Lived experiences of solo parents in nurturing young children at Virac, Catanduanes / Rose Ann M. Arcilla

Master's Thesis (MAN) - Nursing. Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, 2024.

Includes bibliographic references.

Solo parenting is a multifaceted phenomenon with unique challenges that significantly impact the physical, mental, and overall health of parents. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of solo parents raising young children at Virac, Catanduanes.

The participants are eight (solo parents in Virac, Catanduanes, who navigate the complexities of single parenthood amidst socio-economic constraints. Grounded in the theoretical framework of family stress theory, which examines how families respond to stressors, this study employed a qualitative phenomenological methodology to gather in-depth insights through interviews.

The findings reveal several key themes and subthemes. The primary themes include financial challenges, characterized by inadequate income and financial instability, which significantly impact their ability to provide for their families. Alongside these economic struggles, solo parents endure physical exhaustion and emotional stress, highlighting the mental and physical toll of single-handedly managing household and caregiving responsibilities. Despite these difficulties, the importance of a strong support system, including family support and the desire for more government assistance, emerged as a critical factor in their ability to cope. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions that address both the financial and emotional needs of solo parents, alongside improved access to support services.