The Impact of Social Support on Self Esteem and Self Actualization Tendencies of Registered Household Helpers in Quezon City

Abstract

This study focuses on the self esteem and self actualization tendencies of the registered kasamabahays in Quezon City and how these two variables are affected by their perceived social support. Being registered in the Kasambahay Program, they are supposedly entitled to benefits like education, counseling, social security, PhilHealth insurance coverage, arts and recreational activities and formal and vocational trainings (Cortez, 2006). Following Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory, the main objective of this study is to determine whether the registered kasambahay's perceived social support correlates with their level of seif esteem and self actualization tendencies. Specifically, the study aims to explore on the working and living conditions of the registered kasambahays-, determine their levels of perceived social support, self- esteem, and self actualization; investigate the relationship between their socio-demographic profile and their self esteem and self actualization tendencies; and identify the relationship between their perceived social support towai ds then- self esteem and self actualization tendencies. Respondents chosen to participate in the study are Quezon City - based, female, registered in the Kasambahay Program, aged 15-34, and stay-in helpers. The study consists of 30 respondents obtained through puiposive and snowballing sampling scheme. This particular sampling method was utilized since the participants were difficult to track down because most barangay registrations have stopped one or two years from the time of research. A triangulation of methods was used in the data gathering and analysis of this study. It utilized a self-report questionnaire that measures the respondents’ perceived social support along with Rosenberg’s Self Esteem Scale and the Short Index of Self Actualization scale by Crandall and Jones. Key informant interviews were done among three chosen participants to further explore on the working and living conditions of the kasambahays as well as their perceptions pertaining to self esteem and self actualization. Results of the study show that the respondents have high levels of perceived social support (Mean=3.25, SD=0.44), self esteem (Mean=2.94, SD=.39), and self actualization (Mean=2.79, SD=.25). The socio-demographic profile of registered kasambahays has no significant relationship with their levels of self esteem and self actualization, except for the highest educational background which is significantly correlated with self esteem at r=0.426. It was also found out that their perceived social support has a significant relationship with self esteem (r=0.381), but has no significant relationship with self actualization (r=-0.138).