Group intervention program for upscale urban Filipino women in problem marriages

• Main Author: Regala, Angela V.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Subjects: Women > Philippines; Marriage; Counseling Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_doctoral/274
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study explored the plight of women with problem marriages concerns, experiences, behaviors, and the effectiveness of an intervention program in meeting their needs. The descriptive survey and the modified time series design were used in the study. Purposive sampling was used for the former and convenience sampling for the latter. Respondents in the survey were 214 women living in Makati villages. Seven of them also participated in the group intervention. Content analysis, descriptive statistics, and inferential statistics were employed. Problem marriage was defined as one that lacked communication and understanding between partners. It is when the couple is uncomfortable, unhappy and do not enjoy each other. The survey found that the most prevalent problems in upscale urban Filipino marriages include communication, financial, infidelity, spousal immaturity, and in-law problems. The experiences reported most in response to problems included: disappointment, anger, depression, loss of trust, doubt, fear, and self-pity. Highest reported behaviors from marriage problems included: worry, sleeplessness, indecisiveness, loss of appetite, self-sacrifice, and social withdrawal. The women wanted to receive the following assistance from a counselor: a) provide support by listening, b) gain improved planning skills and c) receive direct advice. They perceive the following as most helpful in dealing with their problem marriage: a) to be happy in spite of their problem, b) learn problem solving skills and c) to move on. A group intervention program was designed based on the needs of the women as revealed in the survey. The group intervention program with skills enhancement for upscale urban women in problem marriages was effective in meeting the womens needs as shown in a decrease in level of depression and increase in satisfaction with life, sense of self efficacy, and sense of coherence. iii