Perceptions of Marriage and Future Marital Intentions among Filipino Senior University Students

Authors

  • Jhonnet Kim Galit Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños
  • Rufo Gil Albor Include this contributor when identifying authors in lists of publications.
  • Inero Ancho Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños
  • Nephtaly Joel Botor Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños
  • Danica Jae Sagun Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños
  • Jamella Michaella Ezra Ledesma Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños
  • Mark Yvanne Mendres Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños
  • Elaijah Andrea Gironella Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29244/jfs.v10i2.63988

Keywords:

early adults, academic achievement, marriage, marital intention, perception

Abstract

Entering marriage is a significant life decision that includes major transitions in one's life. The study investigated the perceptions of marriage among Filipino senior university students majoring in Human and Family Development at a university in the Philippines. It aimed to understand their definition and views of marriage, and the factors that influence their decision to get married. The study employed a two-step descriptive qualitative design, combining initial surveys to identify themes, followed by in-depth interviews for deeper exploration, and purposive sampling to select eight senior students aged 20-22 years old from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 2019, whose responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that participants define marriage as a lifelong commitment to another person that is legally recognized and strengthened by intimacy. While they viewed marriage as a personal choice, they acknowledged its legal benefits, such as legitimate recognition of their children. Five key factors emerged in their decision to marry: influence of media, family pressure, financial capability, achievement of personal goals, and desire to build their own family. These findings reflect the negotiation between traditional family values and the modern aspirations of the younger generation in the Philippines. The study offers valuable insights for developing culturally-responsive relationship education programs for Filipino students and informing family-oriented policies that address the evolving perspectives of early adults toward marriage.

Author Biographies

  • Jhonnet Kim Galit, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

    Mr. Galit earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology, major in Human and Family Development, from the Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños.

  • Rufo Gil Albor, Include this contributor when identifying authors in lists of publications.

    Dr. Rufo Gil Z. Albor is an Assistant Professor at the College of Human Ecology and Graduate School at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). He earned his PhD in Extension Education and a master’s degree in education management from UPLB. Currently, he serves as the College Secretary of the College of Human Ecology and teaches courses in Ecology and Value Systems, as well as Principles of Human Development. Dr. Albor's expertise in Extension Education and Education Management is bolstered by his extensive experience as a research consultant for various organizations, including the Department of Education, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and De La Salle University. His contributions to the academic community are significant, including course modules on Child Development, Research in Education, and numerous articles in local and international scientific journals.
    Dr. Albor has also been a two-term Chair of the Department of Human and Family Development Studies. In addition to his academic pursuits, he is a dedicated mental health advocate and has served as the Chair of the Committee on Social Sciences and Humanities at the UPLB Graduate School.

  • Inero Ancho, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

    Dr. Ancho is an Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos.

  • Nephtaly Joel Botor, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

    Dr. Botor is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Banos.

  • Danica Jae Sagun, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

    Ms. Danica Jae Sagun is currently a Teaching Associate at the Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños. She earned her undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology major in Human and Family Development, from the same university. She is now pursuing a Master of Science in Family Resource Management, with a minor in Applied Nutrition. Her research interests include human development, family resource management, family nutrition, and gender studies.

  • Jamella Michaella Ezra Ledesma, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

    Ms. Jamella Michaella Ezra Ledesma, or Teacher Jam, is currently teaching associate at the Department of Human and Family Development Studies. She teaches courses centered on human development, human sexuality, and human needs. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Ecology, majoring in Human and Family Development. After graduating, she joined the CHE Dean’s Office as a Junior Research Associate. At present, she is pursuing a degree in Master of Science in Family Resource Management, minor in Development Communication.

  • Mark Yvanne Mendres, Department of Human and Family Development Studies, College of Human Ecology, University of the Philippines Los Baños

    Mr. Mark Yvanne A. Mendres is a Teaching Associate at the University of the Philippines Los Baños. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Ecology, major in Human and Family Development. Currently, he is pursuing a Master of Science in Family Resource Management. His expertise spans human ecology, family resource management, and qualitative research. His research interests include human development, family communication, family systems, and transdisciplinary studies.

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Published

2025-12-30

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Family Sciences

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How to Cite

Perceptions of Marriage and Future Marital Intentions among Filipino Senior University Students. (2025). Journal of Family Sciences, 10(2), 232-250. https://doi.org/10.29244/jfs.v10i2.63988