Health Experiences and Emotional Patterns of Adolescents with Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Parents

Abstract

The growing number of adolescents in Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) families has brought increased attention to how parental migration shapes both emotional well-being and health-related practices among those left behind. This inquiry focused on adolescents with OFW parents, examining how prolonged parental absence influenced their emotional conditions, family relationships, and daily management of health and responsibilities. A qualitative phenomenological design was applied, involving semi-structured interviews with eighteen adolescents aged 15–19 in Zamboanga City who had at least one parent working abroad. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring patterns across lived experiences. Findings revealed that adolescents in OFW households experienced a dual condition of increasing independence alongside persistent emotional longing. While participants developed maturity and responsibility, these were accompanied by emotional restraint, trust difficulties, and internalized coping. Family relationships were maintained through communication, yet often lacked emotional depth, contributing to gradual emotional distance. Although closer ties with extended caregivers were formed, these did not fully replace parental presence, resulting in a continued sense of non-belonging. In terms of health and daily routines, adolescents managed their own well-being with limited supervision, leading to inconsistent discipline and irregular practices such as disrupted sleep and eating patterns. Emotional strain was also reflected in fatigue and reduced motivation. Coping strategies, including distraction, routine-building, and acceptance, supported daily functioning but often centered on managing immediate demands rather than addressing deeper emotional needs. Overall, adolescents with OFW parents demonstrated self-reliance while continuing to experience unresolved emotional gaps. The findings highlighted the importance of strengthening emotional support and structured guidance to promote balanced well-being among adolescents growing up in transnational family arrangements.