The Effects of transnational communications on the relationship between migrant mothers and their children / Rachel Anne C. Francisco.

Thesis (Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication - - Journalism) Cavite State University

Includes bibliographical references.

College of Arts and Sciences, (CON). Department of Languages and Mass Communication.

FRANCISCO, RACHEL ANNE C. The Effects of Transnational Communication on the Relationship between Migrant Mothers and their Children. Undergraduate Thesis. Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication, major in Journalism. Cavite State University. April 2011. Thesis Adviser: Roselle Rea G. Salinas

This study was conducted in order to determine the effects of transnational communication in the relationship between migrant mothers and their children. Specifically, it aimed to determine advantages and disadvantages of modern technology as the medium of transnational communication between migrant mothers and their children and identify common relationship problems between a migrant mother and her child/children that arise with the use of transnational communication.

The descriptive-exploratory method of research and in-depth interviews were used for data gathering. The guide questions, which were validated by three experts of the
field, served as the instrument for the data collection. There were 16 respondents in the study, composed of 8 migrant mothers who met the researcher’s criteria, and 8 Cavite State University students, who were children of these migrant mothers, one male and one female per year level. The study was conducted from January 2011-March 2011.

Modern technology helped in keeping a good relationship despite the distance and it has improved ways of communication. But still, modern technology did not fulfill physical presence and its technical difficulties and over-use of it leads to relationship
problems. Common relationship problems were also related to the disadvantages of modem technology and it all roots to transnational communication’s incapability of replacing the real essence of face-to-face communication. On the other hand, chosen coping mechanisms and suggestions of migrant mothers and their children, revolved around constant and frequent open communication. A negative effect of transnational communication on their mother and child relationship was the decrease of the level of interest in their communication. But then, it also provided more choices on ways to communicate more in order to still manage their interpersonal relationship as mother and child.

Modern technology enables migrant mothers and their children to still keep a good relationship. But the children are being materialistic and they experience sadness and unfamiliarity. Technical difficulties in modern technology usage lead to annoyance and misunderstanding and are hindrances in their transnational communication. The overuse of these media leads to distraction both in work and the relationship maintenance.
Common relationship problems that arise with the use of transnational communication are also similar to the disadvantages, but also, include the decrease in interest on communicating of children with their migrant mothers and the difficulty in determining the urgency and importance of calls. Migrant mothers’ and children’s chosen coping mechanisms and suggestions are constant and frequent open communication which made the updating about their daily lives and global parenting possible. Transnational communication provides more choices on ways to communicate more, in order to keep them updated, maintain/bring them close and feel their presence and migrant mothers’ guidance which bridges the gap and strengthens their bond.

Submitted to the University Library 12/06/2011 T-4451