Separation Anxiety, Parenting Style, and Level of Dependency Among Children of Migrant Workers in UPHSL Jonelta Campus

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between separation anxiety, parenting style, and dependency among children of migrant workers at UPHSL Jonelta Campus, drawing on Bowlby’s Attachment Theory, Baumrind’s Parenting Style Theory, and Bornstein’s Interpersonal Dependency Theory.

Using a descriptive-correlational design and non-standardized instruments, levels of separation anxiety, parenting styles, and dependency were measured across emotional, behavioral, social, and cognitive dimensions.

 Results showed that separation anxiety was consistently present, with emotional distress most pronounced; authoritative parenting was the most practiced style; and dependency was evident across domains, with emotional dependency dominant. Statistical analyses revealed that permissive parenting strongly correlated with heightened behavioral and cognitive separation anxiety, while authoritative parenting showed weaker associations. Higher separation anxiety was significantly linked to greater dependency, particularly between behavioral responses and emotional dependency (r = 0.657) and cognitive manifestations and emotional dependency (r = 0.682). Permissive parenting also had the strongest relationship with emotional dependency (r = 0.541).

These findings underscore the interrelated nature of separation anxiety, parenting style, and dependency, highlighting the need for interventions that foster authoritative parenting, strengthen emotional bonds, and provide coping strategies. The study contributes to developmental psychology by addressing gaps in migration-related family research and offers practical implications for parents, educators, counselors, and policymakers in designing culturally adaptive support systems.