THE EFFECTS OF PARENTAL DEPRIVATION ON ADOLESCENTS' MORAL CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AT FR. SIMPLICIANO CHILDREN'S HOME INC.

Abstract

This study investigates the effects of parental deprivation on the moral character development of adolescents at Fr. Simpliciano Children’s Home Inc. It specifically explores the influence of caregivers, peers, and external factors such as religious institutions, institutional policies, and prevailing norms. Anchored in Kohlberg’s Theory of Moral Development, the study addresses the gap in understanding how core moral values—honesty, empathy, and responsibility—are developed in the absence of traditional parental figures within residential care settings. This study employs a descriptive-correlational design to examine how various environmental factors contribute to the moral character development of adolescents experiencing parental deprivation. The research focuses on the roles of caregivers, peer interactions, and external influences such as institutional frameworks and religious involvement. Data were collected using structured questionnaires, and responses were analyzed based on the key moral dimensions defined in Kohlberg’s framework. The findings revealed that parental deprivation did not significantly hinder the moral character development of adolescents. Among the moral values assessed, responsibility received the highest mean score (M = 4.68), followed by honesty (M = 4.56) and empathy (M = 4.48). Caregivers (M = 4.49) and religious institutions (M = 4.48) emerged as the most influential contributors. Notably, a very high positive correlation was observed between these influences and moral character development (r = 0.97–0.98, p < 0.05). The results emphasize the vital compensatory role of institutional support systems in nurturing moral character among adolescents deprived of parental care. These findings suggest that well-trained caregivers and value-driven institutions can foster moral development comparable to traditional family settings. The study recommends the implementation of caregiver training programs, structured peer mentorship initiatives, and policy reforms that prioritize moral education in residential care institutions. Future research is encouraged to include a broader participant base, particularly male adolescents, and adopt longitudinal approaches to assess long-term developmental outcomes.