Filipino children under stress: Family dynamics and therapy

by Maria Lourdes Arellano-Carandang

FILIPINO CHILDREN UNDER STRESS is a first in Filipino child psychology. It summarizes more than a decade of the author's clinical experience with Filipino children and their families. In case history upon case history, the author gives insights into the workings of the Filipino family and its problems--problems which are reflected in the child under stress.The book, which presents in simple language the underlying dynamics, theory, and intervention strategies in dealing with disturbed children, is of valuable help to psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, as well as to teachers and parents. In his foreword to the book, well-known Filipino Psychologist Jaime C. Bulatao, S.J., This book makes for easy reading and is painless as an instruction manual. The concepts simultaneously come out from the case examples. Merely reading the book gives one an understanding of family therapy, its theory and practice."

148 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[xenxendesarapen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Our families have generally been described as closely knit and cohesive--the solid and basic foundation of Filipino society...However, the solidarity of the Filipino family in the past decade has been seriously threatened by marked economic, sociopolitical, and moral crises in the country."

"More often than not, the stresses experienced in the family are absorbed and acted out by its most vulnerable members--the children." (p. 1)

"In both high- and low-income families, the children act as 'protectors' of the family. They absorb the stress and react to it in their own particular way...Many times, the role of a family caretaker is too heavy a burden for a young child to bear." (p. 21)

"Children who misbehave seem to be those who do not express themselves well verbally. In effect, they act out what they cannot say." (p. 26)

"The tagasalo is made to feel responsible for other people's feelings as well...Feeling of self-worth is tied up with the ability to make others happy." (p. 62)

"Asking questions is one of the most powerful ways of imparting a message. They subtly tell what the important things are. The children eventually can pick up their message very quickly because they need to gain their parents' recognition and approval. The questions tell the children the things their parents value." (p. 100)

"A cornerstone, or building block, for a healthy self-concept is a sense of competence. The child who faces the world with 'I can' rather than 'I can't' is way ahead in his or her development." (p. 100)

"It is sometimes theorized that killing one's self is the ultimate way of unconsciously getting back at the family, especially at the parents. This implies that the suicidal act is not just an act of despair but also a rebellious and vengeful act of anger." (p. 112)

"A spoiled child or a child tyrant often holds a position of power, but underneath that power trip, the child actually feels a rejection. He or she senses that the adults who are supposed to set limits are giving up on him or her." (p. 131)

[KT · Rating 3 out of 5]

An illuminating and interesting read on intrafamilial stresses in the Philippine context, particularly the chpater on the tagasalo

[Cecille Ramos-carlos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a very helpful guide for practicing Psychologists, for parents, and for anyone
who is interested in understanding family dynamics and the wonderful world of a child's mind.

[Glenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book for educators and parents in learning the different problems Filipino children and even older Filipino adults faces in life and how to assimilate them. An educational read!