46
wander around or go out with their friends as distractions so that they cannot

think of it anymore, or they just ignore them. Self-isolation is a common coping

mechanism for some people with broken families. They also go to someone they

want to share their thoughts and feelings with. Some of them do stress eating

and just play games to feel distracted.

Conclusions

To summarize, this study focused on the impact of broken families on

senior high school students, examining the causes of family breakups and the

coping strategies employed by the participants. Based on interviews with fifteen

students, the following conclusions were drawn:

The primary cause of the family breakup was an extramarital affair

involving one parent. Reasons provided by the participants included feelings of

dissatisfaction, unpreparedness for commitment, pressure from co-workers, and

the common occurrence of infidelity among overseas workers.

The main effect of growing up in a broken family was a sense of envy

toward complete families, as reported by most participants. They expressed

jealousy towards families that were whole and happy, as they had not

experienced such dynamics themselves. Witnessing intact families triggered

feelings of jealousy and self-doubt, leading to sadness about their own family's

inability to establish similar relationships. The participants also described the

painful experience of having a separated family and struggled with jealousy

47
towards families they did not have. This created a sense of longing for a

complete family compared to others.

In terms of coping mechanisms, the majority of participants engaged in

activities such as going out or spending time with friends. Some found that

wandering around helped them address their hidden issues, while others found

solace in socializing with peers, allowing them to temporarily forget their

problems. These coping strategies were particularly useful for those who could

not openly express or vent their concerns to anyone.

Recommendations

Based on the study’s findings and conclusions, the researchers

recommend the following:

1. The government and private organizations should provide better

educational support. It targets not only children who are homeless,

abused, and exploited, but also children who are unable to care for

themselves, such as students whose parents have divorced or whose

families have broken down. This support will open up better horizons,

especially for senior high school students who will soon be college

students.

2. Teachers need to create a more supportive environment that is beneficial

for teachers and students. Helps build and maintain positive relationships

48
 that foster a sense of belonging and meaning, emotional, physical, and

identity security.

3. Schools should encourage school counselors to better deal with

vulnerable and persistent students to avoid school incidents such as

bullying. Students should actively interact with peers and teachers. This

will help build strong communication and build a sense of relationship.

4. Parents must provide their children with time, care, and financial support

to meet their educational needs and improve their academic performance.

Future researchers can therefore use these findings to support future

research, especially regarding the live experiences of students with

broken families.

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Appendix A. Archival Log

52

Table 1. Causes of Broken
Family Relationships
Participants’ Responses
P8: “akong father nag cheat P2:
kay dli siya kontinto tas dli
pa siya ready sa kuan
commitment.”
Table 3. Coping
Mechanisms of
Table 2. Effects of Broken Senior High School
Family Relationships Students who Came
From a Broken
Family Relationship
Participants’
Participants’ Responses
Responses
“wa lang ko ka P3: “Kuan mag laag-
experience nga complete and laag mangitag
family, legitimate na family…” lingaw…”

P10: “ana sakong papa naa P3: “…jealous sa uban P7: “…kanang mag
daw lain kauban akong
pamilya” laag”
mama…”
P10: “Dako siyag effect
sakong life since maka kita
bitaw kog family like inani tas
naa dayon jealous like ngano
P11: “Kabit, cheating issues wala koy inana nga
P9: “Mag laag2 lang
nag padala guro siyas iyang relationship like ngano wala
uban sa mga barkada”
katrabaho.” koy chada nga relationship
sakong mama sakong papa
tas daghan pud silag
pagkulang sakoa pero okay
raman noon sakoa…”
P12: “…third party mga
ing.ana kay nag OFW si P11: “Ma sadgirl kay dli na P11: “…makig laag
papa tas wala sila nag work complete imong family.” sakong amiga”
and everything.”
P6: “…gina distract
P13: “…Karun ayha nako na nako akong self sa
P14: “Naay kabit akong
realize nga kanang gaka maglipay lipay lang ko
papa ano igat lang siya.”
selos kos uban pamilya.” sakong, friends ug
sakong uyab.”
P15: “kay kuan siguro P6: “…Sakit, lisod kayo, ahm P8: “distraction mao
failure ug third party” mahimo nga kanang separate na akong gina buhat
imong family kay waka gina distract nako
kabalo nga, murag maibog akong self tas dli nako
kas lain nga complete sila gina dibdib like
nya ikaw kay wakay ana dli nako gina
53
 acknowledge ang sakit
akong gina feel ug
ana.” gina ignore lang nako
hantod wala nakoy
gaka feel.”
P3: “normal raman japun, P14: “Gina distract
P2: “Palahubog, medyo naanad nako, kuan bata lang nako akong self
babaero…” paman jud ko nag kuan like mag dula ug
sila…” games”
P4: “Palahubog man ang P4: “…kay naanad man ko
akoang papa, gibulagan ni nga wala sila ay waka P2: “…Di lng ko ga bali
mama kay wala siya ka
akoang papa sa akoang bali sa ila btaw.”
agwanta sa batasan ni
papa.” kinabuhi.”
P6: “inom lang ang iyang
problema wa syay lain nga P5: “…wala jud ko na kuan
kanang bisyo inom lang jud na apektuhan jud tungod jud
and ang iyang ginabuhat sa pagkuan sa akoang papa P3: “…ginapasagdan
man jud kay mao sab ang
kay wala manjud siya ni fit sa raman gud nako sila
pinaka hate ni mama, so
pila sab ka years nag akoang life kay army pud”
agwanta si mama ana, manggud ang akoang papa
gikapoy na siya, so mao to so wala siya.”
ni give up na siya…”
P12: “kanang naa koy two-
P7: “Nag bulag sila kay dli sides nga family, tas kanang
na maka tolerate akong daghan bitaw kog gaka P11: “Dli nanako gina
mama sa iyang batasan ug encounter, like side sakong mind kay naa man koy
pakga sugarol ug mga ano step mother tas side nasab mama…”
toxic side.” sakong step father tas Upat
bitaw kabuok akong family…”
P10: “Spend ug time
sakong love ones nako
bali si ronald tas pirme
man mi uban ni ronald
P2: “…Usahay gina dapatan P15: “ah nidako ko nga nga since bata pami tas
niya si mama, physical walay father sa akoang kuan
mag uban mi ni ronald
abuse…” side…”
like mag dula mig
online games ug unsay
buhaton ni ronald mao
pud akong buhaton.”
P3: “kanang away-away ing- P7: “Dako siyag effect P13: “mag dula rako,
54

ana ba, physical abuse”
P10: “…ana pud akong
mama ganahan daw ug
sumbag akong papa like
gina kulata akong mama
sakong papa mao ng reason
maong nag bulag sila.”
P1: “kay wa sila kabalos
ilang gipang buhat. Wala na
kabalo ang isa na mao ang
ginabuhat tapos namali di
na dayun sila ga sabot og
explanation kay third chance
naman to”
P13: “financial problem, ang
reason man jud ato kay
gusto ni mama nga maka
trabaho na bitaw si papa
nya tas si papa ni adtog
Davao ato nya galisodan
bitaw akong papa mao
dayun to nasuko akong
mama.”
tas dili ko gapadala sa
financially ug kanang ano kay problema, gina dula ra
sige man kog ano ug place nako kay mao ra
ug asa si mama or papa didto akong ampay, nya ga
ko ibutang.” spend kos akong time
alone…”
P14: “Bali sa financial
daghan gyud nag lisud gyd
mi pero at the sme time sa P14: “…mag dula ug
emotions ug sa mental health games”
sakong mama ug saakoa
pud.”
P8: “…ga ano kos iyang
presence tas kuan suko kay
dli ko mo abot sa inani nga
point feel nako kay mao ni
akong pinaka lowest point sa
life ug dli ko ma inani ug wala
si nag bulag ang ano bitaw
P1: “…self-isolation”
effect kay naka ano kog self-
issues, attachment, trust
issues ug daghan kaayo na
self-issues na tungod saila
like ang root gyud sakong
mga issue kay tungod
sailaha.”
P1: “Ilang expectations. Gaka
stuck japon sakong utok nga
ga expect sila permi sa akoa
unya wala ko kabalo kung P8: “self-isolation…”
unsa akong buhaton sa
future. Ga libog pako sa
akong mga desisyon sa life.
P6: “sa pag bulag nila P7: “…mag ano lang
nahimo ko nga independent stress eating…”
person and since grade 6 nag
working ko till grade 7 then
anang mga highschool grade
55
9 to 10, until now is ga extra²
kog trabaho sakong mga ante
or sa asa man ko maka
trabaho like manglaba ko sa
lain naa koy 300, or mag
work ko 6 hours naa koy 250
but libre ra tanan…”
P1: “moduol og isa ka
tao didto mastorya,
mag rant sa iya dayun
marelieve dayun
akong mga
pressures…”

56
 Appendix B. Questionnaire

1. What causes your parents to break up?

2. What have you felt after your parent’s break-up?

3. What are the effects of your parent’s break-up on your life?

4. What are your coping mechanisms for the problems you’ve encountered

caused by your parent’s break-up?

57