Beyond Tradition: Involvement of Men in the Decision-Making Process of Family Planning

This qualitative-phenomenological study explored and understood the lived experiences of men regarding their involvement in the decision-making process of family planning in La Trinidad, Benguet. Rooted in Descriptive Phenomenology, the study utilized purposive sampling to select ten married men aged 25 to 45 with at least two living children. Data were collected via semi-structured face-to-face interviews framed around the Theory of Planned Behavior and analyzed using Colaizzi’s Seven-Step Method. The study revealed a prominent generational tension; younger fathers respect traditional pro-natalist advice from elders but critically evaluate it against modern economic realities, child welfare, and spousal dialogue. Socio-cultural barriers are defined by the normalization of condoms alongside the persistent rejection of vasectomy due to cultural myths and masculinity stigma. Systemic clinical conditions show mixed realities—while institutional environments are becoming increasingly inclusive, feelings of social scrutiny and anxiety still linger. Crucially, peer influence and clinical participation consistently reinforce male identity, reframing masculinity as active partnership, empowerment, and responsible fatherhood. The selected research approach and localized sampling may limit the immediate generalizability of the outcomes across wider regional contexts. Thus, it encourages scholars to further test the propositions offered across diverse sociocultural communities. This study highlights the effectiveness of collaborative partner counseling and targeted, dialect-specific education in transforming family planning into a shared reproductive commitment, ultimately fostering healthier families and stronger marital bonds in La Trinidad.