Humor: Lightening the Load of Selected Single Female Breadwinners

In Bowen’s Family Systems Theory, the family is viewed as an organism.  Since a change in one part results in changes in others, the individual’s functioning must be considered in the context of relationships.  Research has identified humor among family strengths that enhance resilience.  As humor is beneficial in stress management and interpersonal relationships, it is essential in handling pressures, especially for breadwinners who provide for their families. In the Philippines, breadwinners are often male and married, but some single females assume the breadwinner role. These women face financial and societal pressures since the traditional family cycle devalues singlehood as an alternative life choice. Many studies focus on humor, breadwinners, or singlehood, but little is known about how single female breadwinners use humor to cope. Thus, this descriptive phenomenological study leads to greater depth in understanding the experiences of single female breadwinners.  Seven were recruited by purposive sampling. A family member of each breadwinner also validated the breadwinner’s use of humor. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data that were subjected to thematic analysis. Based on the breadwinners’ stories, five themes emerged: Hurdling Family Crisis, Uniting Family Members, Managing Pressures, Overcoming Social Norms and Recognizing Influences and Opportunities.  Findings highlight how humor lightens the breadwinners’ load.  The use of humor influences their thoughts, feelings and actions which affect family dynamics positively.  This study fosters recognition and support for single persons integral to families.