Philippine E-Journals

Pagsalo (The Act of Taking In): A Phenomenological Study on the Parentification Experiences of Filipino Young Adults

Daniel Anne Paculan | Lea Elivera

Discipline: others in psychology

 

Abstract:

In a typical family dynamic, parents fulfill their children's needs while children receive care and guidance. However, when parents face difficulties fulfilling their roles, children may assume adult responsibilities — a phenomenon culturally encapsulated in the Filipino term "Pagsalo," which, in this study, refers to taking on emotional or caregiving responsibilities within the family to maintain balance and support. Hence, this study focuses on the lived experiences of Filipino parentified young adults. Specifically, the researcher sought to explore the challenges participants faced, the circumstances that led to their parentification, the emotions they experienced, the coping strategies they employed, and the meaningful insights they gained from navigating these experiences. The study utilized a qualitative phenomenological design and explored the experiences of 10 Filipino young adults identified through snowball sampling. To enhance credibility, triangulation was applied by including insights from ten secondary participants (siblings or close friends). Data were gathered through validated semi-structured interviews and analyzed to capture the essence of parentification experiences. Findings revealed that Filipino young adults who experienced parentification bore significant financial, emotional, and caregiving responsibilities. This phenomenon was commonly associated with factors such as family financial instability, parental illness, and parental loneliness. A strong sense of familial duty profoundly influenced their life choices, often leading them to prioritize emotional and financial stability before contemplating marriage. While they showed resilience and ambition, they also struggled with emotional exhaustion, feelings of guilt when taking time to rest, and disappointment toward their parents' behavior. To cope, they turned to prayer, support systems, and self-care. Findings highlight how parentification can be both a burden and a source of growth, with important implications for culturally sensitive research, interventions, and education in the Filipino context. The study underscores the profound impact of parentification on Filipino young adults, emphasizing the need for mental health support, tailored interventions, and family-centered programs. Schools, professionals, and community organizations may collaborate to provide emotional, financial, and educational support, thereby promoting healthier family dynamics and improved well-being.