Low-Income Urban Filipino Mothers’ Experiences With Community Violence

Abstract

Community violence exposure has profound implications for individuals’ psychological well-being, and yet, little is known about its effects on parents residing in high-risk neighborhoods. Using qualitative interviews with 20 mothers living in informal settlement areas in the Philippines, this study examined (a) the parenting strategies that mothers use in response to community violence and (b) the protective factors that enhance their well-being. Content analyses revealed that the most frequently endorsed parenting strategies were giving reprimands and advice ( pinagsasabihan at pinangangaralan) and monitoring and prohibition ( pagsubaybay at pagbabawal). To protect their well-being, the mothers most frequently mentioned relying on prayers and faith to cope and make sense of community violence. The findings highlight Filipino mothers’ use of active and resourceful parenting strategies, the constructive function of religion and faith in low-income Filipino mothers’ experiences, and mutual support among family and community members as protective factors. Implications include incorporating religion and faith in local resilience frameworks, including the family and community in interventions, and equal attention on policies aimed at fostering resilience and reducing poverty.

Resilience in low-income Filipino mothers exposed to community violence: Religiosity and familism as protective factors.

“…Moreover, poor Filipino individuals are highly committed to helping their families of origin; such a strong family orientation can enhance individuals’ sense of security and support during difficult times (Tuason, 2011). As found in a previous study, Filipino mothers reported relying on their spouse, children, and relatives to ease their anxiety about neighborhood dangers (Jocson & Garcia, 2017). Familism may thus serve a buffering role among low-income Filipino mothers who experience stressful events like community violence.…”

“…Thus, in the context of poor and dangerous neighborhoods, mothers may have the additional task of ensuring that children are safe, while also taking care of children’s physical, financial, and emotional needs. Indeed, low-income Filipino mothers report being fearful and anxious about their child’s safety and well-being because of violence in the community (Jocson & Garcia, 2017). Additionally, low-income Filipino mothers worry about their children’s involvement in other neighborhood risks and dangers such as drinking, gambling, and using or selling drugs (Ochoa, 2014).…”

“…Qualitative evidence suggests that low-income Filipino adults may cope with poverty by praying and trusting that God will help them through difficult times (Tuason, 2011). Indeed, low-income Filipino mothers reported praying frequently to protect themselves and their children from the harmful effects of community violence exposure (Jocson & Garcia, 2017).…”

Religiosity and spirituality among Filipino mothers and fathers: Relations to psychological well-being and parenting.

“…In the Philippines, there is indeed evidence suggesting that religiosity functions as a protective factor in adverse contexts. Qualitative studies showed that Filipino adults rely on prayers, religious faith, and support from a religious community when faced with difficult situations (Jocson & Garcia, 2017; Lagman et al, 2014; Tuason, 2011).…”

“…In the Philippines, religion is widely recognized as an important and powerful social institution, yet the direct contributions of religiosity and spirituality to Filipino parents’ psychological well-being and behaviors are largely unknown. Although there is some evidence on the benefits of religiosity and spirituality on coping behaviors (Jocson & Garcia, 2017; Lagman et al, 2014; Tuason, 2011), more studies are needed to identify which specific aspects of religiosity and spirituality may contribute to other aspects of well-being. In addition, the relation of religious and spiritual factors to both positive and negative parenting behaviors remains unexplored in the local context.…”