Philippine Social Science Journal

From Setback to Growth: A Phenomenological Study of Psychometrician Exam Retakers

2024-11-28T13:04:54+00:00

Licensure examinations serve as a critical gateway to professional practice, often creating significant stress and challenging experiences for those who fail and must retake them. This study explored how the experience of failing and retaking the psychometrician licensure examination impacted the self-concept of seven examinees from Region 1, Philippines. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis of online interviews, the research revealed that retaking the exam had profound and varied effects on their self-perception, ranging from restoring confidence to completely transforming their sense of self. This research highlights the often-overlooked experiences of licensure exam retakers and contributes to understanding the psychological impact of setbacks and perseverance on the path to success. By focusing on the lived experiences of these individuals, the study offers valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by those striving to achieve professional licensure.

Virtual Lifelines: Filipino Psychologists' Experiences with Tele-Counseling for Suicide Prevention

2024-11-27T10:55:51+00:00

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a rapid shift to tele-counseling, presenting unique challenges for psychologists, especially those working with high-risk clients. This exploratory multiple-case study investigated the experiences of three Filipino psychologists providing tele-counseling for suicide prevention. The study revealed initial struggles with technology, ethical concerns, and perceived clinical effectiveness. However, the psychologists demonstrated resilience through a two-phase continuous professional development process: orientation and recalibration. Key outcomes included increased clinician enthusiasm, new professional opportunities, and improved ethical responses to crises. Tele-counseling emerged as a client-responsive tool that expands access to mental health services. Despite challenges, tele-counseling can be effective for suicide prevention with proper adaptation and training. These findings underscore the importance of integrating tele-counseling competencies into professional training curricula and developing evidence-based practices for remote crisis intervention.

Occupational Stress, Psychological Distress, and Coping Strategies of First-Level Judges in the Philippines: Examining the Influence of Demographics and Caseloads

2024-11-28T12:57:12+00:00

Judges worldwide face intense pressure from heavy workloads, emotionally charged cases, and limited resources, leading to burnout and decreased public trust in the justice system. While individual coping is important, systemic change is crucial. This descriptive-correlational study investigated occupational stress, psychological distress, and coping strategies among 357 first-level judges in the Philippines. The study employed three standardized instruments: the Occupational Stress Scale, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), and the Filipino Coping Strategies Scale (FCSS). This study revealed that first-level judges in the Philippines experience high levels of occupational stress and psychological distress. However, they also utilize a range of coping strategies to manage these challenges. The study found no significant relationship between occupational stress, psychological distress, and coping strategies and the demographic profile of the first-level judges. This suggests that these challenges are inherent to the judicial role itself rather than influenced by individual differences. The study concludes that interventions and support systems tailored to the specific demands of the profession are needed to address these challenges. The findings served as the basis for the Wellness Program for the first-level court judges in the Philippines.

The Monday Afternoon Tree: A Grounded Theory of Slacktivism among Filipino Students in a State University

2024-11-28T12:59:12+00:00

This grounded theory study explores the emerging worldview of "slacktivism" among Filipino university students, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with students active in online activism. Employing Charmaz’s constructivist approach, the research introduces the "Monday Afternoon Tree" model to illustrate the key components of slacktivism: its roots, blooming, and withering. The study finds that various factors motivate slacktivism, leading to both positive and negative consequences. While slacktivism's impact on politics is often minimal and indirect, it can increase political awareness and participation. Future research should employ a sequential exploratory approach to further understand this complex phenomenon and empirically validate its underlying domains.

Combating Social Isolation and Loneliness in Online Distance Learning: Lived Experiences of College Students

2024-12-02T08:39:40+00:00

The COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to online distance learning (ODL) intensify social isolation and loneliness globally, particularly among college students. This study explores the experiences of nine university students in Baguio City who face these challenges. Through semi-structured interviews and Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, the research reveals students struggle with their psychological well-being, the emotional impact of ODL, and demanding academic adjustments. However, students also develop coping strategies and seek support, ultimately viewing ODL as an innovative learning environment. These findings highlight the need for educators and policymakers to reassess current practices and implement strategies that support the holistic development of students in the evolving digital landscape.

Health Literacy and Self-Medication Behavior among Undergraduate Students at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria

2024-11-27T10:20:39+00:00

This study investigated the relationship between health literacy and self-medication among undergraduate students in Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey design, researchers collected data from 279 students via a structured questionnaire. Analysis revealed that most students possess adequate health literacy but engage in low self-medication practices. While a weak association exists between health literacy and self-medication, researchers found significant differences in self-medication behavior based on gender and living arrangements. The study concludes that solely enhancing health literacy may not substantially reduce self-medication among students. Therefore, interventions should consider gender, incorporate other relevant factors, and promote responsible healthcare practices alongside health literacy initiatives.

Causes and Consequences of Child Marriage in Rural Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study on Meherpur District

2024-12-02T08:50:32+00:00

This study investigated the causes and consequences of child marriage in Meherpur District, Bangladesh. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 20 respondents to understand this complex issue. Poverty, lack of education, family instability, and societal pressure emerged as significant factors contributing to child marriage. The study also reveals how cultural factors, including superstitions, religious interpretations, and traditional practices, perpetuate this harmful practice. Findings indicate that child marriage negatively impacts girls' physical and mental health, often leading to health complications and psychological trauma. This research highlights the urgent need for interventions that empower girls, promote education, and address the root causes of child marriage in Meherpur District.

The Economic Nationalism of Alejandro Lichauco

2024-11-27T10:01:33+00:00

Alejandro Lichauco, a nationalist economist and lawyer educated at Harvard, relentlessly waged a nationalist crusade in the 1950s. Lichauco attributed the so-called "Philippine crisis" to the inexorably continued encroachment of the United States on the country's post-war economic affairs. Thus, the study examines Lichauco's economic nationalism from a historical standpoint and explains how he articulated its core principles in his writings. The researchers utilize Karl-Otto Apel's critical hermeneutics and historical method. By positing the concepts of nationalism as "power" and a "philosophy of power," Lichauco emphasized the paramount importance of economic sovereignty during a time of reinvigorated Filipino nationalism. He asserted that the power to formulate economic policies and determine the nation’s economic direction rests on the Filipino people. They should exercise complete control over the means of production and harness the country’s resources in their best interest. He advocated decolonization, heavy industrialization, nationalist industrialization, economic democratization, and economic planning.

Psychological Capital and the Theory of Planned Behavior: Predicting Employee Turnover Intention in Region 7, Philippines

2024-12-02T08:56:55+00:00

To understand why employees, resign, this study examines the relationship between psychological capital (an individual's positive psychological resources) and turnover intention (the likelihood of leaving a job) using the Theory of Planned Behavior (which suggests that intentions are influenced by attitudes, social norms, and perceived control). The study surveys 438 employees from various industries in Region 7, Philippines, and analyzes the data using statistical techniques. The results show that psychological capital is only directly related to subjective norms (social pressure to leave or stay). However, the study finds that employees with low psychological capital are more likely to consider the opinions of others when deciding whether to leave their jobs. This suggests that individuals with low levels of hope, resilience, optimism, and self-efficacy may be more easily swayed by social pressures.

Mathematical Skills and General Mathematics Performance of Grade 11 Students in a Public National High School in Southern Negros Occidental, Philippines

2024-11-27T10:47:27+00:00

Mathematical skills are essential tools that form the foundation for understanding complex concepts in mathematics relevant to our daily lives. General Mathematics is considered a core subject in the senior high school curriculum. This study investigated the mathematical skills and General Mathematics performance of Grade 11 students at a public National High School in southern Negros Occidental, Philippines. Researchers analyzed the relationship between these skills and academic performance, considering potential differences between sexes and academic strands. Using statistical methods like the Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman's correlation, the study found students demonstrated approaching proficient mathematical skills but only developing-level General Mathematics performance. Significant differences in verbal skills were observed between academic strands, while nonverbal skills varied by both sex and strand. Crucially, a strong correlation emerged between mathematical skills and overall performance in General Mathematics.

A Home of Paradoxes: A Phenomenological Inquiry into the Lives of Adult Children Living with an Alcoholic Parent

2024-12-05T07:17:38+00:00

Children are meant to feel safe and secure in their homes; however, that is not the case for some. This phenomenological study aimed to explore and understand how adult children view their experiences living with an alcoholic parent. Twelve Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoAs) were selected through purposive and snowball sampling and were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The gathered data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and were validated through investigator triangulation. This study affirms that living with an alcoholic parent entails both positive and negative experiences. Consequently, they cope by escaping the problem, regulating their emotions, and seeking social support. The results highlight the necessity of expanding knowledge about parental alcoholism and educating the public about it. More importantly, the findings may serve as bases for mental health and other allied professionals in providing targeted interventions and support services for ACoAs.

Trauma and Related Psychological Outcomes of Adult Survivors of Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) in the Philippines

2024-12-05T07:20:27+00:00

Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) is a global phenomenon of technology-facilitated sexual violence harming children across borders. The Philippines became the global epicenter of live-streamed OSAEC, with pioneer evidence highlighting negative mental health effects on child survivors. This study investigated the enduring impact of OSAEC victimization among 47 adult survivors who were exploited around age 12. Assessments were conducted using Post-traumatic Checklist (PCL-5) and Trauma Symptoms Inventory-2 (TSI-2), which showed normal trauma levels overall but elevated suicidal behaviors and tension-reduction behaviors. Significant disparities in trauma symptoms across gender, living arrangements, and relationship with the perpetrator were found. Age during victimization is significantly correlated to the manifestation of specific trauma symptoms. Meanwhile, trauma and related psychological disturbances among survivors become more prominent with an increase in age. The findings affirm that childhood OSAEC victimization has adverse effects on survivors' mental well-being, indicating the need for tailored-fit therapeutic interventions to facilitate their recovery.