Adolescent Psychological Well-Being: The Case of Filipino Catholic High School Students with Absentee Parents

Abstract

Psychological well-being (PWB) refers to a person's quality of looking at things and situations. Despite one's limitations, he/she can overcome challenges and live a satisfying, productive, and happy life. This descriptive-correlational research design assessed the level of psychological well-being of Catholic high school students with absentee parents of a private school in Antique, Philippines, during the school year 2019-2020.  Selected using stratified random sampling, there were 85 respondents who participated in the study. The data were collected using Ryff's item Psychological Well-Being Scale test. Mean, standard deviations, and Spearman rank correlation were used to analyze the data. The findings of the study showed that the level of psychological well-being of Catholic high school students with absentee parents of a private school in Antique was high. Categories on personal growth, positive relations, and purpose in life were also high, while autonomy, environmental mastery, and self-acceptance were moderate. In addition, a significant relationship was found between family monthly income, academic level, and involvement in Church ministry and PWB. Meanwhile, sex and attendance on Sunday masses had no significant relationship with PWB. Thus, Catholic students demonstrated a positive view of life and cope with challenges despite the absence of their parents.