Narratives of Identity Construction of Filipino Adult Children Who Have a Mother With a Mental Illness
Date of Award
12-1-2022
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
First Advisor
Erwine S. Dela Paz, PhD
Abstract
Existing literature on children's experiences of maternal mental illness (MMI) primarily focuses on their psychosocial outcomes, interpersonal relationships, and parenting experiences. However, there is a gap in understanding how MMI shapes the child's identity construction, especially in the collectivistic context. Therefore, this study aims to examine the narratives of identity construction of Filipino adult children living with MMI and to investigate how they construct identities in light of such experiences by using a narrative inquiry strategy. Four participants were interviewed who were all Filipino women in their late 20s who have a mother with a mood and/or anxiety disorder. Results identified a core narrative of identity construction consisting of experiences that include walking on eggshells, feeling mistreated, and gaining a foothold in one's individuality. Twelve identity constructions were drawn from the narratives, and two main trajectories of identity construction were also identified. The findings of the study suggest that both the mother-child relationship and collectivistic cultural values play a considerable role in identity construction. There was also no evidence of a loss of sense of self among these adult children. Although this study may aid mental health professionals in planning treatment for this population, future research is needed that focuses on sons with experiences of MMI or children with parents who have other psychological disorders.
Recommended Citation
Tomas, Jebbie Brigitte T., (2022). Narratives of Identity Construction of Filipino Adult Children Who Have a Mother With a Mental Illness. Archīum.ATENEO.
https://archium.ateneo.edu/theses-dissertations/1024
