ABSTRACT
This study looked into the lived experiences of married heterosexual couples that traversed into a new role from coupling to parenting during the coronavirus pandemic. The research design used was qualitative with phenomenology as an approach. Using the interpretative phenomenological approach, the study generated six (6) themes. The themes were Realized Journey, Experienced Stressors and Apprehensions, Appreciated Blessed Times, Change of Priorities and Perspective, Dealing with Change, and Recognition of Social Support. The themes that emerged from this study were aligned with Schlossberg’s Transition Framework wherein it demonstrated that a transition period was illustrated into three stages. The Moving In stage (Approaching Transitions), the Moving Through stage (Potential Coping Resources), and the Moving Out stage (Assimilated Change).
Under the first and second theme which corresponds to the Moving In stage, it identified what type, context, and impact of transition the participants had experienced. As for the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth themes, these were included in the Moving Through stage wherein the potential coping resources of the participants during the transition period were explored. Furthermore, the Moving Out stage was the actual assimilation of the change in the role that happened to the participants wherein they became parents. As an output of the study, a Virtual Home Learning Environment was conceptualized and focused on the well-being of first-time parents during the pandemic who transitioned from coupling to parenting.
Keywords: coupling, pandemic, parenting, role
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