Nakabuntis, Natauhan, Pinangatawanan, Pinanindigan: The Experience of Teenage Fathers

Abstract

The study focused on the experiences and challenges brought by early parenthood to teenage fathers. Specifically, this paper tried to reflect the details of the experiences of teenage males once they become teenage fathers, before, during and after the pregnancy. This qualitative research used the method of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Eight teenage fathers served as resource persons and went through one-on-one interviews for data gathering. Participants were between 15 and 19 years of age and had become teenage fathers not more than two years prior to the time of study. The study revealed that they experienced stress and anxiety after learning that they had accidentally impregnated their sexual partners and were about to become fathers. However, after some introspection, they came into realization and accepted their fate and embraced fatherhood by taking full responsibility for their families. This study shows how the teenage fathers rose above the challenges and emerged as more resolute fathers who harnessed their inner potentials to become good providers, protectors and nurturers as expected of Filipino fathers. This process can be summarized through the Filipino words: nakabuntis, natauhan, pinangatawanan, pinanindigan.