Examining the Psychological Well-Being Experiences of Long-Term Solo-Mother Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)

Abstract

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) alleviates chronic economic scarcity among marginalized Filipino families; yet, its impact on the psychological well-being of its most vulnerable beneficiaries—solo mothers—remains underexplored. Navigating the compounding challenges of sole parenthood and economic hardship, these mothers experience a unique psychological landscape shaped by long-term program participation. To examine these lived experiences, this qualitative study employed a Transcendental Phenomenological approach, focusing on solo-mother beneficiaries enrolled for over seven years in Argao, Cebu. Utilizing homogeneous purposive sampling, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with four participants, achieving data saturation. Data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis adapted through a Husserlian lens of Epoché (bracketing) to ensure the findings reflected the authentic consciousness of the participants without researcher bias. The findings revealed four core themes central to their psychological well-being: (1) Psychological Decompression via Security, reflecting profound emotional relief and the removal of the mental load of chronic poverty; (2) Gratitude and Contentment, highlighting a resilient mindset of self-acceptance and cognitive reappraisal; (3) Resilience and Self-Efficacy, capturing growing confidence negotiated alongside the reality of "exit anxiety" regarding eventual program graduation; and (4) Enhanced Family and Social Well-Being, driven by a deep sense of belonging cultivated through mandatory Family Development Sessions (FDS). The study concludes that the 4Ps functions as a vital psychosocial intervention that restores human dignity. To address exit anxiety, the research recommends the implementation of Kahayag sa Paglaum, a structured psychological "step-down" intervention program designed to equip graduating solo mothers for sustainable economic autonomy and lasting emotional resilience