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The Department of Home Economics Education proudly congratulates Jan Gabriel Donato for his outstanding achievement in receiving the Outstanding Thesis Award. His remarkable research titled "Influence of Birth Order and Quality of Sibling Relationships on Emerging Adulthood Stress" has gained recognition for its insightful exploration of family dynamics and mental health among young adults.

Gabe’s thesis specifically aimed to examine the differences in how birth order and the quality of sibling relationships influence stress levels and coping mechanisms during emerging adulthood. The study focused on factors such as birth order (first-born, middle-born, last-born) and the nature of sibling relationships (warm and conflicting), seeking to understand how these elements affect stress and stress management among young adults.

Gabe's journey into this research was driven by both personal experience and cultural observations. As a middle-born among four children, he was naturally curious about how birth order and sibling relationships influence stress and coping mechanisms during the critical stage of emerging adulthood. Gabe also reflected on societal sayings like “Pagbigyan mo na. Bunso eh.” and “Yung panganay dapat ang gagawa nito,” which influenced his interest. Recognizing that siblingship is often underrepresented in research, he saw this as an opportunity to contribute something meaningful to the field. Additionally, he related the topic of emerging adulthood stress to his personal experiences and those around him, deeming it highly relevant.

Throughout his research process, Gabe encountered numerous challenges. From difficulties in recruiting participants to balancing fieldwork with academic responsibilities, his journey was far from smooth. He candidly shares that early on, he struggled with clarity with him initially shifting from random to non-random parametrics without fully anticipating the complications. Sleepless nights, stress, and pressure characterized much of his thesis experience. Yet, what sustained him was a strong support system comprising friends, and his thesis adviser, Ma’am Justine. Their encouragement and feedback helped him persevere through moments of doubt and fatigue, teaching him that research is as much about collaboration and resilience as it is about methodology.

Reflecting on his learnings, Gabe emphasized that siblingship is severely underrated and often overlooked. “We have so much to gain from good relationships with our siblings and I think we take that for granted. It may be easier said than done to tell people to just love their siblings but maybe just give them and your relationship with them a chance,” he said. His research findings reinforce the importance of nurturing positive sibling relationships, especially during critical developmental stages.

For aspiring students preparing for their thesis journey, Gabe offered practical advice: “In relation to all the things I have learned, choosing a topic that gives you an intrinsic sense of motivation is essential. For many moments, I did not only see my thesis as a requirement but also something that I genuinely wanted to learn about. My topic allowed me to give my thesis the necessary care it needed to reach the potential it did.” He stressed the importance of having a clear plan and being proactive—“Plot down a timetable or schedule, gather your resources, and absorb the information from them.” He also highlighted the value of a strong support system: “My sleepless nights were spent with others who were kind enough to give me their presence and show me I was not alone. They helped me push through the stress, and I am grateful for their support.”

Gabe’s journey shows perseverance, passion, and the significance of support in achieving academic excellence. His recognition as an Outstanding Thesis Awardee is well-deserved, and the Department of Home Economics Education extends its heartfelt congratulations. His success not only reflects his dedication but also inspires fellow students to pursue research with passion and resilience.