Lost in translation: A qualitative study of the experience of toxic relationships among Filipino young adults and why they choose to stay

• Main Authors: Leyson, Mariella Angela Santiago, Alpapara, Janica Bianca Gavina, Cruz, Leigh La Charlize Valconcha, Flores, J Maria Johanna Lim
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2022
• Subjects: Psychological abuse; Invective; Psychology
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etdb_psych/18; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1030&context=etdb_psych
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study aimed to develop a deeper understanding on the lived experiences of young adults in a toxic relationship and the factors that contributed to their decision to stay. Five young adults, aged 21 to 25, who were in a toxic relationship were selected using criterion and snowball sampling. This study used a qualitative, primarily phenomenological, research design that involved interviews. It was discovered that young adults stayed because of the anticipation that the toxicity would pass, the remorse in wanting to end the relationship, the belief that they’ve found the one and the victim's compassion for the partner. As to their experience being in a toxic relationship, the abused participants have experienced psychological, emotional and verbal abuse. All these added to the decline of their mental health and struggle with self-care. Keywords: toxic relationships, psychological abuse, emotional abuse, verbal abuse