Exploring Resiliency among Filipino Catholic Wives in Calamba City Toward Husbands&rsquo; Infidelity: A Basis for an Intervention

Marie Elaine  F. Avellana,; Michelle  R. Malihan,; Alec  D. Tobias Iii,

Exploring Resiliency among Filipino Catholic Wives in Calamba City Toward Husbands’ Infidelity: A Basis for an Intervention

Marie Elaine F. Avellana | Michelle R. Malihan | Alec D. Tobias Iii

Discipline: Psychology

Abstract:

Martin Seligman, the father of Positive Psychology, said that Psychology is not just a study of pathology, weakness, and damage; it is also the study of strength and virtues. With this as a guiding principle, this study aimed to explore the resiliency of Filipino Catholic wives in Calamba City who have experienced husbands’ infidelities.

This qualitative research used interview in gathering responses from the five respondents who were selec.ted based on their availability and voluntary participation.

Thematic analysis was applied in analyzing and interpreting the data. Findings showed that resiliency was manifested by the respondents through engaging in recreational activities as a means of coping with pair. Resiliency also served as motivating factor to move on, to forgivie or understand, to have courage, and self-reliance. Furthermore, the resiliency skills, as determined from the respondents, were categorized into: (a) forbearance or patient endurance, (b) learning from life’s adversities, (c) acceptance of and adjustment to the demands of difficult life situations, (d) maintaining good and wholesome character in spite of deprivation, and (e) recognizing the self as a teacher and source of valuation. Hence, the respondents’ resiliency skills were considered anchored on personal, social, and spiritual sources.

Based on the results, the researchers developed and recommended a resiliency enhancement program for the respondents of this study to help them gain personal growth after the painful experiences of marital infidelities.