EFFECTS OF STRESS ON DECISION-MAKING AMONG PARENTIFIED STUDENTS OF BESTLINK COLLEGE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Abstract

Parentification is a family dynamic where children assume roles and responsibilities typically reserved for adults, leading to a reversal of traditional parent-child roles. This shift often compels children to take on caregiving duties, provide emotional support, or manage household tasks beyond their developmental capabilities. This study investigates how stress influences the decision-making processes of parentified students at Bestlink College of the Philippines, focusing on financial, career, and household decisions. The research targets 120 fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Business Administration students majoring in Human Resource Management and Marketing Management.​    Utilizing a correlational research design, the study aims to identify relationships between stress levels and decision-making abilities among the participants. Data will be collected using a validated questionnaire, administered through snowball sampling—a non-probability technique where initial participants refer others within their network, facilitating access to individuals who may be difficult to enumerate through traditional methods. ​  Significance of the Study  Understanding the impact of stress on decision-making among parentified students is crucial, as these individuals often assume adult responsibilities at a young age, potentially affecting their academic performance and personal development. Insights gained from this research could inform institutional support systems, guiding the development of interventions aimed at alleviating stress and enhancing decision-making skills among affected students.​  Contextual Background  Parentification occurs when youth are forced to assume developmentally inappropriate adult-like roles and responsibilities, such as caregiving or managing household tasks. This role reversal can lead to stress, anxiety, and difficulties in performing developmental tasks, potentially impacting academic achievement. In Filipino culture, where familial roles and expectations are deeply ingrained, understanding the effects of parentification is particularly pertinent. ​   Expected Contributions  By focusing on this demographic, the study aims to contribute valuable knowledge to the existing literature on parentification and stress, particularly within the context of Filipino culture. The findings are expected to inform policies and support systems that promote healthier decision-making processes and overall well-being among parentified students. The findings of this study indicate that 80% of the surveyed population experienced moderate stress, while 20% reported high perceived stress; none indicated low stress levels. An interesting observation is the low positive correlation between stress levels and decision-making abilities, suggesting that as stress increased, decision-making tended to improve. However, this relationship was only moderately significant.​  Existing literature presents mixed findings on the impact of stress on decision-making. Some studies suggest that stress can impair decision-making processes, leading individuals to rely on heuristics or make riskier choices. For example, research has shown that stress can lead to riskier decision-making, with individuals under stress more likely to choose high-risk, high-reward options. Additionally, studies have found that stress causes people to choose more conservatively for trials with potential gains, and more risk-seeking when faced with potential losses. ​   Conversely, other research indicates that stress may enhance certain decision-making aspects. For instance, a study observed an increase in pro-social decisions among stressed women following lab-induced stress episodes, while a similar effect was not observed in men. Moreover, stress has been shown to shift cognitive focus toward immediate rewards, potentially affecting decision-making strategies. ​   The moderate significance of the correlation observed in this study may be attributed to various factors, including the nature of the stress experienced, individual differences in stress perception, and contextual elements influencing decision-making. Further research is needed to explore these nuances and better understand the complex relationship between stress and decision-making. Such studies should consider factors such as the type of stressor, individual coping mechanisms, and the specific domains of decision-making affected to inform strategies aimed at mitigating negative stress impacts and enhancing decision-making processes. The data highlights the significant involvement of parentified students in family decision-making and responsibilities, emphasizing their maturity and the challenges they face in balancing these roles with their personal development. Parentification, where children assume adult responsibilities, can have both positive and negative effects on youth development. While it may foster resilience, strength, and maturity, especially when their efforts are appreciated and supported by a social network, it can also lead to negative outcomes such as emotional stress and developmental delays.