Philippine Social Science Journal

The Migrant Spirit: Motivations, Challenges and Joys of Disaffiliated Filipino Catholics

2025-11-29T09:40:04+00:00

As young Filipino adults increasingly leave the Catholic Church for charismatic and evangelical communities, this study explored their motivations for departure and their subsequent transition experiences. Utilizing a qualitative design with semi-structured interviews and recursive textual analysis, the research identified four primary drivers: persistent invitations from other denominations, limited prior Catholic engagement, a strong search for belonging, and dissatisfaction with homilies. Although participants encountered challenges such as doctrinal confusion and strained relationships, they reported a renewed passion for Scripture and deep spiritual fulfillment in their new faiths. These insights underscore the urgent need for the Church to enhance spiritual formation, liturgical quality, and community fellowship. Consequently, the study recommends implementing dynamic, Scripture-based youth initiatives to better address spiritual needs, guide responsive formation programs, and ultimately foster interfaith harmony.

Unspoken Therapy: Dogs’ Contribution to Their Owners’ Well-being, Coping Mechanism, and Newfound Meaning in Life

2025-11-30T10:02:11+00:00

For individuals living alone, the mental and emotional challenges of solitary life can be profound, yet they are often mitigated by the companionship of a dog. This study employed a qualitative, phenomenological approach to explore the lived experiences of solitary adult dog owners. Through unstructured interviews and Lichtman’s 3Cs analysis, the research revealed that dogs act as “four-legged therapists,” providing crucial support that enables owners to cope with challenges and rediscover life’s purpose. These findings underscore the therapeutic value of the human–animal bond and advocate for integrating dog-assisted therapy into academic, medical, and rehabilitation settings. As a preliminary step in addressing gaps in the literature, this study suggests that future research should extend to broader demographics and utilize quantitative methods. Ultimately, this work positions dog-assisted therapy as a credible intervention for enhancing well-being amidst the dynamic struggles of solitary living.

Exploring the Topics, Teaching Strategies, and Assessments on English Language Teaching of Junior High School Teachers: An Exploratory Mixed Sequential Methods Inquiry

2025-12-03T18:59:41+00:00

This mixed-methods study examined the topics, strategies, and assessment methods employed by junior high school English teachers in the Schools Division of Negros Occidental to address gaps in English Language Teaching (ELT) integration. Semi-structured interviews with Master Teachers identified key themes regarding specific content and pedagogical approaches, which quantitative analysis confirmed were widely utilized. The findings highlight teachers’ resilience in meeting competency demands despite resource challenges, underscoring the need for improved practices to maintain curriculum effectiveness. Based on these results, an Enhanced Teacher’s Guide was developed for the Learning Resource Management Section to support secondary instruction. Future research should investigate ELT practices in private schools and other divisions, analyze time allocation for learning competencies, and utilize alternative methodologies to expand the scope of analysis.

Job Satisfaction, Mental Well-Being, Motivations, and Challenges of Selected Migrant Filipino Teachers Working in the United States of America

2025-12-05T06:21:52+00:00

This multimethod study investigates the job satisfaction, mental well-being, and motivations of migrant Filipino teachers in the United States during the 2024-2025 school year to develop a proposed induction program. Quantitative results indicated that while compensation boosts well-being, no significant relationship exists between job satisfaction and mental well-being; teachers reported moderate satisfaction but high mental health. Qualitative findings revealed that financial stability and professional growth are key motivators, though teachers face challenges regarding student behavior, resource scarcity, and parental involvement. Despite these hurdles, participants demonstrated significant resilience. The study concludes that US school districts must tailor support systems to these specific needs. These findings offer actionable data for policymakers to improve retention and cultural competence training. Future research should focus on longitudinal trends and social support networks to further understand and enhance the experience of teachers under the cultural exchange program.

Self-Confidence and Psychological Well-Being among Student Assistants at a Higher Educational Institution in Negros Oriental, Philippines

2025-12-05T06:43:26+00:00

In today’s competitive academic and economic landscape, working students face distinct challenges to their mental health. This study examines the relationship between self-confidence and psychological well-being (PWB) among 84 student assistants at a higher education institution in Negros Oriental, Philippines. Employing a descriptive-correlational design, the research utilized Kelsey Perkins’ model for self-confidence and Carol Ryff’s six-factor model for PWB. Results reveal that while respondents maintained high to very high levels of self-confidence, their PWB scores varied across different dimensions. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between self-confidence and overall PWB; however, the strength of this association was inconsistent. While some areas showed strong correlations, specific dimensions—including self-efficacy, autonomy, self-compassion, personal growth, and purpose in life—exhibited only weak correlations. These findings suggest that high self-confidence does not guarantee well-being in all aspects, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to address these specific psychological gaps.

Keeping Millennials Engaged: A Study of Talent Management on Millennial Employee Retention in a Provincial Government in Northern Luzon

2025-11-29T08:36:04+00:00

This study examined the impact of training, performance, and job satisfaction on employee retention, specifically analyzing if these relationships differ by employment status. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive-correlational design with 348 respondents, the study found that both regular and temporary staff report high levels of training, performance, and satisfaction. While training and performance consistently predicted retention, moderation analysis revealed that employment status did not significantly alter the effect of job satisfaction on retention. This suggests that talent management strategies need not differentiate based on contract type but should instead focus on universal drivers like employer branding and engagement. Future research is recommended to employ serial mediation analysis to further explore the complex mechanisms linking talent management components to employee retention.

The Effectiveness of Technology Integration by Redefinition in Teaching Asian History among Grade 7 Learners in a Catholic School

2025-11-29T08:36:18+00:00

Technology plays a pivotal role in education by enabling innovative teaching methods. Anchored in the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework, this study assessed the effectiveness of the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification, and Redefinition (SAMR) model’s "Redefinition" level in teaching Asian History to Grade 7 learners at a Catholic school on Negros Island. Utilizing a quasi-experimental design, the research compared a control group receiving conventional instruction with an experimental group benefiting from redefined technology-integrated strategies. The results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in the academic performance of the experimental group. These findings confirm that integrating technology at the redefinition level moves beyond simple substitution, significantly enhancing learner engagement, comprehension, and overall academic achievement.

Service Quality and Clients Satisfaction of Digital Dental Diagnostics in Highly Urbanized Cities in Western Visayas, Philippines

2025-11-29T08:36:30+00:00

This study assessed the relationship between service quality and client satisfaction in digital dental diagnostics across Bacolod and Iloilo City. Utilizing a descriptive-correlational design with 270 participants (135 dentists and 135 clients), the research evaluated reliability, assurance, tangibles, empathy, and responsiveness via a researcher-made questionnaire. Findings revealed that both groups perceived service quality as "Very High," particularly in empathy and responsiveness, with significant variations observed based on age and sex. A strong positive correlation confirmed that superior service quality significantly enhances client satisfaction. Consequently, the study concludes that high service quality consistently drives client satisfaction, emphasizing the synergy between advanced technology and empathetic, patient-centered care. Future research is recommended to expand the geographic scope to further validate these insights.

Service Quality, Patient Satisfaction, and Challenges of Multi-Specialty Dental Clinics in Highly Urbanized Cities in Western Visayas, Philippines

2025-11-29T08:36:44+00:00

This mixed-methods study assessed service quality and patient satisfaction in multi-specialty dental clinics across highly urbanized cities in Western Visayas, Philippines. Using the SERVQUAL framework, quantitative surveys of 180 personnel and patients evaluated dimensions such as reliability and empathy, while qualitative interviews identified operational challenges in management, safety, and compliance. Findings indicated consistently high ratings for both service quality and satisfaction, establishing a significant positive correlation between them. The study concludes that operational efficiency, rigorous quality assurance, and strict regulatory adherence are essential for sustaining clinical excellence. Although limited by its urban focus and cross-sectional design, the results highlight the critical link between service standards and patient outcomes. Future research should expand the geographic scope, utilize longitudinal designs, and explore the impact of digital technologies on dental healthcare delivery to further validate these findings.