Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College

---

Abstract

This phenomenological study investigated the lived experiences of teenage Ilokano fathers. Specifically, this study described what it is like to be a teenage father. Six teenage fathers, called in this study as Juan ang batang ama (Juan the young father), between the ages of 13 and 19 were selected through criterion sampling, and their experiences were gathered using an aide-mémoire. The data were analyzed using cool and warm analyses to identify significant statements and develop categories and themes. The analysis revealed five themes: shocking, overwhelming, balancing, challenging, and transforming. Initially, the teenage fathers' parents reacted with shock and disappointment, but over time, they gradually accepted and supported their children. The participants also described the overwhelming emotions and challenges they faced while balancing their roles as fathers and students. Moreover, they encountered difficulties such as delayed studies, financial constraints, and societal judgment, but also experienced personal growth and transformation. Fatherhood brought increased responsibility, maturity, and a shift in perspective, while their relationship with their children provided happiness, relief, and inspiration. The study emphasizes the importance of support systems, educational resources, and financial assistance in helping teenage fathers navigate their challenges while continuing their education. It also highlights the need to reduce the stigma and create an enabling environment that support the success of teenage fathers. Finally, the study suggests future research should include a more diverse sample for a broader understanding of teenage fatherhood in different contexts and culture.

Full Article

DOI: https://doi.org/10.56901/DZLS6867

References

Azarias, R.A., Garcia, A.F., Garlejo, V.G. & Lacaden, J.A. (2023). Traditional farming and its lexicons as indigenous knowledge: The context of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur. E-Dawa: An International Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 3 (1), 101-111. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56901/PQRF7474

Azarias, R., Garcia, A. F., & Garlejo, V. G. (2022). Heirloom Food Preservation Techniques and Languages of the Indigenous Peoples of Cervantes, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Studies, 4(1), 262–269. https://doi.org/10.32996/jhsss.2022.4.1.26

Azarias, R. A. (2022a). English as medium of instruction: The case of technology-related classrooms. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Education and Technology (ICETECH 2021), Advances in Social, Education and Humanities Research, 630, 301-312.

Azarias, R. A. (2022b). Milieu of English language use in industrial-technical classrooms: Implication for intervention and policy formulation. International Journal of Research Studies in Education, 11(12), 103-124. https://doi.org/10.5861/ijrse.2022.332

Azarias, A. R., Ballocanag, R., Ramos, A.O., Bambico, L.A.G., Supnet, E.M., Miranda, A.S., Dumot, B.D., &
Holmes, M.V.M. (2020). Freewill in pedagogy: Phenomenologizingthe lived experiences of seasoned
teachers. International Academic Journal of Education & Literature, 1(7), 329-334.

Azarias, R. A., & Capistrano, F.M. (2019). Pronunciation teaching difficulties and coping: The case of oral
communication teachers. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 2(6), 361-
373

Bamishigbin Jr, O. N., Schetter, C. D., & Stanton, A. L. (2019). The antecedents and consequences of adolescent fatherhood: A systematic review. Social Science & Medicine, 232, 106-119. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.04.031

Bernabe, J.P., & Marasigan, A. (2022) “Tatay na si Totoy”: Lived Experiences of Teenage Fatherhood. European Multidisciplinary Journal of Modern Science, 4, 674–683. Retrieved from https://emjms.academicjournal.io/index.php/emjms/article/view/161

Gapulan, D.T. (2020). The story behind: A look into the life circumstances driving towards adolescent fatherhood. International Journal of Management Studies and Social Science Research, 2(3) http://www.ijmsssr.org/paper/IJMSSSR00144.pdf

Madiba, S., & Nsiki, C. (2017). Teen fathers’ perceptions and experiences of fatherhood: A qualitative exploration with in-school teen fathers in a rural district in South Africa. Current Pediatric Research, 21(3), 501-506.

Mniszak, C., O'Brien, H. L., Greyson, D., Chabot, C., & Shoveller, J. (2020). “Nothing's available”: Young fathers’ experiences with unmet information needs and barriers to resolving them. Information Processing & Management, 57(2), 102081. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ipm.2019.102081

Recto, P., & Lesser, J. (2021). Adolescent Fathers' Perceptions and Experiences of Fatherhood: A Qualitative Exploration with Hispanic Adolescent Fathers. Journal of pediatric nursing, 58, 82-87. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2020.12.010

Riboni, G. (2022). Textbooks, Cell Phones, and Diapers: Being a Dad in Adolescent Fathers’ Own Words. Online Journal of Communication and Media Technologies, 12(3), e202221. DOI: https://doi.org/10.30935/ojcmt/12226

Sheeran, N., Jones, L., Bernardin, S., Wood, M., & Doherty, L. (2021). Immoral, incompetent, and lacking warmth: How stereotypes of teenage fathers compare to those of other parents. Sex Roles, 84, 360-375. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-020-01172-8

Weber, J. B. (2020). Being there (or not): Teen dads, gendered age, and negotiating the absent-father discourse. Men and Masculinities, 23(1), 42-64. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1097184X17747082

Yap, K. J., Ildefonso, T. K., Bregabriel, C. D. M., Samillano, H. J., & Vallagomesa, E. (2022). The Lived Experiences of Teenage Fathers: A Phenomenological Study. Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 5(9), 710-717. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo/7341877