TRAVAILS OF MOTHER WITH TERMINALLY ILL CHILD: A MULTIPLE CASE STUDY

ABSTRACT: This qualitative multiple case study explored the experiences of five mothers with a terminallyill child and their coping strategies while in the hospital for an extended period. The findings revealed that upontheir child’s illness, the mother’s world seemed to crumble, causing them to shower their children with love andseek Divine intervention while trying to be strong for their child. The participants stressed the importance ofseeking refuge in the lord, seeking help from government agencies, and remaining positive and hopeful. Thestudy’s implication suggest that it could serve as a model for medical social workers handling challenging casesand parents of terminally ill children who persevere through difficulties over several years. This studycontributes to the literature on social work and the struggles faced by mothers with terminally ill childrenglobally.

KEYWORDS: Social work, travails, mother w/ terminally ill child, multi-case study, Philippines