COPING MECHANISM OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH OVERSEAS

FILIPINO WORKERS PARENTS IN LIBERTAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

CATALO, KATE LYNN C.

PEREZ, JHONUDIN B.

SINGKAN, DONALD JAMES

A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF DEPARTMENT OF

HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES OF KORBEL FOUNDATION

COLLEGE, INC., GENSAN DRIVE, BRGY. MORALES, KORONADAL CITY IN

PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE

BACHELOR OF SOCIAL WORK

OCTOBER 2025
 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

The global phenomenon of parental labor migration has become a significant factor

impacting the well-being of children left behind in their home countries. The absence of one or

both parents can lead to a range of psychosocial challenges, including increase feelings of

loneliness, anxiety, and depression (Faul et al.,2024). These children often face difficulties

with a lack of parental discipline and guidance, which can negatively affect their overall

psychological well-being (Sun et al., 2015). Moreover, studies have shown that parental

migration, particularly when both parents are absent, is associate in risky behaviors (Song et

al.,2018). These problems highlight a widespread issue where the economic benefits of

migration may not outweigh the emotional and psychological costs to the children left behind.

The challenges face by children of migrant parents are recognize in various countries.

In China, illustrate the studies have shown that left-behind children have lower life satisfaction

and academic achievement compare to their peers with non-migrating parents (Zou et al.,

2018). These children often struggle with emotional disturbances and difficulties in

communication with their parents. In Romania, a country with a high rate of emigration to

Western Europe, children of migrant parents face significant risks such as poor educational

outcomes and a lack of social support (Udrea & Guiu, 2023). They often report feelings of

loneliness and longing for their absent parents. A study in Mexico found that children of

migrant parents experience a decline in health status and an increase likelihood of dropping

out of school due to absence of a primary caregiver (Vásquez et al., 2014). These cases

illustrate the consistent negative impact of parental migration on children’s psychosocial and

academic development across different cultures.

phenomena that Filipino families are currently dealing with. Base on the recent data gather by

the Philippines Statistics Authority, the estimated number of overseas Filipino workers reach

up to 2.16 million in the second and third quarters of 2023. This data reveals the proliferation

of Filipino families that have led to the temporary separation, while the parents work abroad,

and their absence is associate with poor outcomes (Distor, and Campo, 2020). This emotional

distance can lead to academic challenges, as students report struggling with school-relate

problems and a lack of motivation due to limit parental supervision and guidance (Calantas &

Labaton, 2018). The absence of a key parental figure also coincides with a mark difficulty in

forming new connections and a fear of abandonment, which contributes to a feeling of social

isolation (Villarma et al., 2025).

If these issues are not to address the long-term consequences for senior high school

students with OFW parents, it can be severe. Unresolving psychological problems, such as

chronic loneliness and depression can persist into adulthood, affecting their ability to form

healthy relationships, and their mental health will be affect (Yang,2022). A lack of effective

coping mechanism may lead these students to engage in risky behaviors such as substance

abuse or other forms of delinquency to deal with their emotional pain and feelings of neglect

(Mendoza, 2019). Societally the continue to strain on family structures and psychosocial

challenges face by this generation of youth could lead to broader social fragmentation and

instability. Ultimately, failing to provide adequate support for these students risks their future

well-being and the social fabric of the nation (Abad, 2020).

This study is anchor on three major theories that explain the coping mechanisms of

senior high school students with overseas Filipino workers (OFW) parents. The first one is

John Bowlby’s (1969) Attachment Theory, which focuses on the importance of children

forming secure emotional bonds with their parents. The theory suggests that, because of

absent parental care children may feel insecure and under stress (Bowlby, 2012). This theory

is relevant to the study because it helps determine the effects of OFW parental absence on

students’ emotional well-being and how they find alternatives to fill this gap.

The Stress and Coping Theory of Richard Lazarus as Susan Folkman (1984). It

focuses on how people evaluate stressors in their lives and what coping strategies they apply

to deal with them. Coping strategies can be problem-oriented (e.g., managing school

obligations) or emotion-oriented (e.g., seeking peer support, engaging in activities). The

theory is design to cope with their OFW parents’ absence and academic demands.

Family Systems Theory by Murray Bowen (1978) states that family members are

interconnecting and the changes in their behavior affect the entire family unit. When a parent

is working abroad, the family structure is altering in such a way that children must assume

more roles in the family. The theory relates to this study as it shows the impacts of losing

family ties and bonding when one or both parents are OFW. Anchoring on this, the study to

analyze how the changes in family roles affect senior high school students approaches

handling parental absence.

The three theories form the theoretical framework of this study in terms of investigating

how students with OFW parents develop coping mechanisms. They enable the researchers to

consider not only the student’s strategies but also the broader familial and relational context.

Through the application of this specific lens, the study seeks to deeply analyze the substance

use patterns among the senior high school students. This approach is fundamental not only
for gaining a deeper comprehension of the issue but also for developing effective and

practical intervention strategies that will be customize to the local community.

Statement of the Problems

This study aims to investigate how senior high school students with OFW parents cope

with the challenges to their academic performance at school and their personal lives. It will

answer the following question:

[Link] challenges do students with OFW parents experience?

[Link] does having OFW parents affect their school life?

[Link] common problems do students experience when their parents are abroad?

[Link] are the coping mechanisms of students having OFW parents?

Significance of the Study

The findings of this study aim to provide data that are both helpful to the researchers

and beneficial to the following group of people.

Senior High School Students

This study benefits students as they will be able to address their concerns and

problems regarding having OFW parents. The findings of this study would also be a basis for

recommendations that would help them to recognize and strengthen healthy coping

mechanisms that would help them to improve and have a better performance in mental,

emotional, social, and academic endeavors despite the absence of their parent’s presence.

Parents

The study would benefit parents as it could provide them with information on how to

guide their children despite their absences. The findings of this study would also notify these
parents about the struggles of their children, it would help them to assist their children in

coping with the challenges and fill the gap they have been lacking while they are away.

Teachers and Guidance Counselors

This study would also benefit the teachers, as they are the ones who will guide their

students whose parents are working abroad. The findings of this study could also help

teachers to educate, motivate, and help the students understand their current situation, as

well as encourage the students to do well in school while their parents are away. Helps in

creating supportive programs for students with OFW parents to let them know how hard it is

to work for them.

Administration

This study would benefit the administration as it can serve as their basis to implement

measures and propose specific guidelines on how to promote and encourage these students

to be excellent in their respective classes, which could contribute to the enhancement of the

school’s overall goals and objectives.

Future Researchers

The findings of this study would give future researchers information that may serve as

a basis for the conduct in this relevant study in this field.

Scope and Delimitation

This study focuses on the Coping Mechanisms of Senior High School Students with

Overseas Filipino Workers Parents. Especially, examines how these students manage their

emotions. Social skills, and their academic performances bring about by their parental

absences. The participants will be Senior High School Students enroll in Libertad National

High School at the Municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato, during the school year of 2025-

2026. This study will cover both male and female students, regardless of the strand, who
have one or both parents who are currently working abroad. It will explore the types of coping

mechanisms they use and these coping strategies influence their academic performance and

emotional well-being.

Definition of Terms

For a better understanding of the study, the following terms are define in terms of

operational and conceptual.

Attachment- A deep emotional bond that connects a child to a parent or caregiver, which

influences the student’s emotional adjustment and coping strategies.

Academic Performance- The level of achievement of the senior high school’s students in

their studies is usually measure through grades and other school activities. This is consider in

one possible area influence by their coping mechanisms.

Coping Mechanisms- These are the methods, strategies and behaviors consciously or

involuntarily done by the students to cope or deal with the absence of their parents who are

currently working abroad, which can be positive and beneficial or negative and concerning.

Family System- The interconnecting structure of roles, communication, and relationships

within a family unit. In this study, the focus is how the absence of an OFW parents affects

family functioning and student’s adjustments.

Libertad National High School- The public secondary school where the participants of this

study are enroll.

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW)- They are the parents who, under various circumstances,

sacrifice their time and innate need to bond with their children to work abroad juts to provide

the basic needs and wants of their children’s family, to secure them a better and brighter

future.
Senior High School Students- They are the students from Libertad National High School

enroll in the Academic Year 2025-2026 whose parents are currently working abroad,

experiencing challenges.

Stress- A psychological and emotional state experience by students when face with

challenges, separation, and academic pressure due to the absence of their OFW parents.
 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter provides all relevant information, topics, ideas, studies, and observations

by various researchers, writers, and authors on the variables that form the conceptual

framework of the study.

Coping Mechanisms

As define by Campbell (2024), coping mechanisms are the patterns and behaviors that

people use to deal with stressful situations. Bailey (2022) also define the coping mechanisms

as skills that a person uses to intentionally deal with problems and situations that cause

stress. In any circumstances one, may use different coping mechanisms to purposefully get

out their current situation. Students, including those who have their parents working overseas,

are some of those people who use coping mechanisms to adjust to their current situation. It is

important to understand what coping mechanisms they must use to deal with and effectively

handle their situations.

According to the Joint News Release report, the Philippines Department of Health,

together with the collaboration of the World Health Organization, launch the Philippine Council

for Mental Health (PCMI) strategic framework, it is a five year strategic plan which serves as a

guide to develop and implement mental health policies, programs and services which aim to

address the burden of mental distress and the effort to improve the mental health well-being

of every Filipino who deals with various challenges, and that include students and children

whose parents are working abroad. They conduct mental health forums and seminars to
disseminate information on the importance of mental health and the effective coping

mechanisms they can use to deal with their situation.

This joint effort is extend to a local government units by conducting a joint forum on

mental health in different school, colleges, and universities to help teenage students cope

with the academic pressure and household responsibilities. With the increasing technological

advancement, higher educational standards, family dynamics, and economic situations of

their family, students may not be able to balance their responsibilities and meet society

expectations for them, which can affect both heir physical and mental well-being (personal

communication). The student’s ability to build healthy and adaptive coping mechanisms will

help them overcome and manage the stress positions and pressure they encounter.

Active Coping Mechanisms

Active coping mechanism, as mention by the Good Therapy website (2007), typically

comprises an awareness of the stressors and a conscious attempt to minimize the stress.

This broad category of coping mechanisms employs healthy and effective ways of managing

the stressful situations often face by every individual. This proactive strategy is also employ to

directly confront and manage stressful situations, actively seeking the situation and engaging

with the challenges rather than avoiding or escaping from it.

Despite various setbacks and challenge encounter by the Filipinos, they remain

optimistic by viewing their situations positively and believing that everything will be fine if they

work hard and are determine to survive. Even with the governments efforts and measures to

mitigate the economic risk being face by Filipino families, the country remains stuck on the

issue of poverty. That is why a lot of Filipinos start to build their own businesses, while others

choose to migrate to foreign lands, securing a job with high wages and opportunities to earn

and secure their family a better and brighter future (Berlin, 2019). It only shows that even with
the challenges, every Filipino Family encounters a way to deal with or manage the

circumstances.

Meanwhile, some of the students who lie to their parents working abroad are report to

reduce the difficulty they encounter as they cope with each downside cause by their parent’s

absences (Sevillano et al. 2023). Many of these students had already accept the reason on

their parent’s overseas employment and chose to do well in their studies to reciprocate the

efforts of their parents (Taola et al., 2024).

Positive Thinking

Positive thinking is amental attitude that focuses on the good aspects of life and

believes in one’s ability to overcome challenges. This kind of thinking or perspective does not

necessarily mean that one must ignore reality, instead they are choosing to focus on the

positive aspects despite various adversities. According to Harris (2023), a positive thinking

attitude really helps to cope with difficult situations and challenges more effectively, which can

lead to be a better overall mental health of the individual. It also encompasses a mental

attitude of optimism that seeks positive and favorable outcomes in all situations

(Woods,2019).

In the Philippines, Filipinos is gaining recognition for embracing life challenges and

personal fulfillment optimistically. Research has also found that Filipino who practice positive

thinking is report to have a higher level of happiness and well-being. On the part of students

whose parents are working abroad, positive thinking helps them to see a clearer view of this

situation (Del Monde et al., n.d.). del Monde and his colleagues also found out that the major

point of the students in performing well in their studies is not only to aim for a better future but

also to pay for the students in performing well in their studies is not only to aim for a better

future but also to pay for the hard work and sacrifices pf the parents , as well as to make them

proud.
 Moreover, the students perceive the overseas employment of their parents positively

by reciprocating the efforts of their parents working abroad by getting a good grade, which

manifest their drive to accomplish their goals in life and pursue the dreams that their parents

have for them (Toala et al. 2024). Toala and her colleagues also emphasize the students

understand of their parents as the reason they need to work abroad. furthermore, others view

the academic performance as their way of returning the favor for being financially sustain by

their parents (Atenas et al., 2016). On the other hand, students often distract themselves by

directing their emotions into the arts through painting, writing, performing, or composing a

song. While the absence of parents can create feelings of loneliness and insecurity, a positive

mindset to help these students to focus on what they can do in the present and develop

resilience to cope with challenges.

In a study conduct in 2020, Burgos and his colleagues mention that students in their

senior high school years have already understood and accept the dynamics of being part of a

migrant household. Furthermore, Ibon et al., (2019) claim that the children of overseas

Filipino workers parents use several coping strategies by searching for a special form of

support, like exploring totally different hobbies and interests. Bonding with trends and listening

to music are frequently utilize coping mechanisms by the students (Sevillano et al., 2023).

Seeking Social Support

According to Wang and his colleagues (2023), support seeking refers to the

communication process through which individuals encourage support actions from their social

network. Individuals are more likely to seek support when they feel capable of doing so and

when they anticipate the benefits of seeking support to outweigh the burden that they carry.

Seeking social support can also help with coping towards various setbacks, solving problems,

improving their self-esteem and as well as help them manage their health problems and

stress (Canadian Mental Health Association, 1918). Seeking social support can also be a

proactive factor against mental health conditions, particularly when individuals are engaging
in low-level thinking. Moreover, sharing one’s thoughts and feelings can alleviate stress, gain

insights, and foster a great sense of connection and belonging (Charlie Health, Inc., 2020).

The Philippines is one of the nations that is know for its strong family and community

spirit, fully recognizing the importance of social support. With the increasing number of

parents working abroad, students are usually place in the care of their relatives, such as their

grandmothers, aunts, and uncles. Seeking support from these people can help those students

to openly express their thoughts and feelings despite their parent’s absence. Students can

also be confine to their friends who are there and ready to help in the best way they can

(Calantes and Lobaton, 2018).

The students socializing with their friends, peers, and others serves to distract

themselves. Some of these students also engage in different activities such as playing sports,

participating in school’s events, and joining organizations. In addition, technological

mechanisms like cellular phones and computers have become a default substitute for

personal parenting of these Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) parents on their children,

especially in motivating and support their children’s academic performance to keep their close

relationship (Sevillano et al., 2023).

Either way, students with OFW parents may approach their families and friends whom

they interact with every day. Reaching out to trusting their friends, family members, or support

groups can provide a valuable source of comfort these students (Charlie Health, Inc. 2020).

This kind of coping mechanisms helps the students with Overseas Filipino Workers parents

their burden, especially when they are dealing with various challenges and there’s no one

they lean on ever since their parents have work overseas.

Avoidant Coping Mechanisms

Avoidant coping mechanisms, as define by the Good Therapy website, are ways of

ignoring or avoiding the problem. It is considering an ineffective coping mechanism that can
be done by anyone, which is accidental adverse effects. Scott (2024) also defines avoidant

coping mechanisms as a maladaptive form of coping in which a person changes their

behavior to avoid thinking about, feeling, or doing difficult things. This is a common strategy

for managing stress, which involves minimizing contact with the stressors.

While avoidant coping offers a temporary relief, overusing it can cause more stress

(Shafir,2022). Early studies examining coping strategies among Filipino adolescent found that

avoidant coping was prevalent, particularly among those who experience higher levels of

stress of shame and emotional distress (Jones et al., 2023). Furthermore, the Filipino concept

of hiya or the sense of shame may contribute to several behaviors of avoidance coping

because individuals may hesitate to seek or help due to judgement or social stigma.

Various research conduct in urban communities also reveals that individuals often

engage in avoidance coping mechanisms such as excessive use of legal substances, social

withdrawal or isolation, and escapism or avoiding the problems as their way to manage the

stress and cope with difficult situations. Moreover, avoidance coping involves cognitive and

emotional strategies to reduce thoughts or feelings, such as mental disengagement or serial

or behavioral attempts to remove oneself from an aversive situation (Allen2021).

Lobaton (2018) suggests that migration of parents is associate with problematic family

situations that affect the children’s well- being. It has been observe that several students.

Potential Outcomes of Using Coping Mechanisms

Dealing with stressful challenges smartly will never give the person a stress-free life,

but its outcomes can lessen the burdens and symptoms of stress (Rickardsson, 2022). One of

their online articles publish by the Light Heart Associate Inc. (2024) states that having

effective coping mechanisms in place helps manage the triggers that cause stress and

minimizes its adverse effect on our mental health, but then even if everyone faces stress. Not
all of it can beneficially handle stress (Bailey,2022). That is why our coping skills can only

have a significant impact when we use them correctly and consistently.

The consequence of being an Overseas Filipino Workers child has never been easy.

However, adapting healthy coping mechanisms helps them create a sense of empowerment

in facing their life’s ups and downs (Light Heart Associate Inc. 2024). Incorporating the

mechanism in their daily lives leads the students to increase awareness and greater self-

control over their emotions and behavior, now that they understand their parent’s purpose of

working overseas. Positive thinking helps them to see the clear view of their current situation

which motivate them to do well in school to pay off their parent’s hard work (Del Monte et al.,

nd), while seeking social support by confiding with their friends, communicating with their

parents, getting a new hobby, reaching out on their relatives help the students to find comfort

that they miss to seek on their parents working abroad (Sevillano et al., 2023). Additionally,

Warner (2022) quotes how arts education supports students social and emotional learning

needs as well as helps these students to manage their emotions and compassion for others,

which would allow them to express and communicate their viewpoints in more creative ways.

These forms of coping and self-care help these students connect to their feelings.

On the other hand, many students still rely on avoidance to cope. It may seem like it’s

the easier way for these students to deal with their situation rather than confronting the

problem, but avoidance can be harmful in the long run, leading to unhealthier habits (Gilette,

2022). Although most avoidance coping and efforts to find instant relief from what they feel,

being avoidant doesn’t address the root cause, the parents may cause misunderstandings

that can lead to estrangement and weak emotional bonds while getting along with a negative

influence to the students wellbeing and may lead into a completely different habit such

drinking alcohol, which has long term effect on their physical health and may cause harm on

themselves and others as well (Bailey, 2022). While this behavior often manifests with their

concentration on their students. Furthermore, this can also develop doubt about their peers
motivates to be friend them. Several studies also indicate that avoidance coping has many

unwanted consequences, including lower self-esteem, higher stress, and poor physical and

mental health (Shafir, 2022), and can also result in withdrawal from interpersonal relationships

(Sourjah, 2021).

Everyone has a different approach to dealing with almost the same situation. Some

choose to cope with strategies that can help improve their long-term health and well-being by

confronting their problems, while others cope with challenges differently, which may cause

more damage in the long run (Sourah, 2021).

METHODOLOGY

This chapter describes the research design method, locale of the study, participants,

sampling technique, research instrument, data gathering procedure, and data analysis use to

identify and analyze information regarding this study. It is a process by which research design

of this study to achieve the objectives using the select research instrument. These points help

to understand what research methodology is and know why it is important to pick the right

methodology.

Research Design

The study utilize a Qualitative research design, specifically Husserl’s phenomenology

(1900’s), to explore the life experiences of senior high school students with Overseas Filipino

Workers (OFW) parents. This approach is suitable because it aims to understand a

phenomenon by analyzing conscious experience and the meaning of individual attach to

them. It allows for an in-depth exploration of how students experience and manage the

absence o one or both parents working abroad. The research’s primary goal is to investigate

how these students handle the emotional, academic and social pressure they face. Through

semi-structured interviews, the study seeks to collect detail descriptions of their experiences

and coping mechanisms. The focus is on capturing the significant statements and personal

accounts that reveal how students navigate their difficulties. As Toala et al., (2024) note,

phenomenology is an effective method for investigating the challenges and coping strategies

of students with OFW parents by focusing on the meanings they attach to parental absence.

Their study found that students often seek support and feel a sense of obligation to

reciprocate their parents’ effort. Similarly, phenomenological study by Gagelonia et al. (2025)

highlight the long-term effects of parental absence, such as emotional suffering and changing
family dynamics. This research also found that students use both effective strategies, like

communication and support seeking, as well as ineffective ones, like isolation. Furthermore, a

study by Capol et al. (2024) emphasize the value of phenomenology in understanding the

emotional struggles of students left behind particularly their journey toward acceptance and

reliance on nurturing guidance. Therefore, the chosen design is appropriate because it

enables the researcher to set aside personal biases, focus on the participants’ unique

perspectives, and provide an authentic account of the coping mechanisms employ by senior

high school students with OFW parents.

Locale of the Study

This study will conduct at Libertad National High School. It is a public secondary

school, locate in the Municipality of Surallah, South Cotabato. This learning institution

establishes and start the operation in 1969 and it still consistently know for developing the

student’s competence through quality education and technical vocational skills, ranging from

Junior high school to Senior high school.

Figure 1. Location of Libertad National High School, Surallah, South Cotabato

The participants of this study are Senior high school students with overseas Filipino

workers parents from Libertad National High School. They must be currently enrolling as

senior high school students (Grade 11 and 12), have at least one or both parents working

abroad, and willing to share their experiences relevant to coping with parental absence.

The study focuses on 10 senior high school students from various standards (Humss,

Gas, TVL, and STEM), representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Each participant

has a unique perspective on how they manage academic responsibilities, emotional well-

being, and family relationships while one or both parents are away. By gathering their

narratives, this research aims to better understand the coping mechanisms engage by the

students with OFW parents. These insights are valuable in identifying common strategies,

challenges, and support systems that influence their academic performance and personal

development.

Sampling Technique

This study uses a purposive sampling method to select participants. This technique

was chosen because the research specifically targets the senior high school students who

have one or both parents working as OFWs. Since not all students have experience parental

migration, purposive sampling ensures that only individuals with the relevant experience are

recruit. Purposive sampling, also known as judgmental sampling, is a non-probability

technique where participants are intentionally select base on specific characteristics relevant

to the research goals (Etika, Musa, & Alkassim, 2016). To ensure the participants fit the

inclusion criteria (1) currently enroll in senior high school, and (2) having at least one parent

working abroad, the researcher will be able to collect rich, in-depth and meaningful data

directly relevant to the phenomenon being study. Although purposive sampling does not aim
for statistical generalizability, it allows for a comprehensive exploration of students coping

strategies through a detail description of their life experiences (Palinkas et al., 2015). This

makes it particularly fitting for a qualitative phenomenological study, where the goal is not to

generalize findings to a larger population but to uncover the essence of a specific human

experience.

Data Collection Methods

Once the study approves, the data collection process began. The primary method will

use semi- structured interviews, with open-ended questions design to explore the students

coping mechanism. Interviews with each participant will be conduct in a private and

confidential area with within the school to ensure their comfort. The interviews will be using

the audio-recording with the participants consent, and field notes are taken to capture non-

verbal cues.

Research Instruments

Data will collect through semi-structured interviews. An interview guide is develop to

cover key themes such as self-perception, challenges, coping strategies, and support

systems. The semi- structured format allows for flexibility in exploring various aspects of the

participants experiences, ensuring that all relevant topics are address while allowing

participants to express their thoughts and feelings freely (Goerge, 2022). The interview guide

is design to elicit details and reflective responses, providing the depth of information require

for a thorough analysis.

Data Gathering Procedure

Foundation College Inc. Before starting the study, we will prepare a letter to the school

Principal of Libertad National High School to request permission to investigate the coping

mechanism of senior high school students with parents who are overseas Filipino workers.

After the approval, the researchers ask the Senior High School Students to be

participants and willing to be part of the study. The researchers assure that the collecting data

will be kept confidential.

Researchers will organize the interview guide that is relevant to the study. This will be

present to the adviser and the examining committee for validation, and to inform the

participants to have an audio recording.

After the process of approval, the researchers conduct an interview with the

participants on the coping mechanism of senior high school students with parents who are

overseas Filipino workers.

Data Analysis

This study will apply Thematic analysis to interpret the data from the participants.

Thematic analysis is a highly effective method for organizing and analyzing large amounts of

qualitative data, as it allows us to categorize and break down the information into manageable

themes. This approach is especially useful or identifying subjective data. Such as participants

experiences, perspectives, and opinions. Thematic analysis is commonly apply to data from

interviews, open-ended survey responses, and other narrative forms, as it helps uncover

patterns and key insights (Crosley, 2021). Using this method, we could identify frequent

themes and better understand the participants’ experiences about the study focus.

Ethical Considerations
 Participants are fully inform about the study purpose, their right to withdraw at any

time, and the measure taken ensure confidentiality and anonymity. Written inform consent is

obtain from all participants’ s, and the confidentiality of participants will be protect using

nickname and protect data repositories.

References

Atenas, P. P. Bobis, C. F. DL... Enriquez, J. H, Palabay, M. T. Z. Perez. G. S... Tucay, L. R.,

Valeriano, K. Y. M., (2016). Consequences of having OFW parents among adolescents.

International Journal of Research Studies in Education.

Bailey, H. (2022). Coping mechanisms: Everything you need to know. Very well, in good

health. Retrieved from

[Link]

Campbell, A. C. (2024). A guide to coping mechanisms and how to practice healthy ones.

Better Up. Retrieved

[Link]

Capol, M. P., Lirio, E. J. C., Dajay, J. T., Lumanog, F. J. P., & Ramos, D. J. D. (2024). Home

Alone: Exploring the Emotional Challenges of Children of Overseas Filipino Workers.

Florence: Interdisciplinary Journal of Health and Sustainability, 2(1).

Del Monte, D. M. A., Marquez, M. T. S., Pola, S. H. G., (n.d.) Coping strategies of children of

Filipinos working abroad. Retrieved from

[Link]

COPING_STRATEGIES_OF_CHILDREN_OF_FILIPINOS_WORKING_ABROAD

Etikan, I., Musa, S. A., & Alkassim, R. S. (2016). Comparison of convenience sampling and

purposive sampling. American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics, 5(1), 1–4.

Eric. Website [Link]

Phenomenological Study on the Long-Term Effects of Parental Absence and Coping

Mechanisms of Children of Overseas Filipino Workers. Social Science Lens, 5(1), 52–70.

Harris, R. W. (2023). The benefits of positive thinking: Surrounding yourself with positivity.

OneEighty. Retrieved from

[Link]

Ibon, H. E., Ambiola, D. L., Manalo, W., Casao, A. (2019). The adaptive coping strategies of

overseas Filipino children studying at the senior high school level. Singapore: Registered

Publisher by AscendenceAsia [Link]. Retrieved: November 17. 2022 From:

[Link]

ResearchGate

[Link]

Sevillano, A. T. Bemabe, A. G. G. Claros, M. C. C. Gonzales, M.E. M. Lamoste, J. L. N.,

Moncadilla, J. R. M., Pabunan, H. A. G., Papauran, L. D., Solayao, Y. A. G. (2023). Coping

mechanisms among Senior High School students on Overseas Filipino Workers' parental

absence in Samar Colleges, Inc. Retrieved

[Link]

HIGH-SCHOOL-STUDENT-ON-OVERSEAS FILIPINO-WORKER-S-PARENTAL-ABSENCE

Shafir, H. (2022). Avoidance coping: What it is, its effectiveness, and alternatives to try.

Choosing Therapy Retrieved

[Link]

Woods, Led (2019). 3 scientific studies that prove the power of positive thinking.

Taola, M., Sagdi, L. J., Millado, E., Harun, N. A., & Alviar, J. (2024). Academic Challenges and

Coping Mechanisms among Senior High School Students with Overseas Filipino Worker
Parents. International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research,

5(2), 457-466.

COPING MECHANISM OF SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH OVERSEAS

FILIPINO WORKERS PARENTS IN LIBERTAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Guide Questionnaire

[Link] does your parent’s absence affect your daily routine or emotions?

2. What are the biggest challenges you face as a student with an OFW parent?

3. How do you manage the stress or problems you face while your parent is away??

4. Who or what helps you the most when you’re feeling stress or lonely?

5. How does the absence of your parent (s) affect your studies and school

performance?

6. What role does communication with your OFW (s) play in your coping?

7. Do you have any routines or activities that help you manage your emotions? Can

you describe them?

8. How do your relationships with other family members (e.g., siblings, guardians) help

or challenge you in your situation?

9. What values or lesson have you learn from having a parent working abroad?

10. If you could change something about your situation, what would it be and why?
REFERENCES

A Case Study on the Academic Challenges of Overseas Filipino Workers’ Children —

qualitative case study: [Link] IJMRA

Home Alone: Exploring the Emotional Challenges on Children of Overseas Filipino Workers

—ResearchGate:

[Link]

challenges_on_children_of_overseas_Filipino_workers ResearchGate

Phenomenological Study on the Long-Term Effects of Parental Absence and Coping

Mechanisms of Children of Overseas Filipino Workers — PDF version: [Link]

[Link]/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/[Link] Digital

Journal Philippines

The Effects of Parental Absence on Children Development (on children left behind) — PMC

(open access) article: [Link] PMC

The Perspectives of Senior High School Students with OFW Parents — article:

[Link]

SCRIBD:[Link]

students-with-ofw-parents