MISOCARES

from roots to branches | developmental blog

[misocares]

The Successful Aging

SUBJECT: Late Adulthood Interview ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: All the photos, videos, or any recording taken for documentation during the interview are for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Consent was properly delivered before conducting the whole interview. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "You don't grow old. You grow riper." - Pablo Picasso Now that we are in the evening of growth and development, it is known for a fact that aging is inevitable; it cannot be stopped. As people step into late adulthood, they often find themselves reevaluating life. They sometimes ask themselves, "Where did the time go?". They may often feel as though life runs too quickly and contemplate about the things they did before reaching the age they are in. In this stage of life, people introspect their lives, think of retirement, adjust to new social roles, and adapting certain physical changes such as diminished strength and health. Merlita is no exception... Retiring as early as the age of 23, Merlita spent her entire life living as a homemaker, a mother of 2 adults, and a grandmother of 5 children. In an interview, she shared, "Sukad na naka-bana ko, naa na gyud ko pirme diri sa balay. Alaga ug bata, hinlo sa balay, luto... mao ra gyud." She also admitted that her life has always revolved around her being a house person. Translation: Ever since I got married, I've always been at home. Taking care of the kids, cleaning the house, cooking... that's all I do. It was when she was 64 when she started noticing how her physical appearance started to change. Her hair turned mostly gray, and wrinkles started to become more visible than they were when she was in her 50s. She also openly complained how she finds it hard to remember where she puts things around the house which leaves her feeling frustrated at times. Living with her eldest daughter and her family, Merlita speaks how lucky she is despite the challenges she had witnessed in her life. Struggling with the pain caused by arthritis, her tone softened as she spoke about feeling sad for relying heavily on her daughter's income. She also revealed while bitterly laughing how rainy days are her least favorite weather condition since it triggers her joint pains. Despite her physical and emotional disbeliefs, Merlita seemed to have adjusted well in her social life. Currently, she is a devotee of a religious group known as "Holy Infant Devotees" where she committed on going twice a week, specifically during Tuesdays and Sundays. With a playful tone, she shared how these gatherings gave her the opportunity to socialize with her cohorts and share thoughts and experiences. She described these moments as opportunities to "mag-marites"---a Filipino term for gossiping. Now at the age of 70, she is a proud member of the Barangay's Mortuary/Senior Citizen Organization, also known as "Dayong". With a strong sense of spirituality, she expressed that, "Wala na ta kabalo sa panahon run. Ang kamatayon, dili gyud na malikayan. Tigulang na baya gyud ko. Maayo nalang na andam ta kung sakali kuhaon na ta sa Ginoo." with a strong sense of spirituality. Translation: We are never sure what will happen. Death is inevitable. I'm already old. It is better that we are prepared when God takes us back. The interview concludes with Merlita offering advice to the young generation to enjoy life while they still can. She emphasized that time is limited urging them to grab every opportunity they got and enjoy life to the fullest. Aging is a harsh reality that people are forced to face every day. However, the way we view aging reflects on how we view our life. On that note, it is important to view life optimistically. Merlita's story is a testament of success where life is faced with resilience and gratitude despite life's inevitable transitions. "You have empowered and inspired us all, Lola! May God bless you a happy and meaningful life." - MisoCares Words and Documentation: Sophia Ericka P. Sienes

[misocares]

The Beginning of Adulting: It's a Thing

SUBJECT: Early Adulthood Interview ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: All the photos, videos, or any recording taken for documentation during the interview are for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Consent was properly delivered before conducting the whole interview. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Adulthood is the gradual acceptance of responsibilities that were once unthinkable. It’s less about age and more about seeing yourself in the mirror of your own actions." - Haruki Murakami Growing old is never easy. As we step in the age of 20's, we face certain responsibilities, and we often feel like we need to tend for our own. Adulthood is where we crave for independence while also crawling to survive. It is where selecting a suitable partner happens, planning a family, or even planning to rear children. Dominic is no different... Dom, aged 21, is a student from Davao Del Norte State College. During an online interview conducted by two psychology students from Davao Doctors College, Inc., he shares his personal experiences as he enters the journey of being an adult. In his younger years, Dom showed an interest in videography and photography. He shared that he was carefree during his teenage years but is now trying to be more serious as he embraces the changes and responsibilities brought by adulthood. Living with his parents, Dominic admitted that he somehow feels guilty in depending on them financially and realized that in his age, he should be more independent and should try to look for ways to tend his basic needs and wants. He said, "100 Pesos ra baya akong baon taga-adlaw. Unsaon nako pagpalit sa akong wants? Diba? Ulaw kaayo na akong parents pay mubayad ana." Translation: My allowance is only 100 pesos per day. How can I buy my wants? Right? It is embarrassing for me to ask my parents to pay. To meet his needs, he established himself a career as a freelance videographer, photographer, and editor, creating quite the reputation to be invited in events by his clients. He also finds it very fulfilling to provide for himself while studying because this allows him to contribute for projects in school without being a burden to his parents. Like any other, Dom expressed difficulties in adjusting to a new mindset but somehow finds it bearable because of his parents, friends and loved ones. Despite that fact, his relationship with his friends changed. Since they are all now focused on their own lives, spending time with them is not the same as before. In his words, "Unlike sauna, pirme ra jud mi gakita. Madali-dali ra ug duol atong highschool pa mi." Translation: Unlike in the past, we always bump into each other. In high school, I can easily talk to them. He also disclosed having a long-distance girlfriend from Bukidnon where he believed that even though their perspectives in life differ from one another at times, he still finds her suitable for him because he is convinced that 'opposites attract'. At his age, Dom believes that he is not ready to settle yet with his girlfriend and turns his focus more on establishing a solid foundation in life and achieving his dream to tour around the world. However, in the future, Dom plans on having his own children. He admitted that being the only son in his family, he is pressured to continue his father's legacy. He said, "Maka-pressure kay ako ra baya isa anak. Walay makapadayon sa apelyido sa akong papa kundi ako ra jud." Translation: I feel pressured because I am my father's only son. No one can continue my father's legacy but me. The interview concludes with him pointing out that having a hands-on and god-fearing partner in the future is a must in building or starting a new family. Because for him, having a partner with those qualities will help him raise a well-mannered child.

"Growth is a process. May you reach whatever you are dreaming of, Dom! One step at a time." - MisoCares Caption: Miguel Augustine V. Sulamin | BSPSYCH 2-82A Documentation: Sophia Ericka P. Sienes | BSPSYCH 2-82A

[misocares]

Teen Talks: The Youthful Overwhelming Exploration During Adolescence

SUBJECT: Adolescence Interview ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: All the photos, videos, or any recording taken for documentation during the interview are for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Consent was properly delivered before conducting the whole interview. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Adolescence is not about finding yourself. It is about creating yourself." - Unknown. Life is indeed a journey. As we grow older, we face challenges that shapes us and shifts our ways in perceiving ourselves. Exploring brings new perspectives, sometimes making us question who we really are as a person. Adolescence is a transitional period for individuals aged 10 to 21, linking the gap between childhood and adulthood. During these years, youngsters are expected to encounter experiences such as puberty, hormonal issues, and various social challenges. Occurring in a short period of time, these changes often result overwhelming outcomes that impact a person's emotional state. As we discover the pursuit of figuring our identity, we may feel a whirlwind of emotions along the way. RJay, a 20-year-old Bachelor of Science in International Hospitality Management, viewed his teenage journey as one-heck of a roller coaster ride. For him, "As a youngster na padulongay na mag-adult, I really do view my journey to be quite pressuring kay daghan na ug responsibilities ang gipatong sa akong shoulders compared to when I was young." Translation: As a youngster who is approaching adulthood, I really do view my journey to be quite pressuring because of the number of responsibilities being put on my shoulders compared to when I was young. Living independently in Davao City for school purposes has come to a unique blend of pressure and stress. These made him struggle to balance academics while managing himself in a new city. He admits that the whole situation stresses him out, but he eventually found comfort in eating as a way to cope. Like any other, puberty found its way on him too. Physical changes were a source of insecurity for RJay as he recalled his embarrassing moments, particularly when he was 14 years old. Reflecting his early teens, he reminisced, "There was this one-time na naulaw ko ba kay pagsuot nako ug medium sized t-shirt, huot siya sa may chest nako na part. Na-conscious ko sa akong lawas." Translation: There was this one-time that I felt embarrassed because when I wore a medium sized t-shirt, it felt too tight on my chest. I felt conscious about my body. Navigating his sexuality has become an issue for RJay as well. Being drawn to certain interests that differed from other typical boys, RJay admitted that he didn't feel like he belonged to groups of men and found comfort in female cohorts. "Ambot kay pag-makipaghalubilo ko sa mga lalake, feel nako dili ko belong." Despite these crises, RJay happily confessed of having strong support systems. He revealed that life was bearable because of his friends' support and felt more comfortable and freer in sharing his issues in life with his friends rather than with his family. He said, "Naa lang jud koy dili gusto i-disclose na part sa akong self sa akong family." Translation #1: I don't know but when I socialize with men, I feel like I don't belong. Translation #2: I know something about myself that I don't want to disclose yet to my family. Until this day, RJay still struggles on figuring out his sexuality but is trying his best to know himself more through exploration. As a 20-year-old, he advices teens to explore who they truly are, saying that. "Life will become easier if you already know yourself." He also emphasized that choosing the correct support system impact his journey positively and advised younger teens to find support systems as well. "Figuring yourself might be the hardest but the most fulfilling thing a person could ever achieve in life. We wish you the best of luck, RJay!" - MisoCares. Caption: Sophia Ericka P. Sienes | BSPSYCH 2-82A Documentation: Sophia Ericka P. Sienes | BSPSYCH 2-82A

[misocares]

"Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Unleashing of Potential."

SUBJECT: Middle and Late Childhood Interview ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: All the photos, videos, or any recording taken for documentation during the interview are for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Consent was properly delivered before conducting the whole interview. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ During the stage of middle and late childhood, children ages 6 to 10/11 are expected to demonstrate competence in areas necessary for the development of cognition such as reading, writing, and basic recognition of numbers, colors, and letters, even though they are completely selected at random. These skills help children navigate their elementary years, a period crucial for their development as children to shape their abilities in adapting to society and the world around them. "Gin-Gin" (a nickname), 6, is a Grade 1 student at Rizal Elementary School. He is playful, cooperative, and extraordinary. When asked about his name, age, and grade level, he responded with confidence like he is just talking to his friends at school, telling them stories. At such a young age, Gin-Gin knows how to introduce himself, take care of himself, follow basic instructions, and communicate efficiently with other people, including us, the interviewers. Upon the signed consent from his mother, we were able to facilitate a basic assessment of his skills in terms of reading and recognition. During the assessment, we have observed that Gin-Gin can successfully recognize concepts pointed by the interviewer, where the task of competence (Industry) is proven over confusion or inadequacy in Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Stages of Development. Before formally starting the assessments, the interviewer began testing Gin-Gin’s ability to recognize letters by pointing. As a result, Gin-Gin not only recognized each of them but also was able to associate them with their corresponding sounds such as “A/Ey” for “Ah”. In the first assessment, the interviewer pointed at various colors at random. Without breaking any sweat, Gin-Gin was determined to completely identify each of the colors shown on the visual aid, without any assistance from his mother. For the second assessment, when asked if he is able to name all the numbers shown on screen from 1-100, he confidently nodded his head “yes” and started to recite the numbers pointed by the interviewer at random. Out of all the six pointed numbers, Gin-Gin was able to identify all of them with no signs of stutter. The interview came to an end with the interviewer from Davao Doctors College, Inc. of the BS Psychology Program thanking Gin-Gin for his cooperation and extraordinary skills. We have also thanked Gin-Gin’s mother, Febbie, for her support and approval. A small reward was also given to him to compensate for his efforts. Without his cooperation, the whole interview will not be possible. Additionally, Gin-Gin proudly signed his portion of the consent form and wrote his name. ISN'T THAT GREAT? "May you continue to be supercalifragilisticexpialidociously brilliant, Gin-Gin!" - MisoCares Caption: Miguel Augustine V. Sulamin | BSPSYCH 2-82A Documentation: Sophia Ericka P. Sienes | BSPSYCH 2-82A October 7, 2024

[misocares]

"Play Age at its Finest"

SUBJECT: Early Childhood Interview ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DISCLAIMER: All the photos, videos, or any recording taken for documentation during the interview are for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. Consent was properly delivered before conducting the whole interview. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Tzarina, 43, a mother of five, shared her experiences as a hands-on single mother, actively raising her youngest daughter, "Ting" who is currently five years old.

According to the Periods of Development, children aged 3 to 5 are expected to become more self-sufficient and develop foundational academic skills such as writing, reading, and verbal recognition of basic concepts like colors, letters, and numbers. "Ting", not her real name, is a very energetic and obedient child. Since Tzarina is busy working as a private lottery agent near their house, she often relies on Ting's ability to follow instructions while she jumps from working to taking care of the household. However, due to their recent transfer or move from Davao City to Panabo City, Ting, unfortunately, was unable to continue her studies and had only finished nursery. During the interview, Tzarina expressed her adoration for Ting's ability to identify colors, letters, and numbers, verbally. However, she also admitted that Ting has difficulties in terms of writing. According to her, "Naa siyay letters na mahibaw-an pero others, dili na." Translation: She knows some letters, but others, not so much. Tzarina also voiced her concern about Ting's education. While talking, she emphasized how strongly attached Ting is to her. She said, "Sa school, pirme na siya maghilak basta dili ko niya makit-an kay naanad na man gud na siya na pirme ko naa sa iyahang tapad." She also expanded that Ting cooperates better at school when she is present than when she is not around. Translation: In school, she always cries when I am not around because she is used to seeing me beside her. But despite this, it does not hinder her to make friends at school. When asked about her friends, she nodded "yes" to her mother but was unable to remember their names. With her mother's consent, my partner and I conducted a simple assessment to test Ting's capabilities for basic identification of colors, numbers, and letters. During the assessment, we have found positive skills and difficulties in some areas. For the first assessment, we asked Ting to identify different colors. When selected at random, Ting showed outstanding abilities in recognizing them. We have also observed that Ting is better at recognizing colors with her mother's assistance. By pointing to objects such as a Red Shirt to relate it to a color shown on the laptop, Ting was able to identify that the color was indeed Red. When it comes to letters, we have noticed how Ting struggles to identify each letter when pointed at random. However, when we asked her to recite each letter in alphabetical order, she seemed to recognize each of them but stopped at letter D. Lastly, Ting also showed her difficulties in identifying numbers selected at random, like the second assessment. But when asked if she could count from numbers 1 to 10, she did it accurately with no skips. The interview ended with the interviewer from Davao Doctors College, Inc. of the BS Psychology Program thanked Tzarina and gave Ting a token of appreciation as compensation for the disturbance the interview had caused. This token also served as a gift of gratitude for Ting's outstanding participation and her mother's cooperation as well. "May you continue to learn things and reach new heights, Ting!✨" - MisoCares. Caption: Sophia Ericka P. Sienes | BSPSYCH 2-82A Documentation: Miguel Augustine V. Sulamin | BSPSYCH 2-82A October 7, 2024

[misocares]

"Curiosity fuels Autonomy"

SUBJECT: Infancy Interview

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𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗥: All the photos, videos, or any recording taken for documentation during the interview are for 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬. Consent was properly delivered before conducting the whole interview.

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Febbie Lyn Mae, 29, a mother of 4, shares her story about raising his 1 year and 3 months child as a stay-at-home mom.

“Koykoy”, not his real name, is an easily delivered baby. For her, delivering him was not difficult since it was the fourth time she had given birth; therefore, she felt relaxed. Being the last son of the 4 children, Koykoy seems to be well-behaved and obedient during the span of the interview. For her, “Dili siya perwisyo na bata.” 

Translation: He is not a troublesome kid.

Raising four children and a stay-at-home mom at the same time, Febbie relies on her husband’s income which is the main provider of the family. He works as a Safety Officer at Stanfilco and provides all the expenses. She also disclosed that 20,000 Pesos is their minimum budget per month.

At times, Febbie finds it hard to attend to her infant son causing her to rely most on her support system such as her In-Laws. According to her, they were very considerate and loved taking care of Koykoy while she cleaned and did household chores.

The interview closed as the interviewer from Davao Doctors College, Inc. of the BS Psychology Program gave her a grocery package worth 300 Pesos as compensation for all the disturbance the interview had caused. The gift also served as a means of gratitude for her cooperation and openness to the whole interview process.

According to Erik Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory of Development, children from 1 to 3 Years Old experience Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt. In this stage, children often begin to develop a sense of independence by making choices and trying new things (Autonomy). 

Upon receiving consent from the mother, my partner and I were able to observe Koykoy’s behavior for about 25 minutes before he slept for naptime. By observation, we have seen that this nearly 2-year-old infant has already walked on his own, uttered some words to his older siblings, and was able to entertain himself with toys and pieces of paper. He was also attentive when his mother called his name and ran towards her grinning from ear to ear.

"May you reach different heights with your curiosity, Koykoy!" - MisoCares

Caption: Miguel Augustine V. Sulamin | BSPSYCH 2-82A

Documentation: Sophia Ericka P. Sienes | BSPSYCH 2-82A

September 01, 2024

[misocares]

"A Second Wave of New Beginnings"

SUBJECT: Prenatal Interview

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𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗠𝗘𝗥: All the photos, videos, or any recording taken for documentation during the interview are for 𝗘𝗗𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬. Consent was properly delivered before conducting the whole interview.

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Debbie Noreen, 24, shared her experiences navigating the challenges accompanied by the joys of pregnancy for the second time.

Now five months long, Debbie reveals that she was already 2 months pregnant when she confirmed her pregnancy because of her first child’s admission to the hospital. “Kato man gud na time, wala man gud ko sa akong sarili ba kay na-admit akong panganay, wala nako nabantayan na wala na diay ko gidugo ato na month.” she said. She also revealed that her current pregnancy was not that sensitive causing her not to suspect anything. Symptoms, such as morning sickness and uncontrolled urination, showed after she confirmed everything.

Translation: That time, I wasn’t in my best self because of my firstborn’s hospitalization. I did not realize that my period did not show.

According to her, she is alarmed and has expressed a deep concern upon discovering that she is dealing with a Severe Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) from a recent doctor’s visit, fearing it might endanger the child inside her. She also said that her body changed drastically compared to when she was not pregnant. “Oo. Nanambok ko, nangitom akong singit-singit.”

Translation: Yes. I became fat, my pits darkened.

Being pregnant during the pandemic with her firstborn did not make things easier for her too. As young as 19, she wasn’t able to finish college, and her priorities switched quickly from herself to her child. She exposed, “Mostly, akong mga gina-huna-huna kay para nalang sa akong anak.”

Translation: Mostly, my thoughts are focused only for my child.

Luck strikes her when she reveals a fact about her support system. Having a husband who works as a staff in Maria Clara, they were able to provide for their small family; however, Debbie finds it not enough for them to live in a separate house alone. Luckily for her, parents from both sides are all supportive of the whole pregnancy making her journey, as a pregnant woman, a lot easier.

Disclosing that her second pregnancy was an accident, she revealed an interest in using contraceptives before even getting pregnant; however, the effect of pills scared her. As per what she had heard from other people, contraceptives cause blood clots, and she considers taking pills somewhat dangerous for her since she is also struggling with a heart condition and scoliosis.

As a second-time pregnant woman, she advises new moms to choose a strong support system. She concludes that it’s natural for pregnant women to feel lonely and experience a dip in self-esteem during pregnancy. She also highlights that choosing someone who has a strong faith in God can provide comfort, especially love and security.

The whole interview ends with the interviewer from Davao Doctors College, Inc. of the BS Psychology Program giving her a grocery gift worth 300 Pesos and expressing gratitude for her cooperation and openness throughout the interview.

"Good luck on your journey, Ate Debbie!" - MisoCares

Caption: Sophia Ericka P. Sienes | BSPSYCH 2-82A

Documentation: Miguel Augustine V. Sulamin | BSPSYCH 2-82A

September 01, 2024