Chapter 1

Introduction

Background of the study

A family is a primary social group, a small community, in any society,

typically consisting of a man and a woman, or any two individuals who wish

to share their lives together in a long-term committed relationship with one

another, raising offspring and usually reside in the same dwelling (Maskanian

et Al).

Nowadays, we are facing to a new millennium, a new challenge that

our society must get focus on. The increasing number of solo parents due to

death, separation of parents, and even single motherhood has a great impact

to our society. According to Ap-apid et. Al, 11% in Southeast Asia including

Philippines has been headed by single parents. Moreover, they are also in

front of different problems such as financial, emotional, and social issues, if

Solo Parents undergo to this situation, also their children experiencing the

same dilemma which contribute to their personality.

The primary focus of the study is to identify what are the problems

encountered by the child of solo parent and the implications to their lives.

Also, as a future Social Worker, we need to focus not only to the solo parent

but also to the child who is part of we called family.

Statement of the problem

This study aims to determine the Problems Encountered by a Child of

Single Parenthood and it sought to answer the following questions:

1. What is the profile of the child in terms of:

a. Age

b. Sex

c. Birthrank

d. No. of years having single parent

e. Reason of single parenthood?

2. What is the extent of the problems encountered by the solo parent as

to:

a. Psychological aspect

b. Economic aspect

c. Social aspect?

3. Is there a significant relationship between the profile and problems

encountered by a child of solo parent in terms of:

a. Psychological aspect

b. Economic aspect

c. Social aspect?
Significance of the study

This study will benefit the following sectors: first, the University. It will

serve as a file record and source of information regarding to the child of

single parent. Secondly, to the readers, understand the standings of a child of

single parent and how they combat for this dilemma. Thirdly, to the

educators and teachers that it will serve as a guide in making school policies

that will benefit not only the complete parents but also on the child of single

parents. Lastly, to us Social Workers, to better understand the solo parent

and to promulgate the R. A 8972 which gives assistance for the solo parents

and their children.

Scoop and Delimitation

This study will focus on the Problems Encountered by a Child of Single

Parent. It will focus on the extent to the problem of a child of solo parent, its

psychological, emotional and social aspects.

The respondents are either son or daughter of solo parent whether the

solo parent is widowed, separated or unwed mother or father. Also, twenty

(20) respondents came from First year up to Fourth year students of Bachelor
of Science in Social Work because of financial and time constrains on the part

of the researchers.

Chapter 2

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter presents a review of related literature which is relevant to

the problem under investigation. It depicts a much broader concept to

elucidate the problem under investigation.

Review of Related Literature

Parenthood is a great responsibility moreover to a single parent. Single

parent is the one who cares, rearing and finance his/her siblings.

(www.scribd.com/ buhaysingleparent). According to Wallenstein & Kelly, as

cited by Ap-apid, et. Al, age, temperament, and sex of the child vary from

one child to another and some children are vulnerable to the effects of family

conflicts and divorce but others are resilient and able to adapt in the face of a

wide range of stressors.

 On the other hand, it depends on the left parent which is the single

parent on how to handle the situation. If the child sees his/her mom/dad at

ease as the past, he/she has a positive result towards the situation (Gardner,

J. 2008). Parental guidance from the solo parent is needed.

Conceptual Framework: