Transitions among Filipino elderly women: A phenomenological study

Date of Publication

2003

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology Major in Clinical Counseling

Subject Categories

Counseling Psychology | Educational Psychology

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

Counseling and Educational Psychology

Thesis Adviser

Filma G. Brawner

Defense Panel Member

Barbara Wong Fernandez
Carmelita P. Pabiton
Imelda G. Villar
Nancy Rayos
Jaime Cempron

Abstract/Summary

The study sought to understand the phenomenological world of the Filipino elderly women in terms of their transition experiences. The subjects of the study were sixteen (16) elderly women whose ages ranged from 64 to 79. The indigenous method, pakikipagkwentuhan was used to gather the data. The researcher tried to enter the subjects' field of perception by listening to respondents' stories and accounts of their transition experiences and see how they live these experiences.
An analysis of the narrative gathered during the story telling sessions revealed the following: The elderly women in this study went through and are undergoing transitions along life event changes such as Retirement, widowhood/loss of significant others, sickness/disability, and grandparenting. These transitions on account of the changed situation experienced by the elderly caused stress, disorientation, and disability. In the case of those who retired, they experienced lesser opportunities for socialization, lesser income and had feelings of being less empowered. Those who experienced the death of spouses/of significant others had to adjust to living alone or with children or other people and had to cope with loneliness.

Problems encountered by the elderly during their life event changes were as follows: lesser social interaction, relocation, sensitiveness or getting hurt easily, communication gap sensory deterioration, financial problems, and depression and loneliness.
The elderly coped with life event changes by keeping themselves busy with varied activities at home, taking care of grandchildren, meeting or going out with people, conversing with friends over the phone, and involvement in social, civic, and religious programs.
The positive experiences that have come out of the various transition points are as follows: On Retirement--more time for prayers and spiritual life freed from tension and daily rush able to use skills in civic and community projects allowed them to enjoy the company of their husbands and children and lastly, it allowed them more trips outside the country. On Widowhood/loss of significant others, they developed in them a closer relationship with God and their children. With sickness and disability, the subjects saw the need to learn patience and humility in dealing with self and others. With those who had to take on grandparenting roles, they found it a source of joy and fulfillment.
The most common themes shared by the elderly were on their childhood days, war time, the group activities they are currently involved previous work experiences, and the accomplishments of their loved ones.
With regard to their views on the varied transition points--As for Retirement, this was taken positively by those who were homebodies for work alcoholics, this was a cause of disequilibrium. As for Sickness and Disability, this was a cause of lonliness, a feeling of being alone and embarrassed at being dependent on others for their activities of daily living. Widowhood/loss of significant others was a cause of depression especially for those who do not have children and Grandparenting was seen to be contributing to the grandparents' over all sense of purpose and worth.
The following factors were seen to be associated with ease of attaining equilibrium: well integrated personalities happy childhood experiences and good training maintenance of sense of continuity with their pasts good social and personal relations supportive home and community environment financial security engagement in leisure activities and deep religious faith.

Abstract Format

html

Note

Title from title screen.

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG003575

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Keywords

Older women--Philippines; Middle-aged women

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