Parental Absence Experiences and Psycho-Spiritual Well-Being Among Students in Catholic Boarding Schools: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Parental absence experience is not a new phenomenon among students living in school hostel environments. This may influence their emotional and psycho-spiritual well-being. This study therefore examined the relationship between parental absence experiences and psycho-spiritual well-being among students in Catholic secondary school hostels in Osogbo Diocese. A convergent mixed-methods design was employed, which integrated quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data were collected from 67 students with the use of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and the Psycho-Spiritual Well-Being Scale (P-SWBS), while qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with five students selected purposively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson Product Moment Correlation, and thematic analysis. Findings revealed a moderate level of parental absence-related emotional experiences (M = 3.19, SD = 0.68) and a moderate level of psycho-spiritual well-being (M = 3.53, SD = 0.72). Correlation analysis showed a weak positive but non-significant relationship between parental absence and psycho-spiritual well-being (r = 0.17, p > .05). Coping strategies such as prayer, peer support, emotional expression, and institutional support were revealed by qualitative findings. The study concludes that although parental absence creates emotional challenges, spiritual engagement and supportive school environments play protective roles in sustaining psycho-spiritual well-being.