CHALLENGES OF THE SELECTED ELDEST DAUGHTERS IN SELECTED MUNICIPALITIES IN DISTRICT FOUR NUEVA ECIJA: DUE TO EXTERNAL EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to determine the challenges encountered by selected eldest daughters in selected municipalities in District Four, Nueva Ecija due to external expectations and responsibilities. A snowball sampling method was used to select participants based on their experiences as eldest daughters. The study employed a phenomenological research design to examine their lived experiences and perceived challenges. The findings revealed that the challenges faced by eldest daughters included responsibilities, expected roles, and parentification. Among these, responsibilities were identified as the most common challenge, with 10 out of the 12 participants providing responses related to this concern. Challenges associated with expected roles and parentification followed, with eight participants each reporting difficulties related to their position within the family. The study concluded that eldest daughters experienced various challenges, including household responsibilities such as managing chores, caring for younger siblings, and, in some cases, supporting their parents. Participants also reported difficulties in balancing these responsibilities with their academic, professional, and personal goals, providing financial support, serving as role models for their siblings, and being assigned or perceiving themselves as a third parent within the family. To cope with these challenges, participants engaged in socialization, rest, and entertainment through technology as means of taking breaks and managing stress.