Exploratory Sequential Study on Parental Absence and Moral Development among Senior High School Students with Overseas Filipino Worker Parents

This study examined the lived experience, level, and relationship of SHS High School Students with Overseas Filipino Worker Parents (OFW) in terms of their Parental Absence and Moral Development. Utilizing the Mixed method design specifically an exploratory sequential study the research was conducted in Private Higher Educational Institutions in Calamba City, Laguna among Senior High School Students aged 15-18 years old which used homogeneous purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, descriptive statistics, and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient.  This study generated ten (10) superordinate themes. For parental absence, these were: Various Influences of Family Dynamics; Consistent and Open Communication; Emotional Cut-Off and Various Emotional Reactions; and Maintaining a Sense of Self Amidst Familial Challenges. Correspondingly, the themes that emerged from Moral Development were Handling Criticism and Emotional Reaction; Influence of Social Dynamics and External Factors on Decision-Making; Emotional Regulation and Coping Mechanisms; Adherence to Laws and Regulations; Respect and Obedience to Authority Figures; and Ethical Behavior and Accountability. Moreover, the study revealed that although the SHS students had parental absence they developed independence and self-reliance and had a high understanding of what is morally right and wrong. There were significant relationships between the Various Influences of Family Dynamics and Ethical Behavior and Accountability (r=0.267, p < .05), Consistent and Open Communication and Emotional Regulation and coping mechanism (r=0.277, p < .05), Emotional Cut-Off and Various Emotional Reactions and Social Dynamics on Decision-Making (r=0.274, p < .05). This study also proposed an action plan that was focused on life guidance, regulation on the expression of emotion, decision skill management, proper acceptance of emotions, and awareness of basic rules and regulations among the SHS students.