The "Kabit" Practice in the Philippine Context: Perceptions on Why Individuals Engage in Relationships with a Married Person

Abstract

"Kabit", the Filipino term for "concubine", denotes a clinging attachment as it originates from the Cebuano and Ilocano word “kab-it” (to attach). "Kabit" may also be related to "sabit", a Tagalog word that denotes "to join" or "inclusion". This research intended to find out how Filipinos perceive those who engage in relationships with a married individual. An online survey was conducted among a general population of Filipinos of various age and gender groups. The survey instrument included descriptive questions and a projective technique where stories were culled out from a drawing of man and a woman facing one another. The results showed that the word “kabit” is associated with single females, aged 25-35 years. "Kabits" were perceived to have attained a bachelor’s degree, currently employed and earn an average income. The reason for an individual to engage in an extradyadic affair was normally associated with the benefits derived from investing in such a relationship. If the costs outweigh the rewards, the individual would terminate or abandon the relationship. However, there are also physical, emotional and sexual repercussions of being a "kabit" as well as negative consequences for the family of the philandering individual. The findings could be used to develop programs that may help alleviate the psychological distress experienced by individuals engaged in a relationship with a married person. It is also recommended to use the results as basis for programs centered on helping children affected by parental infidelity.