https://philssj.org/index.php/main <p style="text-align: justify;">The Philippine Social Science Journal is an international indexed peer-reviewed journal published by the Recoletos de Bacolod Graduate School of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos. It publishes original and quality scientific papers dealing with social science allied disciplines such as anthropology, human geography, demography, business, management, economics, education, psychology, criminal justice, political science, social policy, international relations, sociology, law, media studies, history, health and well-being, and religion.&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">As an international indexed refereed journal, PSSJ continuously commits itself to provide a mentoring space for researchers and scientists to publish original and unpublished scholarly papers that can foster new knowledge and understanding of various societal issues and become the basis for policies and programs to enhance organizational practices and improve the quality of life.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">ISSN: 2672-3107 (Print) and 2704-288X (Online)</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;</p> University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Graduate School en-US Philippine Social Science Journal 2672-3107 https://philssj.org/index.php/main/article/view/931 <p>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.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> Janrico David C. Basa Irish Joy J. Gonzales Rio Haina R. Malibong Chester Alan R. Merza Copyright (c) 2024 Philippine Social Science Journal 2024-10-27 2024-10-27 7 2 1 10 10.52006/main.v7i2.931 https://philssj.org/index.php/main/article/view/946 <p>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.</p> Jose J. Pangngay Copyright (c) 2024 Philippine Social Science Journal 2024-10-28 2024-10-28 7 2 11 12 10.52006/main.v7i2.946 https://philssj.org/index.php/main/article/view/991 <p>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.</p> Lunel J. Gabayoyo Dennis V. Madrigal Deborah Natalia E. Singson Copyright (c) 2024 Philippine Social Science Journal 2024-10-28 2024-10-28 7 2 21 30 10.52006/main.v7i2.991 https://philssj.org/index.php/main/article/view/995 <p>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.</p> Cleah Amor S. Parcon Francis Jose D. Bearneza Copyright (c) 2024 Philippine Social Science Journal 2024-11-01 2024-11-01 7 2 31 40 10.52006/main.v7i2.995