The Filipino well family: A qualitative study among selected families residing in Mandaluyong City

ABSTRACT

Background@#The Filipino family has always been described to have solid household, innate close family ties and high regard to interpersonal relationships. However, there has been paucity of local studies regarding Filipino families and how specifically do Filipinos see, define and perceive a family unit in general.@*Objective@#To explore Filipino family’s concepts and ideas of what qualities represent and define a well family. @*Method@#The study was qualitative in design with mixed data collection methods: 18 interviews, 10 Focus Group Discussions, and a literature review. @*Results@#Caring parents, unconditional love, able to maintain a good relationship between family members, constant presence for loved ones and capacity to forgive were reflected as important characteristics of a well Filipino family. Love and respect are considered to be the foundations and faith in God as an important component of a family. However, the wellness of the family begins with husband-wife relationship and that a strong and happy marital relationship will provide mutual support, encouragement and understanding. Likewise, financial capability combined with a commitment to provide for the family’s future was a quality believed to bind the family together. Physical well-being and the absence of diseases were also part of family wellness.@*Conclusion@#The nine qualities of a well Filipino family include loving, affectionate, responsible family members; spiritually healthy; has the capacity to provide; having strong husband-wife relationship; effective parents; has a system of open communication within the family; united with flexible family structure; spends time together; and physically healthy with good community life.