Reasons, problems and coping strategies in May-December love affair

• Main Authors: Chan, Cymbeline, Cheng, Sandra, Yip, Jocelyn
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1993
• Subjects: Coping behavior; Interpersonal relations; Married people; Marriage; Age
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/7134
• Institution: De La Salle University

The Psycho-Social Case Study Method was used to obtain information from nine (9) purposively selected individuals who were presently involved in May-December love affairs. The said respondents were in this type relationship for at least one year and have an average disparity of at least fifteen (15) years. Furthermore, a descriptive design was used to determine the reasons, problems and coping strategies of such unions. A semi-structured interview guide was prepared for this study -- to facilitate in conducting the in-depth interview. Data gathered were subjected to content analysis such that results of the study were obtained. The findings indicated that the quality which greatly appealed to a majority of May-December respondents is their partner's kind personality. It was also shown that love is the primary reason which binds May-December couples. However, it was revealed that the predominating factor which threatened their relationship was jealousy, apart from other problems such as insecurity, miscommunication, unacceptance of family, friends and still other minor problems. Nonetheless, most of the respondents strive hard to bridge their wide age difference by having an open line of communication in order to discuss problems that come between them.