Parental Verbal Abuse: Culture-Specific Coping Behavior of College Students in the Philippines

Abstract

In a larger research study that investigated the conceptualizations, experiences, and coping behaviors of 294 male and female college students exposed to parental verbal abuse, this paper identifies and measures seven culture-specific coping behaviors in the Philippine setting, as experienced by 143 highly abused students identified in the study. Results indicated that both males and females coped essentially through silence. Neither used humor to relieve anxiety nor an intermediary to facilitate communication with the abusive parent. Multivariate analysis of variance suggested that while both experienced anger, females were more inclined than males to accept and tolerate verbal abuse, suppress feelings, and attempt to please the abusive parent. Female victims were disadvantaged due to: differentiated child-rearing expectations and practices; birth order; and the female victim's attitudes, affective reactions, and failure at meaningful communication with the abusive parent.