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Uncovering the causes of high incidence of parental separation:

A case in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte
Jonathan P. Dagami, Mae Joyce O. Cadano, Arian Joy M. Arceño, Mark Jesse P.
Atay, Angelie T. Dosal, Charie Ann C. Padullo
[email protected]

Tacloban City, Leyte 6500, Philippines

Abstract

Marriage is a legal and lifetime union of two individuals. Unfortunately, some couples failed to fulfil their promises which
resulted to separation. In the locality of Santa Fe, Leyte, the total cases of parental separation are two-hundred and twelve
(212). Among its barangays, Zone II has the highest incidence. With this, the researchers agreed to uncover the causes of
high incidence of parental separation in this barangay. The participants were five separated couples and were selected
using purposeful sampling. Further, the study employed qualitative research specifically explanatory case study. The data
were obtained thru semi-structured interviews and were analyzed using the thematic analysis. The findings revealed that
the causes of high incidence of parental separation in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte are irresponsible behaviors,
infidelity, crime-related activities, and change of feelings. Hence, the researchers recommended the local government to
formulate programs with the aim of building healthy marriages. Parents must reflect with their actions and value more
their marriage. Children with separated parents should read this study to be informed with the causes of parental
separation. And the future researchers should utilize this as a basis of identifying the known and still unknown in relation
to parental separation.

Keywords: causes; high incidence; marriage; parental separation; parent; uncovering

1. Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

Marriage is the process by which two persons make their relationship official, public, and permanent.
It is supposed to be a lifetime commitment, but some marriages end in parental separation (Crossman, 2019).
Parental separation has negative effects such as perceived guilt, blame, stressors, and diminished
resources for the children (United Nations, 2018). Globally, it is common in countries with divorce law.
Schofer and Wang (2019) discovered that between 1970 and 2008, the global rate of parental separation has
more than doubled — from 2.6% for every one-thousand married couples to 5.5%. This social issue not just
affect the couples but also their children (Kiesewetter, 2020).
In the Philippines, there is no divorce law. Fortunately, there are available separation processes
including the declaration of nullity, annulment, and legal separation. However, only few couples resort to
these remedies. The outcome is uncertain, costs are high, and the legal procedures are long and complex.
Hence, most Filipino couples who are in a serious conflict separate in informal way. Based on the data of the
Office of Solicitor-General (OSG), the number of filed nullity and annulment has raised from 4,520 in 2001
to 11,135 in year 2014. The incidence of informal separation is excluded in this data.
In Santa Fe, Leyte, the total incidence of parental separation is two-hundred and twelve (212).
Among its twenty barangays, Zone II has the highest incidence of parental separation with a total of twenty-
two (22). The majority of these couples separated informally (Sta. Fe MSWDO, 2021). With the high

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incidence of parental separation in this locality, there are certain causes behind it.
In the Philippines, there is only one available research which studied the causes of parental
separation. It identified four major causes of separation. On the other hand, all foreign studies in relation to
the causes of parental separation excluded the incidence of informal separation. Hence, with the high
incidence of parental separation in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte, the researchers of this study uncovered
its causes. Further, there was an inclusion of couples who separated informally.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

This study aimed to uncover the causes of high incidence of parental separation in Barangay Zone II,
Sta. Fe, Leyte.
Specifically, this sought to answer the following questions:
1. Why there is a high incidence of parental separation in Barangay Zone II, Sta. Fe, Leyte?
2. How do marital conflicts affect the relationship of the couple?

1.3 Theoretical Framework

This study about the causes of high incidence of parental separation in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe,
Leyte was supported and guided by the following frameworks. These theoretical frameworks provided
conceptual underpinnings for the literatures on the causes of parental separation. A closer look to these
theories provided a greater understanding of the subsequent literatures.

Marital Conflict Theory

Conflict theory is an idea by Karl Marx. It explains that society is in a state of perpetual conflict due
to the competition for limited resources (Hayes, 2020). Conflict theory emphasized the role of power in the
family and contends that family is not perfect but also experiences struggles, disputes and conflict. Pearce
(2020) asserted that couples experience day-by-day interaction in marriage that led to marital conflict. For
instance, one spouse may have interest in specific gender roles within the marriage where they set
expectations. The other partner may not be interested in the inequality that these roles represent, creating the
marital strife that follows the beats of conflict theory. The unsatisfied spouse is seeking more than what
expectations and roles offer, creating conflict and emotional unbalance.
In relation to the study, marital conflict was used to explain the gender roles in marriage and the
unbalance powers of both spouses. This explained that conflict is inevitable in marriage as there are a lot of
things that can be considered as a source of conflict including gender roles, rules inside the household, and
others. Basically, the power between partners can employ conflict theory. Further, since conflicts are usual in
marriage, some of it remain unsolved which may eventually lead to parental separation.

Social Exchange Theory

Social exchange theory is a major theory of social interaction in social sciences. The original theories
of social exchanged were developed by Homans, Blau and Emerson (Cook, 2015). Social exchange theory
proposes that a social behavior is a result of an exchange process, in which most relationships are created to
have the amount of give-and-take, but it doesn’t mean that there should always be an equality because social
exchange suggests that it is valuing of the benefits and costs of each relationship are determinants if it should
still be continued (Cherry, 2020).
This theory was used in this study because the researchers aimed to uncover the real causes of high
incidence parental separation in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte. In relation to the study, social exchange is
quite similar to the main root of all the causes that were identified in the review of literature. This theory
explained that in relationship, if one of the partners is not receiving an equal amount in all aspects such as

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resources, love, communication, and attention, it will lead for a sudden change of relationship. This sudden
change may result for a conflict between couple. Consequently, parental separation happens.

1.4 Scope and Delimitation

This study entitled “Uncovering the Causes of High Incidence of Parental Separation: A Case Study
in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte” was conducted in the school year 2021-2022 with the aim of
identifying the causes of high incidence of parental separation in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte.
The participants and locale of this study was delimited to the separated parents of Barangay Zone II
as it has the highest incidence of parental separation in Santa Fe, Leyte (Sta. Fe MSWDO, 2021).

1.5 Significance of the Study

It is indeed that this study about uncovering the causes of high incidence of parental separation in
Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte will be a great help for the people concerning the variables of this research.
The findings of this study will redound to the following:
Parents. This study will serve as an eye-opener for the couples to reflect with their actions and value
more their marriage.
Children with Separated Parents. The results of this study will be a great help for children with
separated parents as it will inform them with the causes of parental separation. Even if the causes are not
similar in all cases, it will still widen the children’s perception especially if their questions about their
parents’ separation were left unanswered.
Local Government of Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte. This study will serve as a reference for the
local government to formulate programs with the aim of building healthy marriages.
Future Researchers. This research will serve as a basis for future researchers who will be working for
a study in relation to parental separation on what is already known and still unknown.

1.6 Definition of Terms

To provide the readers with clarity and better understanding, the following terms were conceptually
and operationally defined.
Causes. Cause is an event, thing, or person that makes something happen (Macmillan Dictionary,
n.d.). In this study, it refers to the reasons why there is a high incidence of parental separation.
High Incidence. High incidence is defined as the rate of occurrence that exceed the level or usual
interpretation of occurrence (Anderson, 2021). In this study, it refers to the rate or number of parental
separation.
Marriage. Marriage is a formal union and social legal contract between two individuals that unites
their lives legally, economically, and emotionally (Stritof, 2021). In this study, it refers to the legal union of
two individuals in church or civil.
Parental Separation. Parental separation is a major adverse childhood experience and the end of
marital relationship (Xerxa et.al, 2020). In this study, parental separation means the split of married couples
legally or informally.
Parent. Parent is a caregiver of the offspring in their own species (DBpedia, n.d). In this study, it
refers to individuals who are separated with their spouse.
Uncovering. Uncovering means to make something known (Merriam Webster Dictionary, n.d). In
this study, uncovering is the way of revealing the causes of parental separation.

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2. Review of Literature

This chapter identified the gaps on different literatures and studies in relation to parental separation.
There were already several foreign studies that explored the topic. However, it is also important to examine
the local studies concerning the main variables. The researchers argued that there are causes of high incidence
of parental separation which are still uncovered in the local scene. This review began with the global and
local incidence of parental separation followed by the global and local causes of parental separation.

Global Incidence of Parental Separation

Globally, parental separation is rampant in countries where divorce is legal. Schofer and Wang
(2019) analyzed nearly four decades of divorce data from eighty-four (84) countries around the globe. In their
published report on December 2018, they stated that within nearly four decades between 1970 and 2008, the
divorce rate has more than doubled—from 2.6% divorces for every one-thousand married people to 5.5%.
United Nations (2020) gave the list of countries with the highest parental separation rate in the world. At the
first spot is Maldives with 10.97% divorces per 1,000 couples per year followed by Belarus with 4.63%,
United States with 4.34%, Cuba with 3.72%, Estonia with 3.65%, Panama with 3.61%, Puerto Rico with
3.61%, Ukraine with 3.56%, Russia with 3.42%, and 3.40% for Antigua and Barbuda. In this global data, only
legal separation is counted. On the other hand, in the study entitled Uncovering the Causes of High Incidence
of Parental Separation: A Case Study in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte, both legal and informal
separation were included.

Incidence of Parental Separation in the Philippines

Around the world, the Philippines together with Vatican City are the only remaining countries with
the absence of divorce. However, there is exclusion for Filipino couples who are married to foreigners as they
could seek divorce abroad. Moreover, married Muslims in the Philippines are also excluded since they are
governed by different marriage laws. In the national scale, the number of nullity and annulment filed at the
Office of the Solicitor-General (OSG) raised from 4,520 in 2001 to 11,135 in 2014. Despite the availability of
declaration of nullity, annulment, and legal separation, it is evident that only a small fraction resort to these
remedies. The outcome is uncertain, costs are high (usually not less than three months of average labour
earnings, and sometimes much more), grounds are lacking and the legal procedures are long and complex.
With this, there is a growing segment of Filipino population who is becoming more receptive to the idea of
divorce. Between March 25-28, 2017 and December 8-16, 2017, the Social Weather Station (SWS) conducted
a survey in relation to the level of agreement of Filipinos on legalizing divorce. The result showed that 30%
of the participants “strongly agreed” while 23% “somewhat agreed" with the proposal to legalize divorce for
irreconcilable marital differences and conflicts resulting in the total breakdown of the marriage despite the
efforts of both spouses. It is evident in the national data that only legal separations are recorded. However in
this paper, there was an inclusion of parents who separated in both legal and informal way.

Global Causes of Parental Separation

With the presence of divorce in almost all countries around the world, there are several conducted
foreign studies in relation to the causes of parental separation. Reviewing the recent foreign studies including
the textbook of Hock (2015) entitled Human Sexuality, Top 5 Reasons for Divorce by Hickey (2017), Why
Divorce Rate in US is High by Vertucci (2019), Most Common Reasons for Divorce by Lauriello (2020), Why
Parents Break Up by Young (2021), and What Causes Divorce by Gjelten (2021), the common reasons for
parental separation abroad include broken promises, power imbalance, excessive jealousy, ineffective
communication, control issues, abusive physical behavior, criticism, maternal age, financial stress, child care
and partner support, young age, less education, less income, premarital cohabitation, premarital childbearing,
parents’ divorce, divorce is more accessible, lack of commitment, extramarital affairs, substance abuse,

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domestic abuse, and lack of love. The results of the mentioned studies are only limited to the parents who
separated through divorce. With the absence of divorce in the Philippines, this study included informal
separation and also sought to uncover the causes behind it.

Causes of Parental Separation in the Philippines

With all the available local studies and literatures in relation to parental separation, it is evident that
most of these provide emphasis on the effects of parental separation to the well-being and academic
performance of children. In contrast to the number of foreign studies focusing on the causes of parental
separation, the Philippines has only one study about it. This study is entitled Coping from the pains of a
broken family by Galang (2015). It identified four causes of parental separation including financial problems,
lack of communication, infidelity, and domestic violence. Since there is only one local study about the causes
of parental separation, the researchers finished this paper in order to add data. Further, this study uncovered
other causes of parental separation in the local scene.
The level of exploration on the causes of parental separation in the foreign and local scale is quite
different. Globally, there are a lot of studies about the causes of parental separation. However, in the
Philippines there is only one study which identified four major causes of parental separation. Moreover, both
the reviewed foreign and local studies excluded the incidence of informal separation. Hence, the researchers
of this study uncovered the causes of high incidence of parental separation in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe,
Leyte to identify other causes. Further, the couples who separated in informal way were included in the
participants.

3. Methodology

3.1 Research Design

The research design of this study was explanatory case study. Explanatory case study is used to do
causal investigations. Researchers are interested in looking at the factors that may have actually caused
certain things to occur. It aims to answer 'why' or ‘how’ questions. Moreover, this type of case study focuses
on phenomena within the contexts of real-life situations (Capraro, 2016).
Since this study aimed to uncover the causes of the high incidence of parental separation in Barangay
Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte, explanatory case study was utilized.

3.2 Research Locale

This study was conducted in Barangay Zone II, Sta. Fe, Leyte. The locale was chosen by the
researchers as it has the highest incidence of parental separation among the twenty (20) barangays of Sta. Fe,
Leyte (Sta. Fe MSWDO, 2021). Since the goal of this study is to uncover the causes of high incidence of
parental separation, this locale was preferable.

3.3 Participants of the Study

To select participants, the researchers utilized purposeful sampling. Purposeful sampling is a

technique use to recruit participants who can provide in-depth and detailed information about the
phenomenon under investigation (Palinkas, 2016). Hence, the participants of this study were the five (5)
separated couples of Barangay Zone II, Sta. Fe, Leyte. These couples separated legally or informally, above
18 years old, and do not perform any impaired mental capacity.
To confirm and ensure the validity of collected data from the primary participants, there were
secondary participants. These secondary participants are the children, siblings, and other first-hand witnesses

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related to the separated couples.

3.4 Data Collection Method

To gather data, the researchers utilized semi-structured interview. Here, the interviewer and
participants engaged in a formal interview. The interviewer developed an interview guide or a list of
questions and topics that need to be covered during the conversation, usually in a particular order. The
interview guide of this paper has been validated by Mrs. Marivica Velasco. She is a Social Studies educator
and Master Teacher II in Sta. Fe National High School, Sta. Fe, Leyte. In the interview process, the
interviewer followed the guide and also followed topical trajectories in the conversation that strayed from the
guide. In the collection of data, when there was no new information discovered, this redundancy signaled the
researchers to cease the data collection. In other words, the data saturation point has been met, hence the
researchers stopped the interview process. Memos was used to capture and take down any research thoughts
and after each interview. Moreover, the interviews were recorded electronically with more than one
smartphone to ensure that there will be back-up recordings if technical problems occur.

3.5 Ethical Consideration

The researchers ensured that ethics will remain a top priority throughout the study. Hence, following
the methods outlined in this chapter was paramount in ensuring validity, reliability, honesty and integrity.
First, the permission letter was sent to the office of the barangay officials. Next, the informed
consent letter was read to each participant prior to the interview. The informed consent form followed the
research of University of Oxford, in which two distinct stages were followed: (1) giving information and (2)
obtaining consent.
The risk to human subjects associated to this study were minimal. All participants are above 18 years
old, separated to their marital partners, and did not perform any impaired mental capacity during the
interview. Qualifying on these criteria made them participants in this study. Moreover, all of their responses
during the interview remained confidential.

3.6 Research Reflexivity

In conducting research, inclusivity and equality should be considered. Through this study, the
researchers anticipated in giving the participants an avenue to express their thoughts, implementation and
experiences. It is also notable that two of the researchers’ parents also experienced parental separation which
could influence the treatment of gathered data. However, to avoid biases, the researchers verified more data
sources, checked for alternative explanations, reviewed findings with peers, and conducted member checking.
Moreover, in interpreting the results, interview scripts were transcribed verbatimly and was sent back to the
participants for accuracy and cross-checking.

3.7 Data Analysis

To transform the qualitative data collected into a form of explanation or interpretation of the subject
under investigation, the researchers followed thematic analysis. Thematic analysis is a quantitative method of
analyzing data. It is commonly applied to a set of texts, such as interview transcripts (Caulfield, 2019). The
researchers closely examined the data to identify common themes – topics, ideas and patterns of meaning that
come up repeatedly. The following are the six steps of thematic approach developed by Braun and Clarke:
1. Familiarize the data. Here, the researchers listened to the recordings and transcribed it.

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2. Generate initial codes to the data to describe the content. When there was an interesting
comment or section of the recording, the researchers created a descriptor code for it—e.g., “comparing
products”.
3. Search for themes or patterns in the codes across the different interviews. Here, the
researchers moved codes around multiple times to form different themes.
4. Review and refine the themes. The researchers read through all the interview extracts in
each theme and considered if there was clear coherence inside each one, and also a clear difference between
themes. They combined themes they find too similar and split up themes that do not cohere meaningfully.
5. Define and name themes. The researchers looked at each theme and defined what it is
about. The themes have been named appropriately.
6. Produce report. Here, the researchers tested the theory and explained the findings.

4. Results and Discussion

The findings of the conducted semi-structured interviews were presented in the following sections. It
tested the theoretical frameworks and answered the statement of the problem. The analysis produced seven
themes.

Table 1: Theme Clusters Divided into Two Groups

Group A: Reasons Behind the High Incidence of Parental Separation in Barangay

Zone II, Sta. Fe, Leyte
Theme 1: Irresponsible behaviors
- Physically absent
- Staying with friends
- Laziness
- No work
Theme 2: Infidelity
- Found another partner
- Untruthfulness
- Extramarital affairs
Theme 3: Crime related-activities
- Stealing issue
- Gambling issue
- Barangay complaints
Theme 4: Change of feelings
- Absence of love
- Unhappiness
- Annoyance

Group B: Effects of Marital Conflicts on the Relationship of the Couples

Theme 5: Irreconcilable differences
- Endless fight
- Uncontrollable behavior
- Filled with anger
- No understanding
Theme 6: Dissimilar feelings
- Loss of interest
- Contrasting feelings
- Faded love
Theme 7: Relationship ended

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4.1 Why there is a high incidence of parental separation in Barangay Zone II, Sta. Fe, Leyte?

Theme 1: Irresponsible behaviors

Marriage is a mutual agreement between two people who decided to spend their lives together, while
supporting each other’s requirements and decisions. They should recognize their roles and have to work
together to manage everyday responsibilities. However, the findings of this study revealed that some couples
separated due to irresponsible behaviors (e.g. physically absent, staying with friends, laziness, and no work).
Wife 3 stated:
Pirmi na hiya waray ha balay. Nadadara na hiyan iya barkada. (He was always not at home.
He was influenced by his circle of friends).
Husband 3 said:
Deri nak nakakauli ha balay. Nagbabarkada ako. (I was not able to go back home. I go with
my friends)
Wife 4 stated:
Kay aguy kay hubya man etun na akun asawa, biskan nala pag-alog akun nala nga tanan.
Deri hiya nagpapakabuhi. (My husband is lazy. I do the fetching of water and all other
household chores. He does not work).
Husband 4 said:
Nagbulag kami kay may pagkahubya kais ako. Derik danay nabulig han mga trabahoun.
Naluluntugan ako permi ngade ha balay. (We decided to separate because of my laziness.
Sometimes I don’t help my wife to finish the household chores. I am always sleepy at home).
Irresponsible parents put themselves first. They often risk their children's well-being and failed to set a
proper example. Coconi (2017) cited at Cornell University Cooperative Extension that irresponsible parents
tend to be self-centered and neglectful. They failed to take responsibility of the child's rearing as well as to be
a good spouse to their partners. Based on the responses of participants, some husbands often failed to fulfill
their responsibilities — committed irresponsible behaviors. One husband admitted that he was not able to go
back home, instead he go with his friends. The other husband said that they separate due to his laziness.
Jagyasi (n.d.) found the same observation. He said that a husband tends to contribute less to the relationship or
being irresponsible towards it. In cases where husbands tend to be disorganized or irresponsible, wives
generally take charge of things in their hands. This makes the situation even worse for both of them. While a
wife works more, she gets frustrated and the husband starts taking her for granted. This leads to very
unpleasant clashes or conflicts between them. These findings approved the theory of marital conflict of Karl
Marx wherein unfair gender roles and household rules resulted to a conflict between couples. Further, this is
true to the social exchange theory of Homans, Blau and Emerson. If a partner is not receiving an equal
amount in all aspects such as resources and assistance, it will lead for a sudden change of relationship or even
parental separation which is true to the responses of some participants.

Theme 2: Infidelity
Couples in marriage should be faithful to one another and keep their promises made during their
wedding vows. Hence, in order for their marriage to survive and last, couples must maintain a healthy
relationship and intimacy. However, the findings revealed that some couples separated due to infidelity (e.g.
found another partner, untruthfulness, extramarital affairs).
Wife 1 stated:
Nagbiling hiyan iba. (He looks for another partner).
Husband 1 said:
Nakabiling man akon iba. (I found another partner).
Wife 5 stated:
Kay nagpipinan-nguwat na hiya. Waray naman gana tungod han iya panbabaye. (He started

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to fool me. I have lost my interest as he had an affair with other women).
Husband 5 said:
Habang mag-asawa kami nagkamay-ada relasyon ak ha iba. (While we are still together, I
had a relationship with others).
Infidelity or cheating has been one of the causes to strain and ruin relationship in marriage. In fact,
according to Warren (2021) extramarital affairs are one of the most frequent causes of parental separation.
Extramarital affairs are liable for 20-40% of marriages breaking down and ending in divorce. Meanwhile,
Thompson & O`Sullivan (2016) explained that the fallout from infidelity may have devastating results for
each contributors of the couple in relationships, inclusive of emotions of discontent, depression, blame, and
frustration. According to the participants' responses, some husbands had extramarital affairs, with two of them
admitting to having a relationship with another woman. Further, the two wives confirmed that their partners
had been meeting another woman during their marriage. Also, one of the two wives revealed that her partner
had lied to her. In connection to this, Weiss (2021) stated that cheaters on the verge of being caught
sometimes dig deeper with more lies and deceit in order to avoid being caught. They frequently use denial and
gaslighting tactics to further damage the relationship. Moreover, in the investigation of Lewandowski (2021)
which includes 495 people as participants, they all admitted to cheating in their relationships (87.9% of whom
identified as heterosexual) and answered the question at the heart of the mystery: Why did you do it? An
examination revealed eight major factors: anger, low self-esteem, lack of love, low commitment, a desire for
diverse array, neglect, sexual desire, and situation or circumstance are their common answers. In relation to
Karl Marx's marital conflict theory, having disagreements and conflict within the household is unavoidable. In
this case, infidelity caused a great deal of conflict between the couple, leading to their separation, since one of
the husbands had already been lying to his partner, causing conflict. Furthermore, this can also be associated
to social exchange theory, if one of the couple receives unequal love and intimacy, this could lead to a rapid
change in the relationship and could cause a partner to end up losing interest in marriage.

Theme 3: Crime-related activities

Married couples should uphold integrity and avoid being involved in any unlawful acts. They should
strive to strengthen and protect their relationship. However, the findings disclosed that some couples separated
because of crime-related activities (e.g. stealing and gambling issues and barangay complaints).
Wife 2 stated:
Nadamay han pangawat. Upod hiya han suspek. (He was involved in stealing. He is one of
the suspects).
Husband 2 declared:
Kay inin na preso man ako hin duwa katuig ngade ha kauswagan agi hin pangawat. (I was
imprisoned for two years due to stealing).
Wife 3 said:
Naghihinuygo hiya. Pirmi na hiya nababarangay. (He engages in gambling. He always
faces barangay complaints).
Husband 3 proclaimed:
Kay permi ako naghihinuygo. Permi ako nababarangay kay permi-permi ak may kaaway.
(I always participate in gambling. I always receive barangay complaints as I always have
enemies).
Shouse (2017) stated that people in a relationship try to live up to their partner’s positive
expectations. Married people frequently expect their spouses to hold down a legitimate job, contribute income,
support the household, and avoid activities that might threaten the family’s economic stability. However,
Skardhamar et al. (2014) found out that continuous involvement in crime may jeopardize such an investment.
Based on the participants’ responses, some husbands had been involved in crime-related activities, which led
to their separation. One husband stated that he was imprisoned for about two years due to stealing. The other

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husband said that he had always receive barangay complaints. In connection to social exchange theory,
couples are expected to do give and take in all areas of their marriage. As derived from the responses, some
husbands failed to have a noble job and good reputation which led to parental separation.

Theme 4: Change of feelings

True love is about commitment and being there through sickness and in health. As married, couples
are expected to have unchanged feelings toward each other. However, the collected data identified that some
couples separated due to the change of feelings which includes the absence of love, unhappiness, and
annoyance.
Wife 5 stated:
Nawarayan na nak gugma para ha iya. (I have lost my love for him).
Husband 1said:
Deri nak malipayun haiya. (I am not happy with her anymore).
Husband 4 stated:
Ginsumhan ada hiya haakon. (Maybe she felt annoyed with me).
Husband 5 said:
Naguyab-uyab ako. Amo adto nawarayan hiyan gugma haakon. (I had an affair with others.
With that, she lost her love for me).
Couples who felt changes on their feelings are most likely to end their relationship. One of the
reasons why love can fade over time is that it is hard to keep that dopamine buzz going. Dopamine gets us
interested in each other, but it responds only to things that are new or that are possible rather than real (
Lieberman, 2018). Previous studies have found that attraction is a crucial condition for the development of
romantic love (Cutler et al., 1998; Braxton-Davis, 2010; Miller and Maner, 2010). Absence of love,
unhappiness, and annoyance, within the context of a romantic relationship, arises mainly from a relational
betrayal. These was evidently viewed on some of the participants responses that the moment they felt
unloved, unhappy, and annoyed it eventually caused a sudden change of relationship. This can be connected
to social exchange theory wherein couples are expected to have healthy feelings toward each other. However,
when a give and take relationship would not be met by the couples, it would cause confusion and in the long
run may result to parental separation.

4.2 How do marital conflicts affect the relationship of the couple?

Theme 5: Irreconcilable differences

When it comes to marital relationships, conflict is inevitable. But it doesn’t have to be emotionally
distressing and irreconcilable. Couples can disagree and fight while still showing respect and compassion for
each other. However, the collected data revealed that due to marital conflicts some of the interviewed
separated couples experienced irreconcilable differences (e.g. endless fight, uncontrollable behavior, filled
with anger, and no understanding).
Wife 1:
Nagsamok an amon kaukoy, pirmi nala kami nag iinaway. (Our status has been
complicated. We always argue).
Wife 3:
Diri naman maupay it iya binubuhat ngan diri naman hiya nasasaway. (His behaviors are
unhealthy and he never stop on doing it).
Husband 1:
Waray na kami magkaintindihay na duwa. (We failed to understand each other).
Husband 3:
Baga permi man adto hiya nag-iinisog amo nag-aaway kami. (It seems like she was always

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angry, it is the reason why we fight with each other).

Husband 4:
Amo ngani adto iya ak gin-iinaway. (Just like what I have stated, she always wants a fight
with me).
Every person has certain habits, upbringings, opinions, and different personalities that contribute to
who we are–all of which can eventually lead to a failure of marriage. Irreconcilable differences basically
mean that a couple cannot get along with one another enough to keep the marriage alive and healthy. This
lack of getting along can cause a whole array of other issues in the marital relationship. Kaur (2020) stated
that the most frequent topics of conflict in marital relationships include finances, communication, children,
sex, housework, jealousy, and in-laws. Sometimes what appears on the surface to be a simple conflict can
reflect deeper relational struggles about intimacy and power (e.g., disagreements about how much time to
spend together versus with others). Looking at the data collected, two participants admitted that due to marital
conflicts they face endless fight with their spouses. One wife stated that she was unable to control her
husband. Further, one husband said that there is no understanding in their marital relationship. Another
husband admitted that his wife is always angry. These findings approved the social exchange theory of
Homans, Blau and Emerson. If a partner is not receiving an equal amount in all aspects such as peace and
respect, it will lead for a sudden change of relationship.

Theme 6: Dissimilar feelings

Mutual feeling means that the love and treatment of two individuals toward each other is the same.
This mutuality gives them more energy to stay together. However, the data revealed that due to marital
conflicts some of the interviewed separated couples experienced dissimilar feelings (e.g. loss of interest,
contrasting feelings, and faded love).
Wife 2:
Inen baga hin waray na upay an am pagkuan kay na chichismis na kami. (It’s like there is
no interest anymore since we became a topic of other people).
Wife 5:
Hin dire na maupay nam panimalay kay dire naman kami nagpaparehas han inaabat.
(Living together is not healthy anymore since our feelings are no longer mutual).
Husband 5:
Waray naman hiya gugma. (She lost her love).
Relationships naturally change as they develop and grow. Dealing with changes starts with
understanding your spouse and learning ways to manage and understand differences. However, not all couples
are capable of handling and retaining their feelings especially if they had marital conflicts. Aycock (2014)
stated that feelings do change—couples may have dissimilar feelings. Feelings change for many reasons
including infidelity, child care, financial issues and more. One wife admitted that she lost her interest for her
husband and their relationship due to marital conflicts. Another wife said that their feelings toward each are
no longer mutual. Further, one husband stated that her wife lost her love for him. This can be associated to
social exchange theory wherein couples are expected to have the same feelings with each other. However, due
to marital conflicts, separated couples’ feelings toward each other became dissimilar.

Theme 7: Relationship Ended

Marriage is a union of partners, also known as spouses, and a bond between two individuals who have
agreed to live together and carry out their plans as a couple. To be successful, marriage requires effort,
dedication, respect, and love. The law also acknowledges this. However, the data revealed that some couples'
relationship ended due to marital conflicts including irresponsible behavior, infidelity, criminal activity, and a
change in feelings.

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Wife 1:
Nag desisyon nala kami nga magbulag kami nga duha. (We mutually decided to separate).
Wife 4:
Naka-apekto etun kay inen dire naman hiya nabulig tapos mayda naman namun anak. Puro
nala akun amo etun nga nakigbulag nala ak. (It affects us in a way that he does not
helpanymore even though we have a child. I do all the responsibilities and it pushed me to
separate with him).
Husband 2:
Dumiri na hiya. Nayakan hiya han urhi nam na pag-istorya inin nadadamay daw hiyan ak
kapresuhan. (She does not want to live with me anymore. She told me on our last
conversation that she was affected by the crime I committed).
Couples who consistently fulfill their responsibilities and commitments have a better chance of
having a successful marriage. Contrastingly, failure to fulfill these responsibilities and commitments will
result to failure of marriage or parental separation. According to expert named Dr. Dani Moye, PhD, "A long-
lasting marriage embodies a pattern of consistency," He also added that, "Each individual devotes time,
energy, and continuous effort into growing together and not apart." Based on the responses of some
participants, a wife just chose to end their marriage. Another participant who is also a wife stated that she
decided to separate from her husband because of his irrational behavior. Similarly, one of the participants, a
husband, stated that his partner had decided to divorce him due to his criminal activities. The Psychology
Today (n.d.) explained that for some failed relationships, partners experience a gradual loss of connection,
intimacy, and adoration, whereas in others, one or both partners can pinpoint a specific moment when they
realized the relationship was over. Furnier (2021) stated that personality clashes, a lack of time spent together,
infidelity, a lack of positive interactions between the couple, low sexual satisfaction, and low overall
relationship satisfaction are all common reasons for breakups. Furthermore, according to Karl Marx's conflict
theory, conflict is common among partners as a result of daily interaction. In the collected data, the separated
couples’ conflict was not resolved, it worsened—forgiveness and communication were no longer effective. As
a consequence, the couples' relationship came to an end. In social exchange theory, however, because the
husbands failed to fulfill their commitments and responsibilities, their partners made the decision to end their
relationship.

5. Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

This chapter presents a summary of the findings, conclusions based on the data analysis, and
recommendations.
This study was conducted in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte. The participants were the five (5)
separated couples. They were selected using purposeful sampling. Further, the study employed qualitative
research specifically explanatory case study. The data were obtained thru semi-structured interviews and
were analyzed through the use of thematic analysis.

5.1 Summary

The findings of the study were summarized according to the statement of the problems stated in
Chapter 1.
1. The causes of high incidence of parental separation in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte include:
• Irresponsible behaviors (e.g. physically absent, staying with friends, laziness, and no work).
• Infidelity (e.g. found another partner, untruthfulness, and extramarital affairs).
• Crime-related activities (e.g. stealing, gambling, and barangay complaints).

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• Change of feelings (e.g. absence of love, unhappiness, and annoyance).

2. The effects of marital conflict/s to the relationship of couples in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte
include:
• Irreconcilable differences (e.g. endless fight, uncontrollable behavior, filled with anger, and
no understanding).
• Dissimilar feelings (e.g. loss of interest, contrasting feelings, and faded love).
• Relationship ended

5.2 Conclusions

Based on the indicated findings, the following conclusions were drawn:

1. Most of the couples separated due to irresponsible behaviors. They failed to recognize their
roles and work together to manage everyday responsibilities.
2. The most common effect of marital conflict/s toward the couples’ relationship was
irreconcilable differences. There was no mutual understanding and reconciliation.
3. Crime-related activities and change of feelings were added to the studied and identified
causes of parental separation in the Philippines.
4. The study agreed and accepted its theoretical frameworks— marital conflict and social
exchange theory.

5.3 Recommendations

This study revealed the causes of high of parental separation in Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte.
Thus, the following recommendations are hereby presented:
1. Parents must reflect with their actions and value more their marriage.
2. Children with separated parents should read this study to be informed with the causes of parental
separation. This will widen their ideas and understanding especially if their questions about their
parents’ separation were left unanswered.
3. The local government of Barangay Zone II, Santa Fe, Leyte should formulate programs with the aim
of building healthy marriages.
4. The future researchers should utilize this study as a basis of identifying the known and still unknown
in relation to parental separation.

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