“I Think I Failed Them Again”: Exploring Perceived Signs of Parental Disappointment and Its Impact on Adolescents’ Emotional Well-Being

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Ixchel Rain V. Atienza, De La Salle UniversityFollow
Jimmy Stephen A. Asuero, De La Salle UniversityFollow
Szarina Anne S. De Guzman, De La Salle UniversityFollow
Renee Mai R. Hartshorne, De La Salle UniversityFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

School Name

De La Salle University

Track or Strand

Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Alano, Isabel Anne M.

Start Date

23-6-2025 1:30 PM

End Date

23-6-2025 3:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Y501

Abstract/Executive Summary

Parental expectations significantly shape adolescents' emotional well-being and self-perception, especially in Philippine culture, where family honor and obligations are expected. Perceived parental disappointment can lead to emotional distress, anxiety, and self-doubt, affecting self-esteem and personal development. While much of the existing research focuses on parental perspectives, there is little research and understanding of how adolescents internalize these experiences. This study examines the narratives of Filipino adolescents on perceived parental disappointment, highlighting its emotional and psychological effects. This study utilized interviews in order to collect the lived experiences of Filipino adolescents aged 18-19, residing in Binan and Sta. Rosa, Laguna. Through a narrative analysis approach, key themes, phrases, and recurring patterns were identified, then compared with existing literature. Results show that adolescents believe their parents express their disappointment through indirect cues (e.g., silent treatment, tone, facial expressions) rather than direct communication, with academic performance being the most common reason for perceiving parental disappointment. Adolescents interpret these cues as indirect expressions of disappointment through observations of patterns, leading to varied emotional responses, ranging from guilt, anxiety, and doubt to motivation for self-improvement. Many adolescents adopt unique coping mechanisms, namely using perceived disappointment to fuel goal-directed behavior and growth. It is recommended that future studies consider key aspects such as economic/social status, “utang na loob” culture, birth order, and look into the narratives of adolescents in other parts of the Philippines. It should also investigate why the findings align predominantly with Western theories, despite being based on data from Filipino adolescents.

Keywords

perceived parental disappointment; adolescent; emotional well-being; self-perception; emotions

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Family, Relations, and Social Structure (FRS)

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes