The Bedan Journal of Psychology 2016 Volume II

THE BEDAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2016 | VOLUME II
ISSN -2244-5382
Editorial Board
Paul V. Hilario, Ph.D., RGC, RP
Editor in Chief
Alicia Karen C. Alcantara
Associate Editors
Roshelle S. Macatugob
Associate Editors
Editorial Board Members
Augustina Sulastri, Ph.D
Universitas Katolik Soegijapranata, Indonesia
Margaret Sanapo,Ph.D
Ritsumeikan University, Japan
Roann Ramos, Ph.D
RWTH University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
Created Annually by
San Beda College Alabang
Bedan Psychological Society

2016
FOREWORD
This issue includes the work of twenty-one undergraduate students and their
faculty co-authors of the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of
Science in Psychology for the Academic Year 2015 2016.
The topics reflect the varied research interests and focus of the students and
their advisers. Volume II includes Qualitative, Sikolohiyang Pilipino, and
Mixed-Method studies
The articles were written following the latest APA (American Psychological
Association) format.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
With our sincerest gratitude, we, the graduating students of the Psychology
Department Class 2016, would like to thank the following:
To Dean Paul Hilario PhD, RGC, RP, RPm, Prof. Rodelando Ocampo, MA, Prof.
Fatima Bullecer, MAEd, RGC, Prof. Juli-ann Alonzo, MS, RN, and Prof. Eva
Castronuevo, MS, RGC, RP, RPm for their patience and unceasing mentorship that
encouraged us to strive for excellence during the completion of our study and attain
the highest possible standards set by the department,
To all the participants who devoted their time and helped us with our data
gathering,
To our families and friends, for their undying support and understanding that
sustained us throughout this challenging but fulfilling journey,
To the Bedan Community, for nurturing our work values, keeping us grounded as
Christ centered individuals and standing as a constant reminder of St. Benedicts
philosophyOra et Labora,
To God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, the source of our strength and
inspiration, making all things possible not only in our college life but in all the
aspects of our lives.
"O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good:

for his mercy endures forever...
Psalm 107:1
Ut In Omnibus Glorificetur Deus!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Filipino Family Experiences
in Caring For Children with Down syndrome
ALCANTARA, Alicia Karen
Castronuevo, Eva
Dilemma Experiences of Lesbians in Reconciling Religious

Belief with their homosexual behavior: A Grounded Theory Approach
Concepcion, Tessa
Alonso Balmonte, Juli -Ann
17
Perception of Parents on Children's Use of Gadgets

DE LIMA, Lorenzo
Castronuevo, Eva
26
Resiliency Experiences of Heart Disease Survivors

and their Family Members
DULGUIME, Sarrah Mae
Alonso-Balmonte, Juli-ann
35
Life without Limbs:

Acceptance, Perspectives and Social Support
DURAN, Bianca Dia
44
Experiences of College Dropouts

with Successful Corporate Industry Careers
ENRIQUEZ, Maria Gracel
53
Ang Pananaw ng mga Piling Sundalo sa Istriktong pagtuturo

JUANGCO, Eunice
Bullecer, Ma. Fatima
61
Pananaw ng mga kalalakihan sa Konsepto ng Seenzone

LAPUT, Jethro
68
Perspektibo ng pakikiuso sa materyal na bagay

at sa pag-uugali ng ilang mga kabataan sa Baguio City
MACARAEG, Grace Anne
74
The Experiences of Tattooing Among

Selected Filipino Young Adults
OCAMPO, Karen Mae
Castronuevo, Eva
82

Experiences, Perceptions, and Discrimination
Among Bisexuals
OCAMPO, Kristel Anne
91
Kapitgalit: Pagpapahayag ng "galit"

ng mga Bikolano sa kapitbahay
PASATIEMPO, Weana
Castronuevo, Eva
100
Common Mental Health Problems and Treatments

Experienced by College Students in Metro Manila
PINEDA, Miko
110
The Disney Princess Charming:

The Insights of Young Women on Empowerment
PURISIMA, Catherine Marie Beatrice
117
Kulay ng balat: Pananaw ukol sa kagandahan

at paggamit ng mga pampaputi ng mga taga Palawan
REMIGIO, Jan Aina
126
Karanasan at Konsepto ng Panata ng Kapistahan

ng ilang Pamilyang Pilipino sa Lucban, Quezon
REYES, Krista Angelica
133
Ageing Successfully Later in Life:

Filipino Senior Citizens Perception on Active Ageing
RODRIGUEZ, Maureen
Castronuevo, Eva
142
Current Career Status of Selected

Former Varsity Volleyball Players
UGALDE, Eula
Castronuevo, Eva
151
Experiences and Morale of a Basketball Benchwarmer

YABUT, Allen Christopher
Ocampo, Rodelando
160
Perseverance, Experiences and Motivation of Single

Mothers to Finish College
YANG, Alyssa Marie
166
Experiences of Selected College Students on Sexting

YEE, Joelle Colleen
Castronuevo, Eva
174
Filipino Family Experiences in Caring For Children with Down syndrome

Alcantara, Alicia Karen
Castronuevo, Eva
ABSTRACT
This study focused on the experiences of Filipino families in taking care of children with Down
syndrome. Qualitative design was used to describe and understand the challenges, coping skills,
and personal insights experienced by selected Filipino families. Five families having two
members each (one parent and one sibling) were interviewed using semi-structured 15 interview
questions. The findings show the concept of the families about Down syndrome falling into three
categories: medical, psycho-social, and psycho-spiritual concept. The present struggles shared
were categorized into five issues namely lifestyle adjustments, struggles with relationships,
financial problems, responsibilities, and health conditions. Some of the coping mechanisms are
counseling sessions, leisure activities, social support, and spiritual activities. The child with
Down syndrome is considered a blessing and is said to have a unique way in bridging the family
members together instead of creating a gap between and among them. Despite the small space
they occupy in the population, they are still to be treated justly and deserve fair attention from
the society.
Keywords: Down syndrome, Families, Experiences, Relationships, Struggles, Coping
"He's chromosomally enhanced, and he enhances my life."
Michelle Sullivan (2014)
Quoted from a mother of a child with Down syndrome, it sounded peaceful and serene.
But there is beyond a mothers view, a view wider through a familial perspective. And that is
what this research is bounded.
It is factual that the family experiences, family roles, and social support are important in
the development of an individual having Down syndrome (Gayman, 2014). Families having
children with Down syndrome face different challenges. But according to Hodapp, Ly, Fidler, &
Ricci (2009), parents of children with Down syndrome reported less stress and more childrelated rewards than parents of children with other disabilities. In relation to that, Doherty &
Doherty (2008) stated that coping mechanisms are a good aid for family experiences and may be
defined as an affective, cognitive, or behavioral effort made by a person to offset the impact of
depression, stress, or hazards.
In the Philippines, 1 in 800 babies born has Down syndrome or 1,875 cases a year out of
1.5-million live births, (The Manila Times, 2014). These children comprise a very small
percentage in the population. It is easy for them to be ignored. This research works out for that 1
out of 800 babies and words out that small number to raise awareness for these children and their
families.
Family roles
According to King (2006), after the frustrations of the parents, their positive views in life
soon emerge as their views about life and their childs disability change. In line to that, Hsiao
and Riper (2011) stated that the family demands are important for the whole function of the
family. Also, King, Baxter, and Rosenbaum (2009) reported that the families have gained
optimism, acceptance, and appreciation. Families also came to a point of doing their best to
change their environment, whatever is more conducive for their child. These studies were very
enlightening, only that they did not mention enough provisions on the perspectives of the
families about Down syndrome that prompted their responses to their situation.
Siblings are actually considered as good caregivers, but they experience negativities
along their learning and process. It is advised to promote a greater attention to their needs and
their involvement, (Kuo, 2014). While according to Graff, Mandleco, and Dyches (2012),
positive perspectives were more highlighted since they are all aware that their sibling with Down
syndrome requires more attention and extensive care. The siblings would never want to change
anything about their situation and experience. There are conflicting results between the two
studies. On one side, stating about the struggles and on another, having contentment with the
situation. They may have opposing sides but they both lacked how the roles of the siblings were
influenced and how the relationship with other family members influences their roles.
Family Struggles
Kluth, Biklen, English-Sand, and Smukler (2007) focused on the experiences of the
families. Some of the struggles that were distinguished are the (1) educational segregation, (2)
inappropriate curriculum, (3) lack of appropriate supports and (4) services, and (5) social
rejection. Financial problem was pinpointed, too. Aside from that, parents, especially mothers,
get a lot of stress in parenting. Results showed that struggles mainly fall on stress and adjustment
problems, (Sander and Morgan, 2008) which are connected to the 1,250 parents in the United
States who were frightened or anxious, (Skotko, 2005). Add to that, behavior problems are also
considered including disturbing attitudes and hygienic problems, (Turner and Sloper, 2010). The
issues were more of the personal frustrations and adjustments to financial area, services,
supports, and education. Concerns with the condition and interpersonal needs of the child with
Down syndrome and familial relationship were not much discussed.
Family Coping Mechanisms
The study of Raspa, Baile, Bann, & Bishop (2013) stated that adaptation focus more on
seven dimensions of family life and they are the (1) parental knowledge, (2) social support, (3)
social life, (4) financial impact, (5) well-being, (6) quality of life, and (7) overall impact. They
focused on the parental knowledge, losing attention for the other family members which are also
vital.
The relation of cohesion, adaptability, and social support are good contributors in the
coping of the family. Reading about coping experiences also helps (Altiere & Kluge, 2008). In
addition to that, parents shared that joining support groups and having group discussions with
friends are one of the good coping strategies (Hall & Graff, 2010). They are related to the study
of Gray (2011) stating that the usual and main coping strategy of fathers are from their outlets
and works outside home and that family supports and support groups are the most helpful
mechanisms for the family as a whole. While according to Belendez, Topa, & Bermejo (2009),
the topmost answers of the parents about coping with their childs situation are the religious
strategies and support seeking, which leads to social support and social interactions. These
studies provide a good set of coping strategies regarding social, psycho-spiritual and
psychological aspects but the physical aspect, missing out the leisure activities.
Down syndrome in the Philippines
According to Padilla, De La Paz, Chiong, Charcos, & Cadag (2009), the familial cases
are children of parents being the carriers of a balanced translocation involving chromosome 21
and another chromosome. This produces an increased risk of recurrence in succeeding
pregnancies and the identification of such families is crucial. The type and degree of counseling
the parents must receive depends upon the severity of the Down syndrome diagnosed.
Synthesis
The previous studies regarding family roles stating how vital the experiences of the
family members are indicate the importance of hope and of seeing possibilities that lie ahead
about their family member with Down syndrome. They focused in showing how the family
members are caring for the children with Down syndrome in different aspects. Social support,
family cohesiveness, and connectedness were most of the coping mechanisms practiced by
8
families of children with Down syndrome. Only that Belendez, Topa, & Bermejo (2009) stated
that the religious strategies of families are considered a factor in order to raise normally a child
with Down syndrome.
Most of the few studies done in the Philippines were more of further researches of the
causes and alternative treatments but lack on how Filipino families take care of their children
with Down syndrome. This study fills the gap by focusing on the experiences of Filipino
familiesboth parents and siblingsin taking care of the children with Down syndrome in the
area of their challenges, coping skills and personal insights as a family. The study explores the
following questions: (1) What are the concepts of Filipino families about Down syndrome? (2)
What are the challenges Filipino families have to overcome and deal with? (3) What are the
happy experiences in looking after the family member with Down syndrome? (4) What are the
coping strategies employed by Filipino families together with the children with Down syndrome
in terms of addressing the familys psychological, physical, social, and psycho-spiritual needs?
And (5) what are some of the insights of the family members in caring for the child with Down
syndrome to serve as an encouragement and inspiration to others.
Method
Research Design
Qualitative design was used by the researcher in gathering the data needed. The said
design was chosen because according to Maxwell (2013) it is a systematic and subjective design
that is used to describe the experiences of a certain subject. Having said that, the researcher has a
goal to know and describe the personal experiences of the Filipino families with children having
Down syndrome.
Participants/Sampling
The study targeted five Filipino families having a child with Down syndrome. A total of
ten participants, two members from each family (one parent and one sibling), were interviewed.
Purposive sampling was used since it focuses on a specific target of respondents in a population
which best enables the researcher to answer the given research questions. Referrals from people
who have contacts with families having children with Down syndrome, who are also qualified to
be part of the study, was the priority in choosing the participants. They were also given different
names due to confidentiality.
The criteria of the chosen participants are: (a) a Filipino family member living with a
child who is diagnosed with Down syndrome, (b) the children with Down syndrome have the age
range of 5-19 years old, and (d) the diagnosis based on the assessment of a Developmental
Psychologist, Pediatrician, or other qualified specialist.
Instruments
The basis of data collection in this research was a 15-question interview created by the
researcher, having follow-up questions expected to occur during the interview for clarification
and consistency purposes. The questions focused on understanding and describing the
experiences of the participants in caring for children with Down syndrome such as What is your
reaction when you discovered that there is something different with your child/sibling and how
did it affect you? in knowing how Filipino families perceive the condition of Down syndrome
and What are your motivations in taking care of your child/sibling/relative and in adjusting to
your familys situation? which wishes to lead to the psychological, physical, emotional, or
psycho-spiritual aspects.
In order to test the validity and reliability, the researcher had to focus on formulating
questions delimited to the objectives of the study and nothing else more. Keen observations
through casual interactions with the families before the actual interview are a way to be able to
formulate questions that the participants will be able to relate to. Consultation and approval from
an expert adviser was also part of the validity and reliability of the instrument.
9
Procedures
As all the given consents, with the assurance of confidentiality and with the inclusion of
the purpose of the study, were distributed and signed with the approval of the families, the
procedure moved forward.
First, the researcher had casual interactions with the participants for three weeks before
the day of the formal interview to build rapport and self-disclosure. Each family was visited
thrice a week. Second, formal interviews were conducted, with the participants being informed
beforehand. The average interview time lasted for 30 minutes to 1 hour, and was documented
using a voice recorder. Follow up questions were also given, depending on the answers of the
participants. Finally, after the interview, the participants were briefed for the termination of the
process. Some of the children with Down syndrome were also informed that the researcher
would not be able to be present as often as before with them. Tokens of appreciation were also
given to the families.
Data Analysis
The answers of the participants were organized in a thematic way. This is to segregate the
results to themes that are important to the description of an experience and are connected to the
specific research questions. The themes made by the researcher are the categories for the data
analysis. The researcher have gathered the common denominators of the results and grouped
them according to the similarities and differences of their answers. Answers that stood out
among the similar ones were also mentioned. A brief interpretation of the researcher is also a
part of the analysis.
Results/Discussion
The results were thematically grouped into five sections which are the concept,
relationship, challenges, coping, and insights. These five sections were based on the objectives
the researcher had laid down in this study which are the following: (1) to know the concept of the
Filipino families about Down syndrome, (2) to distinguish the challenges Filipino families have
to overcome and deal with, (3) to know about the happy moments they have in looking after the
family member with Down syndrome, (4) to further elaborate how Filipino families, together
with the children with Down syndrome, are able to cope with their situationwhat coping
mechanisms do they use and practice encompassing the psychological, physical, social, and
psycho-spiritual aspects? And lastly, (5) to share the insights of the family members about their
experiences in caring for the child with Down syndrome to serve as an encouragement and
inspiration to others.
The Participants
The respondents from Family A were a father (Albert) and an older brother (Drine). From
Family B was a father (Bill) and a younger brother (Niko). Both Family C and Family D had a
mother (Cass and Dian) and an older sister (Fiona and Monique) to participate while Family E
had a mother (Ellie) and a younger sister (Murielle). Family A earns an average of 432,000
pesos/year. Family B earns an average 864,000 pesos/year. Family C earns an average 708,000
pesos/year. Family D earns an average 540,000 pesos/year. Family E earns an average of
960,000 pesos/year. Based on Family Income Distribution in the Philippines from 1985 to
2009, Family A and Family D are in the Average Income cluster. Family B, C, and E are in the
High Income cluster.
Families A, C, D, and E have the father as the only financial provider. Families A and D
are being assisted by their relatives in the financial area, especially for Family D because they
live in a compound surrounded by the relatives. Bill from Family B works in an industrial setting
while his wife has a small store in their house assisted by the family members and family helper.
10
The Concept of Down syndrome

The participants came up with three common denominators regarding their concept of
Down syndrome which are the (1) medical concept, (2) psycho-spiritual concept, and (3) psychosocial concept.
The Medical Concept
The siblings and parents have the same understanding about the chromosomal defects of
Down syndrome and the special assistance that is needed by the children having the said
condition, this has been supported as Cass stated, technically, chromosome defect sya causing
intellectual impairment and physical abnormalities. Alam yon ng lahat ng magulang at pamilya
ng isang taong may Down syndrome. only that they differ with the subjective terms but they are
all funneling into the one same context.
The Psycho-spiritual Concept
The respondents stated that children with the said case are a blessing. To cite one
response I quote Ellie, Nag-divide yun cell nya kaya nagkaron ng chromosomal defects, but by
that division, he will always unite the family in cohesiveness. Blessing sila sa family, never a
curse. The study of King (2006) stated that parents can come to gain a sense of coherence and
control through values and priorities that involve different ways of thinking about their child,
their parenting role, and the role of the family.
The Psycho-social Concept
The respondents believe they are s to be treated normally by the society, only that they
needed some special assistance with some physical and mental limitations. I dont see it as an
abnormality but more of a disability and a disability does not necessarily stop you in living a
full, satisfying life with the help of the people who truly care, kagaya namin sakanya, Monique
stated. This relates to the study of King, Baxter, & Rosenbaum (2009) pointing out the sense of
hope, meaning, and control over their situations of the family member towards the child with
Down syndrome.
The Relationship
Based from the answers of all the respondents, their relationship with their family
members became stronger and they became more open to one another. This, then, connects to the
study of King, Baxter, & Rosenbaum (2009) wherein they stated that families grow stronger
together and resilient having the involvement of one another.
Close Relationship
The parents are very close and intimate with their children and they looked for all the
possible ways to help them. Albert even decided to resign from his work abroad, Pinilit ko
talagang makauwi kaagad non sa Pilipinas at mag-stay na for good...I make sure na hindi ko
lang basta nabibigay yun physical needs but also the emotional needs, which leads us to what
King, Baxter, & Rosenbaum (2009) stated about the effort of the parents in striving to change
their environment to meet their children's needs as much as possible. Most of the siblings grew
closer with their brother/sister and they became more involved and concerned with the needs of
their said siblings.
Distant Relationship
On the other hand, after understanding his brothers condition, Niko became aloof and
uncomfortable for he was scared he might do something that is not good for his brother, so as he
grew up, he started having a hard time winning a good and close relationship with his brother,
...mas naging cautious po ako sa kilos ko...dahil nailang po ako sakanya since then, nahirapan
po ako mag-catch up nung lumalaki na kami, this gives more emphasis to the study of Kuo
(2014) which states that the involvement of the sibling, especially the brothers, to the child with
Down syndrome is advised to be given a greater attention to help them connect to each other.
11
Transitional Relationship
As for Fiona, their mother gave her the pressure of responsibilities in caring for her sister
being the eldest,...dahil sakanya nasira ang social life ko, napilitan ako mag-mature agad tapos
dahil sakanya palagi ako pinapagalitan ni mommy noon. But as time went by, she was able to
overcome with a set of proper coping strategies. Murielle also shared that when she was still a
child, she thought that her brother did not like her because he barely talked to her, ...dumating
sa point na ayaw ko na sya kausapin kasi ang hirap niya kausap akala ko ayaw niya sa akin,
but after being informed that speech is one of the problems children with Down syndrome have,
she became aware and sensitive that led them to become very close now. The study of Graff,
Mandleco, and Dyches (2012) relates to the circumstances for they stated that the adjustment
does not only encompass the parents, especially if the parents intentionally involve the other
family members with a normal case in caring for the child with Down syndrome.
The Challenges
As stated from the related literature above, Raspa, Baile, Bann, & Bishop (2013) focused
on the seven dimensions of family life. Fundamentally, according to the answers given by the
participants, the challenges are said to be revolving around the given dimensions because the
dimensions are also related to the issues raised by the respondents.
The respondents have shared that part of their past struggles include acceptance,
frustrations, anxiety, regrets, fear of the future, and relationship with the child with Down
syndrome and with one another. Below are the common denominators of the present struggles
given by the family members.
Lifestyle Struggles and Adjustments
For Albert and Bill, healthy living is highlighted as a change. They also mentioned
decreased leisure time and lessened alcohol drinking. Both Bill and Dian stated that they became
closer to their extended families due to their childs condition. For Cass, she felt like everything
changed. Lahat halos nagbago simula ng maging anak namin si Risha. Nag-adjust sa
maraming bagay, she stated. It was only through counseling that their lifestyle has improved
now. They are now free from strict rules and she also freed herself from her smothering lifestyle.
On the other hand, Ellie stated that aside from the adjustments to the special needs which
is normal for parents like them, enlargement of her circle of friends, and increased level of faith
in God, nothing really massive changed at all, Kasi kahit normal si Marcus, stage mother pa din
naman ako for sure. Just look at how I treat Murielle. Almost the same....Ganon pa din naman
kami ng husband ko.
Most of the siblings shared about their social life and adjustments in their responsibilities
of caregiving as they grow older. But Fionas answer stood out as she shared a distinctive
experience, "Naapektuhan nya yun lifestyle ko in a way na nasanay na ako na walang lifestyle...
Nasanay na ako sa buhay bahay. Kaya nahihirapan ako to cope with the reality na ah eto pala
yun ginagawa sa labas, which confirms Casss answer about her strict parenting from the past.
The study of Sander and Morgan (2008) stated that parents get a lot of stress in parenting,
which is undeniably true. Their statement that the struggles mainly fall on stress and adjustment
problems is also proven by the answers of the respondents. The study of Kuo (2014), stating the
importance of the involvement of the siblings and how the siblings also needed an attention for
the involvement, showed that they should have been more involved with one another and with
their sibling with Down syndrome
Aside from the lifestyle adjustments, below are the four major struggles shared related to
the study of Turner and Sloper (2010) that talks about the behavior problems of the children.
Financial concerns and social issues were also highlighted, which has similarity with the study
held by Kluth, Biklen, English-Sand, and Smukler (2007). Again, the involvement of the siblings
12
is stressed out since without a clearer and better involvement and exposure of the siblings,
numbers of struggles arise involving relationship, caregiving responsibilities and such.
Closeness/Attachment
Niko is quite struggling about building a stronger and closer relationship with his brother
with Down syndrome. Bill also mentioned that one of his concerns as a father is the relationship
of his children, Nalulungkot din akong makita na hindi gaanong malapit sa isat isa si Nell at si
Niko...Hindi ko din naman mapilit si Niko kasi nakikita ko namang sinusubukan niya.
Fiona and her sister with Down syndrome grew closer and attached to each other and that
became a struggle for them. Her sister got used to the routine which becomea very difficult for
them when they are apart. Cass is currently having problem because of it, "...Nahihirapan ako
lately sa disiplina sakanya kasi nasanay sya sa routine na andyan si ate niya.
Financial
It was also obvious from the interview that the siblings were being sensitive to their
financial areas but only Drine was vocal about it, Kasi nakikita ko din naman na magastos
talaga. Kasi expenses, house bills, tapos yun mga expenses for Mawie.
Considering how three of the families are in a high income class and two are of an
average income class, this area is still hard to be neglected if you are a parent as Bill stated,
Kasama na sa struggles na hindi mawawala ang financial provision, syempre, and Albert
stated, Kasi kahit naman sabihin nating nakapag-set aside ako ng pera para sakanila, hindi ko
maiiwasan bilang ama ang magalala para don.
Responsibilities
The siblings and the parents have their different responsibilities to attend to. Monique
was used to the set up where the adults in their family take over the accountability of caring for
her brother but when she became older, the responsibility was also expected to be present on her
part.
Parents have the larger role to play when it comes to responsibilities. Bill shared that his
responsibility does not only encompass his child with Down syndrome but the whole family.
When it comes to the responsibility of disciplining the child, Cass also has a struggle with it. She
also struggles in caregiving since she is left alone with other household responsibilities,...Wala
ako halos nakukuhang tulong...Nahihirapan ako lately sa disiplina sakanya kasi nasanay sya sa
routine na andyan si ate niya.
Health Conditions
Ellie has a concern about her sons nutrition because they just learned that he is now
overweight and also has a fixation to chicken as his food for every meal. They have already
planned strategies and if not effective, they will consult a professional nutritionist and dietician.
Dian breaks down when it comes to her sons health conditions. Currently, they
discovered that her sons eye grade has already increased to 900 and that he has problems with
his left ear causing him to lose balance most of the time. Because of it, she started having
frustrations again, Ayaw kong mauna sa akin ang anak ko. Gusto kong lumaki pa siya nang
maayos, matutong maging magisa sa ibang bagay.
The Coping
Psychological
The family members read self-help books that serve as an encouragement and inspiration.
Articles about Down syndrome and life testimonies of successful families were also included,
only that there werent much articles like them. Bill included reading comic books. This is
related to the study of Hall & Graff (2010) about how reading also help in coping experiences.
This also connects to how reading helps improve parental/familial knowledge which is one of the
seven dimensions of life, (Raspa, Baile, Bann, & Bishop, 2013).
13
All of the family members either have or had counseling sessions with a professional
counselor except for Family A but they take spiritual counseling sessions, instead. It is true when
Padilla, De La Paz, Chiong, Charcos, & Cadag (2009) stated that the type and degree of
counseling the parents must receive depends upon the severity of the Down syndrome diagnosed
but it is also vital to check the profiles, capabilities, and personal needs of the family members
when it comes to counseling.
Gray (2011) stated that one of the common coping mechanisms are the outlets outside
home. Leisure activities that help them are watching movies, drawing, eating, and shopping.
Listening to secular and relaxing music is also one of the commonly shared coping skills.
Physical
Exercise, sports, and yoga were the topmost shared coping mechanisms. All of the
parents shared how exercise and yoga helps not only them but also their children with Down
syndrome to stay healthy. Sports like basketball and skateboard were shared by the male
respondents. These adaptations help improve the two of the seven dimensions of life mentioned
in the study of of Raspa, Baile, Bann, & Bishop (2013) which are the quality of life and wellbeing. These activities also prove the statement of Gray (2011) about having outlets outside
home.
Psycho-Social
All of the respondents shared that they talk to their family members, close friends/best
friends, and family friends to cope in their situation. They make sure they maintain an open
relationship with one another to keep the family strong and resilient. This complements the study
of Altiere and Kluge (2008) stating that cohesion, adaptability, and social support were stated to
be good contributors in the coping of the family. All of the families except for Family D joined
share groups and support groups in their respective churches. Joining support groups and having
a group discussion with friends are one of the good coping strategies (Hall & Graff , 2010).
Psycho-spiritual
In connection to the coping skills in the social aspect, joining share groups and support
groups in church leads to a psycho-spiritual coping mechanism. All of the respondents shared
that they always pray to God and that their families go to church in order to keep their hearts and
wills strong and resilient. Respondents also mentioned listening to worship songs and watching
video preaching and video teaching about spirituality/religiosity relating to the study of
Belendez, Topa, & Bermejo (2009) about religious strategies.
The Insights
The respondents have shared about having their own families as their motivation. Add to
that is the love for one another and other people. They also mentioned God as one of the
motivations they have to keep on moving forward. They also shared their valuable learning
including patience, initiative, humility, forgiveness, unconditional love, faith, surrender, and trust
in God, selflessness, optimism, acceptance, and willingness to do and learn everything for their
situation.
Best Experiences
Some of respondents specified certain experiences but they all included their everyday
lives with the child with Down syndrome as the best ones.
Best experience siya kasi don ko nakita yun kung pano na-shake yun family namin and
kaya pala nashi-shake kami non, kasi God was moving us, He was moving us to a better place,
all we needed is the hearts willing to be moved, Fiona talking about how their first experiences
in their counseling sessions worked for them.
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Yun day na naintindihan ko talaga yun condition niya...Kaya I encourage people to

always ask and get themselves involved sa family nila. Be aware. Be curious. Be open, Murielle
shared.
Your childs best experience would be your best experience, stated by Albert as he
shared how his best experience is when his daughter with Down syndrome achieve and learn
something new.
You see, when you find your situation in a positive way, everything becomes the best
experiences, Ellie shared. She mentioned that part of her best experiences is whenever she sees
Marcus mingle with other people joyfully and peacefully.
The study of King (2006) is in congruence with the results of this study, only that the
results focused more on how the positive views in life emerged in time despite the difficult times
and frustrations. The family experiences impose the importance of hope and of seeing
possibilities for the children with Down syndrome in the future. As the discussion ends, may it
start a good impression to all the readers and be reminded that when we start judging people
because of their diagnosis and condition, we also start missing out on their potentials, abilities,
beauty, and, most of all, their uniqueness.
Conclusion and Recommendation
The experiences of the family members are composed of motivations, needs, and wants
of the respondents and are predisposed by influences such as culture, family, reference groups,
and social class wherein they manage to cope with their economical, physical, social, and
psychological areas on their daily basis. Thus, it has been resolved that the experiences also
involve the concept of the family member about Down syndrome wherein the responses had
three common denominators: medical concept, psycho-social concept, and psycho-spiritual
concept. Challenges are also a big part. The researcher came up with five major challenges
including the lifestyle adjustments, struggles with relationships, financial problems,
responsibilities, and health conditions. With these challenges, the researcher found out that some
of the coping mechanisms include counseling, social support, leisure activities, and spiritual
activities. Along with the coping mechanisms are the positive insights of the family members
about their situation in life. It has been concluded that the child with Down syndrome is
considered a blessing to the families and has a unique way in bridging the family members
together instead of creating a gap between and among them.
It is recommended to have more families to be interviewed to be able to gather more
grounded information. The coping mechanisms the family members used from the past that were
not effective may also come in hand to inform the readers and may serve as a guideline. The
researcher also recommends to have a same number of male and female respondents for fair
comparisons. Psychological tests may also be given so that the accuracy, consistency, and
reliability of answers are assured.
References:
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Doherty, Y.K-O., & Doherty, D.T. (2008). Coping strategies and styles of family carers of
persons with enduring mental Illness: a mixed methods analysis. Scand J Caring Sci. Vol.
22, no. 1, 1928.
Graff, C., Mandleco, B., and Dyches, T., et. al. (2012). Perspectives of Adolescent Siblings of
Children With Down syndrome Who Have Multiple Health Problems. Journal of Family
Nursing. Vol. 18, no. 2, 175-199.
Gray, D. E. (2011). Gender and coping: the parents of children with high functioning autism.
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Hall, H. R., & Graff, J. C. (2011). The Relationship Among Adaptive Behaviors of Children
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with Autism, Family Support, Parenting Stress, and Coping. Issues in Comprehensive
Pediatric Nursing. Vol. 34, 4-25.
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syndrome. Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. Vol. 119, no. 1, 33-48.
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Children with Autism or Down syndrome: Implications for Intervention. Child & Family
Behavior Therapy. Vol. 19, Issue 4, 15-32.
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Retrieved November 29, 2014 from http://www.manilatimes.net/down-syndromecases-swell-by-1875-each-year/75234/
16
Dilemma Experiences of Lesbians in Reconciling Religious Belief with their homosexual

behavior: A Grounded Theory Approach
Concepcion, Tessa
Alonso - Balmonte, Juli-ann
ABSTRACT
This study explores the dilemma that lesbians face when they want to incorporate their religious
belief with their homosexual behavior. The study utilized a qualitative design to explore the
opinions and views of the participants on how religion can be way to reconcile homosexual
behavior. Specifically, the study utilized the grounded theory research design which follows a
systematic process in connecting the information gathered and being able to determine a theory
built form the data. Five lesbians were interviewed using semi-structured with 12 questions.
Purposive sampling techniques were used with the following criteria: 18 to 50 years of age and
belong to any religious group. The findings show concepts of lesbian these are religion,
reconciliation, and spirituality. The present struggles shared were dealing with male privilege in
religion as lesbians, coming out to their family and being caught between following doctrine and
their desires.
Keywords: Homosexuality, Lesbianism, Religion, Gender, Patriarchy
Lesbians are not as highly represented and problems unique to them are not being
focused on. Studies on religiosity and homosexuality involve lesbians and gay men together on
finding a relationship between the groups attitudes towards homosexuality and how it will affect
them (Veenvlie, 2008). Studies on body image and gay men (Swami, 2006) have been done as
well as the problem of ageism in gay men (Schope, 2008). There is one study that focuses solely
on queer women (lesbians and bisexuals) concerning religiosity and how it affects their
psychosexual development (Mathy, 2008). However, this study focuses on the relationship
between religion and psychosexual development but not on the causal conditions that will make
a lesbian reconcile her religion and sexual orientation The researcher chose lesbians for this
study because they have concerns that are particular to them such as gender roles and patriarchy
in religion. This also serves as tool for helping lesbians who want to stay true to their Catholic
Faith and who prefer not to leave it but also find it unable to deny themselves to explore their
sexual orientation.
Religion Belief
According to Veenvlie (2008) a fair amount of empirical evidence now exists linking
increased conservative religiosity with negative attitudes toward gay men and lesbians. Results
from the study according to Veenvlie indicated that those who had high scores of intrinsic
religiosity and reported attending a religious group that taught love the sinner, hate the sin
responded with relatively more positive attitudes toward gay men and lesbians.
In Buchanans (2010) study, it describes describe the struggle that gays and lesbians face
as they incorporate their sexual orientation and identity within the context of an existing religious
or spiritual identity.
Homosexual Behavior
The Pew Research Center (2013) noted the strong relationship between the increased
levels of a countrys religiosity with negative opinions about homosexuality. In the surveys
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religiosity scale, a score of 3 was considered as the most religious, and the Philippines got
almost 2.5. However, LGBT Filipinos questioned the results of this survey, claiming that LGBT
Filipinos are tolerated only if they fit stereotypes.
In an article written by Dominique Mosbergen in the Huffington Post (October, 2015)
The debate on same-sex marriage has also proved controversial, with the Catholic Church and
other conservative groups speaking out vehemently against marriage equality -- the Catholic
Bishops Conference of the Philippines said in 2011 that the church wont tolerate same-sex
marriage, adding that being LGBT is a choice.
In a study by Veenville (2008), he found that gays and lesbians who score high on
religiosity attend religious groups that have positive attitudes towards homosexuals. However,
there have been cases where homosexuals struggle incorporating their religious identity with
their sexual orientation.
Synthesis
Previous studies like Buchanans (2010), it describes describe the struggle that gays and
lesbians face as they incorporate their sexual orientation and identity within the context of an
existing religious or spiritual identity.
The study explores the following questions: (1) What are the dilemmas experienced by
lesbians? (2) What are the causes of the dilemmas? (3) How does the lesbian resolve the
dilemma through religion? And (4) how do lesbians resolve the dilemma when they believe one
thing yet do another which their religions do not approve?
Method
Research Design
The researcher used qualitative research since the subject matter at hand need not be
quantified because the gist of the study is to explore on how the lesbians were able to resolve the
dilemma that they experienced.
The researcher used grounded theory approach since it is systematic and the data had
more direction and this approach exhausted all the possible information that the researcher
needed to know about the process on how lesbians resolved the dilemma through religion.
Grounded theory helped the researcher analyze the data thoroughly and it helped with the
interviews since she interviewed the participant.
Participants/Sampling
The study targeted five (5) lesbian with age group from 18 to 50 years of age. The
respondents belong to different religious groups. Purposive sampling was used since it focuses
on a specific target of respondent in a population which best enables the researcher to answer the
given research question. Referrals from people and other organization that are qualified to be
part of the study was the priority in choosing the respondents. All respondent was given a copy
of informed consent and was assured of confidentiality and privacy. The respondent were also
informed about the importance of their participation that would help in coming up with an
accurate findings.
Instruments
The researcher used the interview as a means of gathering information. Since this is a
qualitative research, there is no need for a scale. The interview consisted of 12 questions created
by the researcher, follow up questions in case there were some clarifications needed or to probe
more into the participants answers.
In order to test the validity and reliability of the instruments that was used, the researcher
had to focus on formulating question delimited to the objective of the study. Consultation and
approval from an expert adviser was also part of the validity and reliability of the instruments
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Procedures
A letter of informed consent given to the respondents and to the organization that they
belong to in case the researcher will meet them, not necessarily the religious group only, but also
the LGBT group that they belong to where the researcher met them since the participants may
also divulge information about the social group. The researcher also respected the confidentiality
of the respondents.
The respondents were debriefed and the researcher will promise to give them a copy of
thesis and the organizations to whom the researcher also requested for an informed consent.
Data Analysis
The responses of the respondents were transcribed and encoded through a computer
based methods. The researchers then utilized open coding specifically for the respondent
perception on knowledge acquisition and axial coding for the dilemma of reconciling religious
belief based on the grounded theory process of Strauss as quoted by Borgatti, S. (2008).
Open coding focused on the clustering of the responses of the respondents form the guide
questions which was identified as recall, analysis and interpretative. The axial coding on the
other hand was used to determined the relationship between their responses with causal and
intervening reason that may influence their perception on the dilemma experiences of lesbian in
reconciling religious belief.
Results and Discussion
The researcher transcribed the interviews and read them repeatedly for further analysis
and put all of the data in one theme as part of the answers to her research questions that made up
the theory. The researcher did follow up questions with her participants to clarify the
information.
What are the dilemmas experienced by them?
Dilemma Between Religion and Sexual Orientation
The participants have experienced a dilemma between their sexual orientation and their
religion because according to doctrine, their nature is not in accordance to what is considered
right. Wila, a pastor from the Unitarian Universalist Church had conflicts with her sexual
orientation and her Catholic faith:
Yeah, when I was a Catholic it was a real conflict. Kaya nga hindi talaga ako
tumiwalag sa Katolisismo. Kasi inisip ko, kaya ko yan, kaya kong maging straight. And I was
thinking maybe this is just lust, but then again, I was lusting for men, just to, you know, I mean,
kind of a stimulation... So, um, umalis ako sa pagka-Catholic ko
Dilemma Between Social Teachings And Her Own Explanation Of Her Lesbian Relationship
To Her Children
The participants have experienced dilemma especially on those who are expected to have
children and those who have children.
Rhiannon: Sa Catholic kasi, diba, when you go, when you hear mass, diba, walang
problema sa akin holding hands, kiss, ganyan, parang hindi lang adults and nandoon, may
kids
Intimate relationships are meant to beget children because it is said in the Bible that
Adam and Eve should go forth and multiply.
Rhiannon: Kasi, ang nasa isip ko lang, walang sinabi si God na hindi kita love kasi
pumatol ka kay Eba eh si Eba ginawa ko para kay Adan lang.
The participants have difficulty explaining to their family that it is possible to have a
relationship with the same sex and have children.
19
Rhiannon: Pero hindi eh, I have kids eh, so, hindi ako pwedeng gumawa ng mga drastic
moves na iduduldul ko kaagad sa mga anak ko na hoy, tanggapin niyo or hindi, ito na yun.
Diba, hindi.
Dilemma Between The Nature Of Homosexual Relationships And Heterosexual Relationships
In their religion, intimate relationships are meant for man and woman. The researcher
inferred that those who have reconciled their religious identity with their sexual orientation and
did not see it as disordered their concern is how to explain to the people who matter to them
that their relationship and orientation is natural while being bothered on how they will deal with
the possible dissonance this might cause on the children.
Althea: Thats a dilemma, right? Even if I was clear about who I was and how that
didnt impact any integrity issues for me, that did have an effect on them. Because they,
especially for example my mom, she really believed that, you know, it was unnatural, youre
confused, its wrong.
The children are taught in school that a family consists of a mom and dad while they see
their mother in a romantic relationship with a woman and the participant is concerned on how
shell preempt the confusion that her child might feel.
Rhiannon: Hindi pa sila merged. Nasa isip ko, magkakaroon ng disrespect yung mga
anak ko sa akin. Siyempre, diba? Sasabihin nila na hindi naman ganyan ang sinabi ni Sister
keme-keme samin tapos ikaw pumatol ka kay Sister keme-keme, diba?
Their Desires Versus Religious And Social Norms.
The Catholic Church has a strong dichotomy between the body and the spirit. It is
deemed wrong by the Christian doctrine to engage in same sex relations and the participants
have attempted to rectify this but they are still in a dilemma for they are not fulfilled and it is
only when they have given in to their true desires that they have been free.
However, being in the Catholic Church has not made them free also for it is conservative
on issues that involve pleasuring the body. Early Greek thinkers that emphasize this dichotomy
and the superiority of the spirit over the body influence the Catholic Church. Peace is a unifying
factor in the motivations of the participants in dealing with these conflicting interests. They have
found peace by accepting it and continuing their relationships with women for they found no
separation between what is deemed right and their own desires.
Sabine: Ang katawan ay hiwalay sa espiritu. That is Western thinking. The body is evil,
the spirit is good. That is why Paul writes his letters actually, in the 1 Century, so during that
time, ang sikat na manunulat or ang philosophy ni Plato and medyo predominant nung time na
yun, noh, at alam nating na ang mga Grieco ay malakas doon sa dichotomy.
Soledad: So, I felt peace, I felt happier, I enjoyed my relationships more, both with men
and women. And before my life when I was living in this kind of relationship, I had no, I feel
empty all the time I mean, you dont have to be in a relationship. (Laughs) Do you get my
point? And Im satisfied and I am happy because of who I am.
One is finding peace by assuming celibacy and following doctrine while she sublimates
her lesbianism by caring for other women in a non-sexual way.
st
What are causes of the dilemma?

Religious Doctrine
The researcher was directed to clobber passages in the Bible which display persecution
against homosexuality. Some of these books are Genesis, Leviticus, Romans, Timothy, etc. The
lesbians found conflicting values in their religion with their sexual orientation especially on what
is deemed to be right and wrong.
Sabine: Bible-based, pretty much. So, it is the Bible verses that they keep citing, noh.
And these are the typical Bible verses that you would find as clobber passages, noh, we call as
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clobber passages in the LGBT community. These comprise of six biblical passages; Genesis 19,
Leviticus, Romans..
Different Values Between Family And The Participant
The participants are aware that their children and parents need to be convinced for they
are important and that they need to be on the same page since they are in many ways a part of
each other. That being said, their partner is also a part of them that they are at peace with but it
causes a dissonance for it is considered wrong in social and religious norms.
Althea: Coming out to my entire family Letting them know that I love them And then
showing them that I can live this way
Intimate Relationships Are Only Meant Between Men And Women Only
For those whose concern are children, it is natural for their parents and other people to
assume that these children are raised by a man and a woman. Deviating from that is wrong but
the participants cannot see themselves being in that kind of relationship aside from their samesex partner.
Rhiannon: Kung saan sila masaya.Pero pag kids ka, hindi mo pwedeng i-push kung
ano yung gusto mo.Pero sa religion, sasabihin ba nila yung O, wala tayong against sa third
sex, ha? Grade 1, grade 2, grade 3, grade 4, grade 5, walang ganun.
For those who have not accepted their lesbianism but know that they are lesbians, the
Bible is their guide to know what is right. Thus, they know that they are lesbians but refuse to
practice their sexual orientation. Regardless, even in celibacy they deem themselves to be sinful
because of the differences on what is regarded as unnatural which is their nature which they did
not choose.
Soledad: He said that God created all of us and He created man and woman, and
marriage is to a man and a woman, and it is in the Bible. It is in Romans 1 and anything other
than what God has ordained in His covenant is a sin.
Incongruity Between Religion And Sexuality
Sex is a testy topic in religion particularly if its sex between two people of the same sex.
Even premarital sex in a heterosexual relationship is frowned upon for it deviates from the
doctrine that sex is only for procreation. This has caused dissonance for the participants. They
resolved it through sex with men but it has only caused them problems because it is not natural
for them and what is natural to them which is lesbianism isnt deemed ordered or natural
by religion.
Althea: I'm never gonna have kids. if I do, it's gonna be an extraordinary and different
situation. It's either I adopt or I
A concern is how they will explain to people that sex between two women isnt wrong
when it feels right for them yet their religions doctrine conflicts with it. If they will practice
their sexuality that conflicts with their religion, it is frowned upon but they are at peace and they
feel nothing wrong with it however, they have to explain to others. If they do not practice, it
conflicts with their true self and they have a need to explain it to themselves.
Wila: Eh para sa akin, what the hell is wrong with sex anyway? So, alam mo yun? I
really questioned a lot of things. Why is the sexual wrong? When is it wrong? Why is out here?
And why is pleasure wrong?
The participants accepted that there is nothing wrong with sex and that religion is also mired
in politics and that it is also created by men. They have decided to accept who they are and make
no apologies for it and resolved this conflict by staying true to who they are and be in an
environment where it doesnt conflict with their values.
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How did they resolve the dilemma through religion?

Study, Exploration, And Their Desire(S) As Priority
The Bible is written by the early Church Fathers and studying it is a continuous process.
Knowing God in their way that is in accordance with their nature is a priority that does not
directly disagree with them for their own peace of mind. They cannot imagine themselves as
atheists or be in a life where there is no God. They explored their spirituality by doing other
forms of prayer like meditation where they will commune with God in an environment where
they are not called sinful. They also explore by prioritizing authenticity in order to attain
happiness.
Wila: First, I prioritized that I havent explored it. I wanted to explore it so okay naman.
As for the gayness, lets see what happens, and well see if uh, people get hurt, or am I gonna get
hurt, is society gonna get hurt?
They will find their own valuations of right and wrong through their own exploration. They
also explored it through studying the Bible through a socio-historical lens and knowing the
context of the passages that are supposed to persecute LGBT persons.
Sabine: exegesis is studying that text in its sociohistorical, through the sociohistorical
lens or through the feminist lens.
Reconciling The Dilemma Through Love And Education
The participants gather information to inform themselves and others in order to make
informed decisions that will affect their lives and those that they love. One participant plans to
tell her younger children about the nature of her relationship with her partner once they are
ready.
Rhiannon: Wala lang, parang steady lang for now. Kasi in the future, they will
understand. I will make them understand. Siguro at the right age and the right time, at the
right age of the kids.
They have been raised to believe that parents comprise of man and woman but the
participant is waiting for the day where the children are cognitively equipped to question their
own beliefs and their own thinking about certain things they have always believed in. The same
goes for another participant who is committed to a lifelong study of the scriptures. She is
prepared to be critical and to be mindful of her own beliefs in order to make informed decisions
about her sexuality and values. The participants also acted out of love for their family whether by
blood relation or a family of choice.
It Is Through Love That Religion Eases The Conflict
According to the participants it is through acceptance and love from God that it is taught
by their religion which enabled them to see no conflict between this and their sexuality. If one
were to quote the Bible, they should consider its context. They also do not spend a lot of time
dwelling on conflicts because even Jesus himself was inclusive. He included those who were
marginalized and persecuted. The conflict is actually borne of social expectations from their
parents who expect them to have kids, from religious leaders who look down on them for having
a lesbian partner, and from those who expect them to be straight.
Rhiannon: God na hindi kita love kasi pumatol ka kay Eba eh si Eba ginawa ko para kay
Adan lang.
Even the lesbian who finds her sexual orientation that is not in accordance with her religion
does not blame God for she believes that He has forgiven her sins in the past, present, and future.
Whatever sin she makes or dissonance she feels is coming from herself which is the need to have
sex with women and that is deemed sinful but still God will love her for all eternity regardless of
who she is.
Soledad: He was there all the time eh, and understands me and comforts me na kapag
nagkakamali ako, hindi niya kina-count against me yung ginawa kong mali. He just made me
feel na I am still accepted, I am loved and I am forgiven; so, move on.
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Finding A Religion Or Being At Peace In A Situation Regardless Of Judgment

Since they have encountered problematic scenarios with their religion and sexuality,
finding another religion where freedom to pursue their spirituality is key to find balance in
speaking for oneself and being a partner in a relationship. Being open to everyone is a way to
pursue equality where no one is marginalized and everyone is accepted regardless of race, faith,
or sexual orientation. The participants looked for a religion where they will be accepted and to
live their faith because being with God is as natural to them as breathing.
Wila: I lived in New York for a year and a half So inin-troduce niya ako sa UU pero
paalis na ako ng New York. So, pagbalik ko dito nakalimutan ko na yung UU and I felt like
Huuy, wala naman sa Philippines niyan.
Studying the text is a journey where they continue to discover themselves in the context
of being with God and finding a role where they will do His/Her work. Even if they stayed in the
Catholic Church they found no conflict and dont put themselves in situations where they are
discomfited by the judgment of people who have no relevance to their lives since they know that
God accepts them. The pursuit of happiness enables one to live their lives in peace as well as to
accept others who do not accept them for they believe in a God who loves them unconditionally.
How do lesbians resolve the dilemma when they believe one thing and do another that their
religion does not approve?
Thought Process: What Is Right & What Is Wrong
In dealing with their conflicts, the participants have to consider what is right for
themselves and avoid doing wrong. For those who are clear that their sexual orientation is not
wrong, it was easy for them to do this for they know that sex with women is just like
heterosexual sex and that there is nothing wrong with the pursuit of pleasuring the body.
According to a former evangelical protestant, their doctrine also dictates that homosexuality is a
sin to the body much like smoking and drinking.
Sabine: The dilemma actually came in the intersection of my sexuality seemed to
disagree with the Christian doctrine that I was raised with..kung nagkakasala ako sa pagyosi
at paginom, ang pagiging lesbian ko isama ko na rin doon
Homosexuality is a part of them and is something that they did not choose. They choose
to do what is right for them which is being true to who they are and knowing that their sexual
orientation is not sinful. Their only concern is the readiness for this change and the scenarios that
they will encounter in case they will get hurt. Also, the questions that they might get from the
people they love such as the children who will ask questions about their relationship.
The value judgments will be problematic for they might incur the disrespect from their
children. The main concern is to find ones place and to be assured of it so they will find it easy
to be at peace and so it will be effortless to explain their situation.
Althea: I was not part of the decision-making in me coming into existence which is, you
know, like a tautology if you think of it. It is a vicious circle if you really think of it. But because
I could immerse myself in those questions but have no choice but to live the questions each day,
then something like this question, religion and sexuality, I could also inhabit it. Gets mo?
Parang mas marami pa ngang nakakalokang bagay sa buhay eh.
Choosing Both Religion And Sexual Orientation: Dichotomy Between Body And Spirit, &
Striving For Wholeness
The Catholic Bible has stated that the flesh and body are two separate things such as The
spirit is willing but the flesh is weak (Mt 26:41). To choose both religion and sexual orientation
and be at peace with both, one should accept that the body and spirit are one. Choosing between
their sexual orientation and their religion is like a chicken and egg scenario for them because
their spirituality is just as indivisible from themselves.
23
Rhiannon: Para mo akong tinanong kung ano ang nauna, itlog o manok. Kung
papapiliin mo ako, religion or sexual orientation
They cannot live peacefully with their sexual orientation if they will live a life without
God in their lives and it is also impossible for them to be with God if they will not express and
accept their sexual orientation. Since homosexuality is not a choice and is something that one is
born with, acceptance is important and looking for means that the body is indivisible from the
spirit is key to know that sex for love and pleasure is not a sin.
Sabine: Later pa lang, later ko pa lang narealize yung it is not a choice, actually. Being
gay is not a choice. You are wired that way, you were born that way.
Another way is there are different forms of prayer such as meditation, work, or play.
Every faith is a way towards God and it doesnt have to be exclusive to the Catholic faith. God is
everywhere, in people, in inanimate objects, everything is a manifestation of God. They find
their place in the universe and realize that everything is connected. Hence, they see no need to
choose their sexual orientation over their religion and vice versa.
Sabine: Ngayon, sa aking journey sa pagiging Kristiyano, ni-reclaim ko ang aking
pagiging Asian, Southeast Asian; ng ispiritwalidad isang katutubo, halimbawa, nung bago pa
tayo sinakop ng Espanyol, ay iisa lang and ispiritwalidad at yung pagkatao. Medyo geotheological yung kanyang ano that God is in the trees.
Merging Conflicting Interest: Authenticity
Regardless of what society or religious doctrine says, authenticity is important in merging
conflicting interests. What is common among them is how they can live in peace with their
sexuality and their religion. Authenticity to oneself and listening to what feels right to them is
important for they will continue to express and live their sexuality in spite of judgment and
possible persecution from their peers. If one is self-assured that they are doing what is right, they
will just continue to be in their lesbian relationships and embracing their lesbianism until others
will cease to admonish them. Regardless whether they stopped because they change their minds
or grew tired of advising them, it reinforces the truth even more and will strengthen their resolve
in defending themselves from self-doubt. Being genuine and authentic also strengthens their
relationships and it makes it easier to accept others and not presume that they know what is right.
Accepting that it is part of them and not resisting their sexual orientation is the key for they
believe that resisting it will only lead to more conflicts. If one does not accept their lesbianism, it
doesnt resolve their conflict but actually amplifies it. They feel dirty when they express it and
they feel just as dirty because the desire intensifies when there is actually nothing wrong with it
since it is not unnatural.
Wila: Sa akin kasi Id rather be authentic and you just have to accept it. Pero kasi
people know that Im on a genuine journey where my questions are genuine and Im being
authentic. Therefore, conversations with me are authentic and they respect it so.Ganun. But
people should also be willing to do that, to have that. To have that stand. Im on a real
conversation, if Im wrong, Im wrong! Ganun ako eh. Im just gonna put it out there.
The researcher concludes that the primary dilemma between religion and sexual
orientation is that it conflicts with Christian Doctrine especially with lesbians who choose not to
have children. The pervasive male presence of the Catholic Church is a factor as to why lesbians
prefer not to be in religions that dont allow them to be leaders or be ministers. It is actually not
God or religion per se that causes the dilemma but societys expectations and how women are
not on equal footing with men in the Catholic Church which is why there are lesser lesbians than
gay men in religious organizations.
Homophobia also comes from people and not from God. The negative attitudes towards
lesbians come primarily from people who expect them to be in a relationship that produces
24
children and subverting that social norm is not preferable especially for those who work in the
Catholic Church that advocates sex for procreation.
There is also virtually no dilemma for lesbians who never had any negative attitudes
towards their sexual orientation. The dilemma between religion and sexual orientation will only
happen when the lesbian sees it as a sin. If she does not, she will have no difficulty looking for a
religion that will accept her fully. She will not see it as an opportunity for self-discovery.
The researcher recommends more time spent on the study to have more participants, or it
should focus on lesser members and much more must be given on the depth of the process. There
should be interviews done for people that have been recommended by the participants that will
give more insight to this research such as religious authorities that are responsible for theories on
religion and sexual orientation. The researcher also suggests that one should look into the work
of the participants, whether oral or written if they have produced works related to the research. If
they have creative work that is related to the research, it should also be looked at as well as their
references or reading material that provide them with inspiration. This will be added insight into
their process and it will also encourage more dialogue that may unearth more information that
hasnt been covered by the interview.
The researcher also recommends that the reading material suggested by the participants
should also be looked at and it could provide as related literature for the research especially when
the information given has noted a lot of theories. It is also advisable if one can interview the
close relationships of the participants so that another perspective will be given into how they
work which will deepen the exploration of the research.
References:
Buchanan, M et al, (2010). Challenges of Being Simultaneously Gay or Lesbian and Spiritual
and/or Religious: A Narrative Perspective. The American Journal of Family Therapy. 29
(5), pp.435-449
Chonody, J. et al, (2013). Christian Social Work Students' Attitudes Toward Lesbians and Gay
Men: Religious Teachings, Religiosity, and Contact. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in
Social Work: Social Thought. 32 (3), pp.211-226
Dahl, A. et al, (2010). Sexual Minority Young Adult Religiosity, Sexual Orientation Conflict,
Self-Esteem and Depressive Symptoms. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health. 14
(4), pp.271-290
The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion. 18 (1), pp.53-65
Jordan, K, (2008). Coming Out for Lesbian Women Its Relation to Anxiety, Positive Affectivity,
Self-Esteem, and Social Support. Journal of Homosexuality. 35 (2), pp.41-63
Mathy, R, (2004). The Impact of Religiosity on Lesbian and Bisexual Women's Psychosexual
Development Child Maltreatment, Suicide Attempts, and Self-Disclosure. Journal of
Psychology & Human Sexuality. 15 (2-3), pp.73-100
Mosbergen, D. (2015, 12th October). The Dangers Of Being LGBT In Tolerant Philippines.
Retrieved 12 October 2015, from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/section/world/
Peterson, T. P., (2010). Internalized Homophobia, Lesbian Identity Development, and
Self-Esteem in Undergraduate Women. Journal of Homosexuality. 50 (4), pp.49-75
Savin-Williams, R. C., (2008). Coming Out to Parents and Self-Esteem Among Gay and Lesbian
Youths. Journal of Homosexuality. 37 (1-2), pp.1-35
Veenvlieta, S. G., (2008). Intrinsic Religious Orientation and Religious Teaching: Differential
Judgments Toward Same-Gender Sexual Behavior and Gay Men and Lesbians.
25
Perception of Parents on Children's Use of Gadgets

De Lima, Lorenzo
Castronuevo, Eva
ABSTRACT
This study aims to to look at the different perception of the parents with their children's use of
modern technology. Qualitative design was used to analyze the data gathered. Five pairs of
parents were interviewed in the process of gathering, five mothers and five fathers, who have
children aged 3-8 and are exposed and using technology at the present time. A set of self-made
questionnaire was made to answer the research questions. This study focused on the parental
perspectives, the reasons, the experiences and control of the usage of modern technology of their
children. Coding was used as a tool of data analysis in this research. The findings were based on
themes to understand the results better. With the perception of the parents, they simply look at
technology as a learning tool and a source of entertainment for their children, but at the same
time, they are aware with the negative outcome of what it can impose to them. The reason for the
parents to provide their children with gadgets are for leisure and educational purposes of the
children, and especially for communication, for easier access with their children. It showed that
the most provided gadget by the parents was tablet/ipad. When it comes to their experiences,
there were two sides of point of view, the progressive and the regressive. The parents know the
benefits and, at the same time, the risk factors of the modern technology to their children.
Keywords: Parents, Children, Technology, Perception, Perspective, Reason,
Experiences
Technology is a big factor in the life of human beings. In every aspect of life, technology
is being used, and in every hand of a person you see is technology. Technology was once the
newest technology in our homes, and then came videos and computers. Todays children are
growing up in a rapidly changing digital age that is far different from that of parents and
grandparents. A variety of technologies are all around is in our homes, offices, and schools.
When used wisely, technology and media can support learning and relationships. Enjoyable and
engaging shared experiences that optimize the potential for childrens learning and development
can support childrens relationships both with adults and their peers. Parents on the other hand
can be curious and meticulous on how they will accept technology on the hands of their young
offspring because it can also lead other kinds of technology to be a bad impact to their own
children, that can also lead to negative lifestyle for the children.
On the parents, had they ever thought on how they will keep up with all the technologies
that are being produced and made today that are being taken for granted. Gadgets like computers,
cell phones, gaming consoles, online games, social networks, and all other technologies that are
being used in a daily basis already by the young people. Children nowadays see this kind of new
digital culture as a normal part of life already, and the parents are being flabbergasted by the
things that are giving them challenges by the technology today. Things like cyber bullies,
stalkers, identity theft, and all other kinds of problems that are being faced with the technology
nowadays. The children should enjoy the advantages and assistance that the technology offers,
but also, you would want them to stay unharmed and responsible with what it can do. Kids who
are growing up to this kind of new digital culture will lead you to the recent and trending kinds
of technologies, in a way that is a beneficial to the parents also. (Ribble, 2009)
Technology Today
In the past century, we have witnessed a rapid development and change in technology
uncomparable to any other age in human history. Human dependence on technology has
increased tremendously as we use a variety of technologies to help us accomplish different tasks
in life (Ramey, 2012). It was also suggested that we should embrace modern technology and
26
learn how to use them. Having said that, it is logical to assume that technology will be forever
changing and improving. It may be of an importance to us, human beings, that we should keep
ourselves updated with technologies changes and uses because modern technology, all those
gizmos and gadgets, have already wormed its way into daily culture.
Positive Perspective towards Technology
Having technology as part of our daily lives, there are bound to have many different
viewpoints and perspectives on the uses and importance of modern technology. Some views may
be positive, some may be negative. Walker (2014) gives a quick overview on some of the
positive and negative effects it that technology has brought with its rise. She mentions that
technology is useful because it has enabled us to maintain and strengthen relationships by easily
being able to communicate with them no matter where you are. Technology has also been able to
provide education, medication and other important aspects of life to that some people have
trouble getting. Even on the side of video games and gaming consoles that are popular today,
Jackson, et al (2012) said that video game playing predicted of all measures of creativity.
Regardless of gender or race, greater videogame playing was associated with greater creativity.
Type of videogame (e.g., violent, interpersonal) was unrelated to video game effects on
creativity. Gender but not race differences were obtained in the amount and type of videogame
playing, but not in creativity.
Negative Perspective towards Technology
Aside from the positive views mentioned, negative points were also given regarding the
use of modern technology. She pointed out that some people have invested so much time and
have immersed themselves so much in using technology that they have no clue on what to do if
they did not have any piece of technology near them (Walker, 2014). Another negative view is
the study of Strasburg, et al (2010). he stated that media can provide information about safe
health practices and can foster social connectedness. However, recent evidences raises concerns
about medias effect on aggression, sexual behavior, substance use, disordered eating, and
academic difficulties. Plowman et al (2010) said that although they report evidence of some
parental disquiet about the role of technology in childrens lives, they illustrate some of the
complexities in families attitudes to, and uses of, technology and conclude that it is not
perceived by parents to be the threat to modern childhood that is claimed. Another study made
by Vandewater, et al (2007) he said that the majority of children fell aged 3 to 6 fell within the
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines, but 70% of 0 to 2-year-olds did not. Which
means that most of the 0-2-year-olds has been using technology beyond the policy or guidelines
of what the AAP has made, and they are more evident to what the harmful effects of media can
bring upon to the children.
Technology on Children
Although these points cater to the daily applications adults have on technology. Children
and younger generations may have different perspectives because they, themselves, have grown
up in a world where modern technology is already present unlike older generations, in which
they have adopted the use of modern technology. Sherry Turkle (2015) explains the cost of toomuch technology in stark terms: Our children cant engage in conversation, or experience
solitude, making it very hard for them to be empathetic. In one experiment, many student
subjects opted to give themselves mild electric shocks rather than sit alone with their thoughts,
she noted. Aside from this, in a study conducted by Mckenny (2010), it was found that children
aged 4-7 showed positive reactions to the use of computers. Although, a form of bias could have
been at play here since children mentioned they use computers for games, which basically means
they have fun while using the computer. That is why Greenfield (2009) said that, informal
education therefore requires a balanced media diet using each technology's specific strengths in
order to develop a complete profile of cognitive skills.
27
Synthesis
Some studies like Vandewater, et al (2007) said that the majority of children aged 3 to 6
fell within the American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines, but 70% of 0- to 2-year-olds did not.
Plowman, et al (2010) said that, although they report evidence of some parental disquiet about
the role of technology in childrens lives, they illustrate some of the complexities in families
attitudes to, and uses of, technology and conclude that it is not perceived by parents to be the
threat to modern childhood that is claimed. Jackson, et al (2012) said that video game playing
predicted of all measures of creativity. Regardless of gender or race, greater videogame playing
was associated with greater creativity. Type of videogame (e.g., violent, interpersonal) was
unrelated to video game effects on creativity. In terms of health, Strasburg, et al (2010) stated
that, studies have shown that media can provide information about safe health practices and can
foster social connectedness. However, recent evidence raises concerns about media's effects on
aggression, sexual behavior, substance use, disordered eating, and academic difficulties. In terms
of education, Greenfield (2009) said that, informal education therefore requires a balanced media
diet using each technology's specific strengths in order to develop a complete profile of cognitive
skills.
There had been a lot of research already pertaining to the perception of parents on the
children's use of technology on children, through education, creativity, learning, etc. Technology
to children has been studied in order for the researcher to know what it can do to the young
generations, it can be either positive or negative. The study explores the following questions: (1)
What is the perception of parents in children's use of modern technology/gadgets? (2) What are
the reasons for the parents to provide their children with gadgets? (3) How do parents
monitor/control their children with the use of gadgets? And (4) what are the experiences of
parents with having modern technology being introduced to their children?
Method
Research Design
Qualitative design was used. In-depth type of interview was used on gathering data of
this research because it will involve conducting intensive individual interviews with a small
number of respondents to explore their perspectives on a particular idea, program, or situation.
This method was used by the researcher because it provides detailed information about the
parents thoughts and behaviors on their experience and perception on the given issue or research
question.
Participants and Sampling
The researcher interviewed ten participants consisting of parents, male and female,
ranging with the age of 20 and above. The target population were parents who have children,
aged 2-8, who are introduced to technology at an early age and have been using it at the present
time, and also have been using the different kinds of technology most of the time. Purposive
sampling was used by the researcher because the subjects will be having the same characteristics.
The researcher treated the participants with the principle of social responsibility in order to
contribute with the human welfare and to be in accordance with the ethical principles of the
American Psychological Association.
Instruments
The researcher prepared a self made set of questions that was used and served as a guide
in the interview. An example of the questions are: What is your perception on childrens use of
gadgets?, How do you discipline your children on their use of technology? and What are
your experiences with having modern technology being used by your child?. These are some of
the questions that were asked with follow-up questions. In collecting the data, voice recorder was
used in the process of the interview and a pen and paper for taking notes during the interview.
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Procedure
First, the researcher searched in their village and other relatives or friends to find possible
participants who will accept the permission for having an interview with them for the research.
After that the participants were contacted and part of the message that was sent to the
participants is the the content of the interview that will be done and some procedures for them to
be ready.
Then, the researcher went to the houses of the participants to ensure confidentiality and a
comfortable setting for the interview. Before the interview was held, the researcher debriefed and
explained the content of the interview and also the importance and reason of the research. After
that, the parents were then interviewed, a mother and a father at the same time, and both having
an own perspective or answer with the questions. While the interview is being held, recording
and note-taking is also being done by the researcher.
Lastly, the researcher gave gratitude to the parents for participating in the research, and
asked if they would want any updates or to be kept in touch if the research is finished. And then
the researcher analyzed the gathered data.
Data Analysis
The researcher used coding as a tool for analyzing gathered qualitative information.
Coding is the process of organizing and sorting data. Codes serve as a way to label, compile and
organize a data. (Center for Evaluation and Research, 2015) It allowed the researcher to
summarize and synthesize what is happening in the data. In linking data collection and
interpreting the data, coding becomes the basis for developing the analysis. Analytical coding
was also used for making categories for the new ideas or concepts that was found in the data
transcript.
The researcher interviewed 5 pairs of parents (mother and father). The data gathered by
the researcher is grouped by research questions, followed by the answers of the participants. All
of which has children 2-8, and those children are exposed to different kinds of technology and
have been using it at the present time.
The perception of parents in the use of modern technology/gadgets
For this research question, based on the results of the participants, the researcher has
found a corresponding theme on the answers.
Technology as a learning tool and source of entertainment
Parents #2
Mother: "...For me, nakakatulong siya, ...okay lang naman sakin na gumagamit ng gadget
anak ko kahit bata pa, kasi eto na generation ngayon, makakagamit talaga sila ng ganyan. And
nakakatulong rin siya kasi kagaya ng ipad, nanonood kasi ng educational videos anak ko, yung 4
year old.
Parents #4
Mother: okay naman sakin, nakakatuwa kasi na ang bata bata pa pero galing nila gumamit ng
tablet, dun nga kay ate nakikidutdot lang siya nung una eh, ngayon marunong ng pumunta sa
kung ano anong app eh, pero kalikot lang talaga ginagawa niya nung tima na yun. Ngayon lagi
siyang nanonood ng mga video, yung mga abc, mga 123, natututo naman siya kasi pag
pinapabilang mo siya, nakikisabay siya. pero yung abc kinakanta na niya, pero hindi buo tapos
hindi pa tama yung ibang letters.
The participants considered technology or the gadgets as a way for developing a child or
see it as an advantage for their children to learn new things quickly and efficiently. Above are
only some of the responses of the participants. Some of these parents mentioned that they used
certain gadgets for teaching the child through videos and also at the same time as a source of
entertainment. as Ramey (2012) stated that we should embrace modern technology and learn
29
how to use them. And when used intentionally and appropriately, technology and interactive
media are effective tools to support learning and development. (Technology and Interactive
Media as Tools, 2012)
However other participants also have a kind of negative perspective, and is aware with
the risk factor that comes with the use of technology. Some are mentioned below:
Parents #1
Father: ...yung hindi lang maganda about sa masyadong pag gamit ng mga gadget is
nawawala yung mga larong physical tulad ng patintero kaya sayang din naman para sa
kabataan ngayon.
Parents #2
Father: ...nabbother lang ako minsan kasi tutok nalang talaga siya sa tablet. ...ayoko lang
na bababad rin naman sila sa mga gadget na yan kasi baka maagang masira yung mata niya
Parents #3
Mother: Ako personally ayoko silang nakababad talaga, sakin kasi distraction nalang tulad sa
panganay ko, instead na mag focus siyang mag aral, nakikita ko naglalaro nalang siya, oh nag
ffacebook. Kay bunso naman, nakakahiram lagi kay kuya ng tablet, naglalaro nalang siya ng
mga minecraft at candy crush, pero ang galing nga na marunong na si bunso diyan, kaso puro
laro naman hahaha.
Parents #5
Mother: ...Kaso si Rita kasi, parang nag babago ugali niya sa kakagamit niya nag computer at
cellphone, matigas na yung ulo, nag dadabog pag hindi nakakagamit, hindi masyado nag aaral.
hay nako sa ngayon ayoko muna sakaniya yung gamit ng gamit. sa School kasi may nangyari eh,
nag make up siya ng story na sa bahay, siya lang walang gadget, lahat meron. kaya ayun,
nanguha siya ng gadget ng iba, kaya na under probation siya, kaya ngayon strict ako kay Rita,
nag babago ugali niya, character niya, matigas ang ulo hayy. Okay sakin ang gadgets na yan,
yung computer kasi instant na ang lahat, nakaka bilib nga eh, pero yung dinulot lang sakaniya,
im dissapointed sakaniya, pati narin sa kuya niya.
The reason why these parents have somewhat negative views is related to the previous
studies that have shown negative effects on children that spend too much time using gadgets. As
stated by Walker (2014) some people have invested so much time and have immersed
themselves so much in using technology that they have no clue on what to do if they did not have
any piece of technology near them. And a study by Mckennys (2010), it was found that children
aged 4-7 showed positive reactions to the use of computers. Although, a form of bias could have
been at play here since children mentioned they use computers for games, which basically means
they have fun while using the computer.
Although their may seem to be mixed feeling with the the role of technology, it is clearly
seen that technology is perceived as a learning tool and a source of entertainment.
The reasons for the parents to provide their children with gadgets
For this research questions, based on the results of the participants, the researcher has
Leisure and Educational
Parents #1
Mother: Well ako, gusto ko talaga na masaya yung aking mga anak. Hindi naman sa spinospoil
ko sila.
Parents #4
Mother: Binilhan namin siya ng ipad para may sarili na siyang pang nood ng mga video tska
para di siya makulit kasi grabe ang kulit niya ngayon. pag pinapanood mo siya diyan lang yan,
di gagalaw yan. Pero kasi may natutuhan rin naman siya sa mga pinapanood niya.
Parents #5
30
Mother: Minsan kailangan niya gamitin for homework, kagaya ng mga pictures na kailangan
iprint, mga pang decorations para sa project niya, hinahanap niya sa internet. Yun lang sana
yung reason sa pag gamit niya ng internet.
Communication
Parents #1
Mother: And isa pa is for communication talaga. Syempre para madali ng hanapin at contactin
sila.
The parents mostly reasoned out that technology is provided so it can help them
educationally and at the same time for entertainment. For some parents, they used it
educationally, by letting them watch some educational videos focusing on different kinds of
basic learning ideas for children, and it is also for school matters. Other parents provided the
certain gadget to the children through games and apps for their entertainment. Going back to the
study by Mckennys (2010), although sounds biased, it is a given fact that the children showed
positive reactions towards using the computer, it just goes to show that the use of games and
apps on different gadgets really does entertain the younger generations.
One parent added that the reason they provided gadgets for their child is so that they can
have easier access to communication. As mentioned by Walker (2012) technology is useful
because it has enabled us to maintain and strengthen relationships by easily being able to
communicate with them no matter where you are.
Provided Gadgets by Parents
Parents #1 provided their children with tablets, and phones, etc.
Parents #2 provided their child with Ipad
Parents #3 did not provide their child with gadgets, but is allowed to use them (tablet and
phone.
Parents #4 provided their child with tablet
Parents #5 provided their child with a computer
The researcher found that the gadgets that are mostly provided by the parents to their
children are tablets.
How parents monitor/control their children with the use of gadgets
For this research questions, based on the results of the participants, the researcher has
Time management
Parents #1
Mother: Well ang gusto namin is sana sa weekend lang nila ginagamit mga gadget.
Parents #2
Mother: Sabi ko nga kanina ako ang may hawak ng ipad niya. Pinapagamit ko naman siya
araw-araw, pero with moderation. Pag kailangan niya ng matulog or mag pahinga, kinukuha ko
na sakaniya. Siguro sa isang araw nakaka 3-4 hours siya ng pag gamit. Pero minsan na
hahayaan ko siyang mag babad rin, pero bihira lang yun.
Parents #3
Father: ako gusto ko lang rin talaga weekends para hindi nagugulo mga natutunan niya sa
school.
Parents #4
Mother: Pag alam kong sobra na pinapatigil ko na siya, pinapatulog ko, oh kaya pag kakain na
tigil muna. sumusunod naman siya, makulit lang talaga siya pag hindi gamit yung tablet.
31
Based from these answers, the researcher sees that the parents have different ways of
moderating or monitoring the use of technology for their children, although their methods are
different from each other, their idea all comes down to time management. Whether it be the
weekend, a certain number of hours, or just not to reach to a certain extent that it is too much,
where in the child is allowed to use modern technology.
A reason on why the parents want to moderate the use of modern technology for their
children could be explained by a statement from Turkle (2015). She explains that the cost of toomuch technology in stark terms: Our children cant engage in conversation, or experience
solitude, making it very hard for them to be empathetic. As stated by Greenfield (2009), informal
education therefore requires a balanced media diet using each technology's specific strengths in
order to develop a complete profile of cognitive skills. This means, in order for a child to grow
and develop certain social and cognitive aspects, the use of certain technology should have time
management and moderation.
The experiences of parents with having modern technology being introduced to their
children?
Based on the results, the researcher has found two themes for this.
Progressive
Parents #2
Mother: So far okay naman, natutuwa naman ako minsan kasi natututo talaga siya, ...Pero for
me okay siya, natutulungan yung anak kong matuto kahit bata pa siya.
Father: ...Pero, nakakatuwa rin kasi natututo siya sa mga pinapanood niya eh, pag natuturuan
mo, ang dali matuto kasi parang naging base yung pag nood niya kaya ganun, kagaya ng mga
kulay, sa pag bilang. Kaya okay rin.
Parents #4
Mother: Okay naman lately, kasi natututo talaga siya sa kaka nood niya ng mga video, ngayon
nakikisabay siya sa pag kanta sa mga pinapanood niya.
The researcher came up with a theme of progressiveness, is because the parents shared
experiences wherein the use of technology was beneficial to the children in terms of technology
being a substitute tool. Studies show that the effective use of technology and media are active,
hands-in, engaging, and empowering; give the child control; provide adaptive scaffolds to ease
the accomplishments of tasks; and are sued as one of many options to support childrens
learning. (Technology and Interactive Media as Tools, 2012) It just means that children who
focused more on the learning aspect of technology show more progress on the child's cognitive
skills.
Regressive
Parents #1
Father: I think the worst we had with matthew is nagkaroon siya ng tantrums, nag tampo siya. I
confiscated the ipad..
...So, I confiscated it from him. *looks to wife (see hindi ako maawain palagi no) So kinumpiska
ko then nag lock siya sa cr and umiyak siya kasi di niya matatapos game niya.
Parents #2
Mother: nabbother lang ako minsan kung gano siya ka tutok sa ipad. Tska napapansin ko lang
rin is medyo na sspoil siyang gumamit kasi pag kinkuha mo sakaniya nag tatampo siya or iiyak
pa minsan, pero basta na didisiplina siya ng tama, okay na yun.
Father: Yun lang ayoko sakaniya pag lagi niyang nagagamit yung Ipad nga, pag kinuha mo
sakaniya nag dadabog nga.
Parents #3
Mother: makulit lang talaga kasi pag hindi napapahiram, nag dadabog siya oh kaya iiyak oh
mag tatampo. pero hinahayaan ko lang kasi pag nasanay yung bata na binibigay mo yung gusto
32
eh na sspoil. Okay lang naman sakin talaga, ayoko lang nababad yun lang. kasi parang kinakain
ng internet oh games na yan yung mga utak ng mga bata, gusto ko moderation lang.
Father: Ako sa panganay ko ako naiinis when it comes to sa mga gadgets niya eh, tuwing may
kailangan siyang gawin oh kaya may kailangan kang pagawin eh hindi kumikilos kagad, laging
delayed na, tamad na, dahil nakatutok sakaniyang ipad oh laptop, facebook ng facebook. Tama
ka nga, sinisipsip na yung utak. (looks to the mother)
Parents #5
Mother: Yun nga, masama loob ko at dissapointed ako at nag kaka ganyan si Rita lately dahil
lang sa mga computer na yan. Okay lang siya talaga sakin, kaso yun nga. nahuli ko siya, nag
sinungaling siya sakin. Nagbabago ang bata pag na hahayaang gumamit lang ng gadgets.Tapos
bumababa pa grades niya sa school, may mga bagsak pa nga siya eh.
Aside from the progressive experiences of the parents from their children, they also
shared that there have been regressive qualities as well. These qualities include children being
dependent/addicted to technology, throwing tantrums if they are deprived of using it, change of
character and attitude because of technology. Some parents also shared that their children
showed lower performance in school and academic related activities. A study stated that media
can provide information about safe health practices and can foster social connectedness.
However, recent evidence raises concerns about media's effects on aggression, sexual behavior,
substance use, disordered eating, and academic difficulties. (Strasburg, et al 2010)
It is a given fact that technology plays a big role in our daily lives, and can help us in
almost anything, but the use of modern technology has been very controversial for younger
generations because of both its positive and negative effects. It would have to come down to the
parents on how they would moderate the use of modern technology for their children. In the
shared responses from the parents, it was, therefore, concluded that the perspective of the parents
are composed of having technology as a learning tool and a source of entertainment, wherein
the parents see it as a way for their child to develop social skills and at the same time to keep
their children occupied and satisfied with the recreational past time. Most parents reasoned that
the use of modern technology is for their childrens leisure and education. Another reason is so
that parents can easily communicate with their children. In monitoring their childrens use of
gadgets, the parents developed time management as the basic disciplinary action wherein the
child would be able to use their gadgets. Some parents prefer over the weekend while others set
out a certain amount of time of allowed usage of it. Also, when it comes to the experiences of the
parents, there are two sides in understanding the effects of modern technology. The researcher
found that the parents see the use of technology as both progressive and regressive. It is
progressive because the parents empirically see their child slowly improve in terms of cognitive
and social skills from their exposure of technology. However, even with the childs progression,
the parents has also shared experiences it which they think has regressed in terms of behavior
and academics. Some parents also had negative perspectives with the role of technology for their
children. They believe that spending too much time on using gadgets is a distraction from other
important duties, such as studying for school, hindrance to physical activities and alike. And they
are also aware with the harmful effects of too much use of gadgets. The researcher found that the
parents perception on gadgets is that they are aware of the benefits, but at the same time they are
also aware with the risk factors that technology can bring up on their child.
To further the study, the researcher looks at the different factors that were not present in
this research paper. The researcher recommends that experimentation and a quantitative analysis
should be conducted to further validate some effects that technology may have on these children.
Also the researcher believes that to strengthen the implications of the perception of modern
technology, the childrens perspective should also be given attention to broaden insight. The
researcher also recommends that parents should be interviewed separately as there may be
33
extraneous variable at play when parents are interviewed together. And lastly, the researcher
recommends further studies, wherein the focus of the research is a comparison of effects between
children who are exposed regularly to modern technology and to children who are not exposed.
References:
Greenfield, P. M. (2009). Technology and informal education: What is taught, what is learned.
Science, 323(5910), 69-71.
Jackson, L. A., Witt, E. A., Games, A. I., Fitzgerald, H. E., von Eye, A., & Zhao, Y. (2012).
Information technology use and creativity: Findings from the Children and Technology
Project. Computers in human behavior, 28(2), 370-376.
Plowman, L., & McPake, J. (2013). Seven myths about young children and technology.
Childhood Education, 89(1), 27-33.
Plowman, L., McPake, J., & Stephen, C. (2010). The technologisation of childhood? Young
children and technology in the home. Children & Society,24(1), 63-74.
Psychology Today, (2015). Parenting: Who is More Powerful: Technology or Parents?.
Retrieved 9 October 2015, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-powerprime/201208-parenting-who-is-more-powerful-technology-or-parent
Ramey, K. (2012). 10 Uses of Technology in Our Daily Life. Use of Technology. Retrieved 9
October 2015, from http://www.useoftechnology.com/technology-today-tomorrow/
Ribble, M. (2009). Raising a Digital Child: A Digital Citizenship Handbook for
Parents.International Society For Technology In Education. Retrieved from
http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?id=1538736
Rosen, L. D., Cheever, N. A., & Carrier, L. M. (2008). The association of parenting style and
child age with parental limit setting and adolescent MySpace behavior. Journal of
Applied Developmental Psychology, 29(6), 459-471.
Strasburg, V. C., Jordan, A. B., & Donnerstein, E. (2010). Health effects of media on children
and adolescents. Pediatrics, 125(4), 756-767.
Vandewater, E. A., Rideout, V. J., Wartella, E. A., Huang, X., Lee, J. H., & Shim, M. S. (2007).
Digital childhood: electronic media and technology use among infants, toddlers, and
preschoolers. Pediatrics, 119(5), e1006-e1015.
34
Resiliency Experiences of Heart Disease Survivors

and their Family Members
Dulguime, Sarrah Mae
Alonso- Balmonte, Juli-ann
ABSTRACT
This study describes the experiences of family in caring for a family member who is a heart
disease survivor. A sample of 10 respondents, the researcher interviewed five heart disease
survivors and five family members using self-made questions. Qualitative research method was
used in providing in-depth description related to health issues and in attaining the descriptive
narration of the respondents experiences, opinions and point of views. The experiences were
thematic analyzed; experiences of Filipino families, coping strategies, outlook in life and sources
of strength. The researcher found that both survivors and family members considered the biggest
part of their resiliency was their family, mainly because of optimistic appraisal and moral
support. With social support, maintaining positive outlook in life, and with different coping
strategies the evolution of their recovery was fast and unexpected, and the love they felt from
their families was the very reason why it happened.
Keywords: Heart Disease, Survivors, Families, Resiliency, Experiences, Coping
Coronary Heart Disease Deaths in Philippines reached 57,864 or 13.73% of total deaths
according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2011). The data published by the National
Statistics Office (NSO) in October 2011, from 1 out of every 5 deaths in the past year heart
disease remains the leading cause of death among Filipinos. Heart disease is one of the major
causes of 100,908 deaths or 21% percent of the 480,820 deaths reported from January 2009 to
March 2010 according to the NSO. Followed by Cerebrovascular disease, with 56,670 death and
cancer with 47,732 deaths. According to the Philippines health secretary, Enrique Ona (2011)
90% of Filipinos are exposed to one or more risk factors that trigger the progression of heart
disease. The NSO said two-thirds of the total deaths in the country were not medically attended
to. Their data stated that during the period more males died (279,513) compared to females
(201,307). The NSO states that the Median age at death was 62.7, with 59.6 for males and 67.9
for females. The NSO said more infants died with a total of 21,659 during the period compared
to children ages.
Recent study by Dua, Cooper, Fox and Stuart (2009) stated that physical activity
intervention like walking or any regular physical activity can help and can safely improve
physical health in the adult patients at all stages of congenital heart disease. Moreover, study by
Greeff, Vansteenwegen and Gillard (2012) stated family strength, positive coping strategies,
optimistic appraisal in a stressful situation and practicing social support are identified by both
patient and family as resources and qualities of resiliency.
Resilience and Quality of Life
As Steward and Yuen (2011) stated, resilience is the extent of individuals in order to
preserve mental health by means of significant adversity, like physical ailment. The scheme of
getting by or actually coping up, are positive cognitive appraisal, emotional, active coping and
mastery were also correlated with resilience. In other analysis (Ozbay, Johnson, Dimoulas,
Morgan, Charney, and Southwick, 2007), a big part of maintaining the patients mental health at
good condition is social support. What resiliency is; is that it is formed by the social and physical
atmosphere around the patient, not an unchanging factor. One of the examples of good factor that
can advocate health resilience in some communities is healthy diet, even those where there is a
level of socioeconomic prejudice. Lee and Park (2012) planned to check to thoroughly the
influence of resilience and symptom experience on quality of life. Participants without physical
functional limitations showed higher level of both resilience and quality of life. Participants with
35
bad health status showed a lower level of both resilience and quality of life and higher level of
symptom experience. The study focuses mainly about the patients only, however, they lack
sufficient information on how the family members can also recover or resilient from the
adversity. More studies like Silva, Viana, and Mouras (2011) study resulted that patients can
have a better perception of quality of life than did the general population, through psychological,
social relationship and environment scales basis. On psychological scale, it resulted that older
patients hold a better perception of quality of life. Resilience is known as the volume for
defiance, and rebound of psychological health after an objection like chronic illness (Szanton &
Gill, 2010). Rybarczyk, Emery, Guequierre, Shamaskin, Behel (2012) stated that age-relation to
psychological development, with increased wisdom, body and ego supremacy, increased social
capability, selective development with compensation, and increased spiritually have also been
implicated as protective factors. Moreover, female participants are more exposed to experience
depression compared to males in both pre operation and post operation period (Sorensen &
Wang, 2009).
Resilience in patients with heart disease
Heart disease is commonly coined from the original term cardiovascular disease, one
of the most known diseases in history. Heart defects that are born with like coronary artery
disease and heart rhythm problems are under complications in the blood vessel. (Grogan &
Harms, 2014). One of the famous people who survived bypass surgery, is Larry King, underwent
about 5 bypass surgeries and known to be as the Resilient King. (Klein, 2012). Heart disease
survivors are patients who underwent successful surgery, they are about 100% recovered and
living a much more balanced life, with proper exercise with balanced diet and they are better in
handling stressful situations (Lincoln, 2011). Social support to patients can improve, increase
resilience and promote positive adjustments to illness. There are also factors that may play role
in adjustment to congenital heart disease, either to improve the perception of quality of life or to
make it worse. A prospective study by Dua, Cooper, Fox and Stuart (2009) stated that physical
activity intervention like walking or any regular physical activity can help and can safely
improve physical health in the adult patients at all stages of congenital heart disease. Improving
the self-perception, fulfillment in life, physical activity levels and overall health can also help
improve the quality of life of a patient. There are several domains that can affect the patients
quality of life; family, job or education, friend, health and leisure activity. Fewer patients
significantly considered financial means, material well-being and future as the important
determinants of quality of life. (Moons, Van Deyk, Marquet, Raes, De Bleser, Budts and De
Geest, 2004). According to the study of Banner, Miers, Clarke, Albarran (2011) throughout
preoperative period, participants encountered difficulties in overcoming their symptoms. They
also had to bear physical and emotional distress throughout the period. Accompanying surgery,
women experienced practical impediments and limitations which constrained them and give up
their roles and activities.
Resilience on the family
Family plays an important role to the patients. The patients are not the only one who are
experiencing or facing adversity but also the family. A relatively neglected topic is the impact of
the person with heart disease on the well-being of the family. More studies like West and
Buettner (2012), resilience range were above average for both the patients and for the family
members. The patients pain of suffering and social support is greater compared to the family
member. However, the resiliency scale of the patient is lower compared to the family member.
Greeff & Wentworth (2009) study concluded that family time and everyday habits, parents to
child togetherness, chores for the family and consistent communication are the most important
qualities for concealing family adaptation while provocative and incendiary interaction was
found to be negatively associated with family adaptation. With the recent study conducted by
Greeff, Vansteenwegen and Gillard (2012), family strength, positive coping strategies, optimistic
36
appraisal in a stressful situation and practicing social support are identified by both patient and
family as resources and qualities.
Synthesis
From previous studies, Quality of Life has a resilience effect in many patients with
congenital heart disease. Bartley, Schoon, Mitchelle and Blane (2010) and Choi, Park and Lee
(2012) showed similar studies that patients who practice healthy living promotes healthy
resiliency and those with bad health status shows poor resiliency and quality of life. Physical
limitations, financial and employment issues are some of the hindrance that made them feel
different and brought social impediment. (Moons, Van Deyk, Marquet, Raes, De Bleser, Budts
and De Geest, 2004). According to Mackie, Ionescu-Ittu & Therrien (2009) and Latal, Helfricht,
Fischer., (2009) family plays an important role to the patients. Both patients and family faces and
experiences hardship and difficulty. Moreover, from the study of Hearps, McCarthy, Muscara, et.
Al., (2013) family members who are close to the patients are more likely to experience
psychosocial risk.
The purpose of this research is to give insights and awareness to the readers about the
experiences and reactionsboth family members and survivorsand how they resilient from
the said adversity that can enhance or improve their psychological needs.The study explores the
following questions: 1) What are the experiences of the respondents in terms of emotional and
physical experiences. 2) What are their coping strategies that helped them overcome the
adversity? 3) What is their outlook in life before and after the surgery? 4) Who or what are their
sources of strength?
Method
Research Design
The researcher used a qualitative research design. This design is used in creating research
question that helps generate the participants ideas, opinions and experiences and this research
design is the most flexible and effective method that is used for providing in-depth description of
procedure, beliefs, and knowledge related to health issues. (Biddix, Ph.D. 2009). Furthermore, an
in-depth interview questions are used in gaining insights to generate the needed data.
The researcher used a purposive sampling method with a total of 10 respondents; five of
them were heart disease survivors and the other five participants were their family members
which consist of three children and two siblings. This sampling technique is based on the
population and the purpose of the study. The criteria that fits for this study from the chosen
participants are: (a) Filipino family who has a member diagnosed with heart disease (b) fully
treated from heart disease, having maintenance in their current health status and went under
treatment, (c) a patient with estimated four years post off surgery (d) family members age
ranging from 18 years and above.
Instruments
The data needed for this study was gathered through self-made questionnaire which
consist of 12 questions divided by two sets with follow-up questions expected during interviews
for clarification. The questions focused on the experiences of the participants to understand how
they resilient such as What are your feelings and reactions when you found out that one
member of your family is diagnosed with heart disease. And What are your experiences in
terms of emotional experiences and physical changes? to know how the Filipino Families
managed to overcome such adversity as their coping strategies; What are your coping strategies
that helped you overcome? and Who or what are your sources of strength? that leads the
focus of the study which are their resilient experience, social support and positive outlook. The
researcher used an audio recorder for the documentation of interview.
Procedures
37
The researcher sent a letter of consent to the respondents to be allowed an interview from
the targeted participants. Upon the approval of the respondents, the researcher visited the family,
introduced herself with a personal background of the research, and gave a short briefing. The
interview lasted for about an hour and was recorded through voice recorded. During the first
week of June 2015, the researcher started gathering data and contacted first the families that were
recommended. Some concepts of Filipino Psychology, which are the method of
pakikipagkwentuhan and pakikipagpalagayang loob were used to help the participants be
confident in answering sensitive questions. The researcher interviewed the family and the
survivors separately and personally. On the next data gathering, the researcher went to Philippine
General Hospital (PGH) during Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Two Filipino families were
interviewed on different dates. After gathering the needed data, the researcher gave the
participants token of appreciation and asked for the contact information for the purpose of
interviewing one of their family member. The researcher built rapport and confidentiality was
totally ensured. After the interview, the researcher then debriefed the respondents.
Data Analysis
After the interviews, observations, and self-made questionnaires were analyzed the
researcher compared and separated the answers of the respondents in a thematic way. The
researcher then, grouped the answers according to the similarities and differences of their
answers. Themes are categorized according to the corresponding order of the research questions.
Results were grouped thematically which consist of four sections: experiences of the
Filipino families, coping strategies that helped them overcome, outlook in life and sources of
strengths. These sections answers and mainly focus on the four research questions: 1) what are
the experiences of the respondents in terms of emotional and physical experiences, 2) what are
their coping strategies that helped them overcome the adversity? 3) What is their outlook in life
before and after the surgery? and 4) who or what are their sources of strength?
Demographic Profile of the Respondents
For the 1st family, they live in Paranaque. Survivor 1 is a 61 year old widow and worked
as a nurse before she was diagnosed with congenital heart disease. She has undergone a multiple
bypass surgery (Angioplasty and Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery) at the age of 57. Family
Member 1 is her 24 year old son. He is the youngest child and the closest family member to
Survivor 1. As for the 2nd family, they currently live in Sta. Mesa, Manila. Survivor 2 is a 52
year old woman, diagnosed at the age of 20 and went under bypass surgery at the age of 47. She
is a housewife and a mother of four children. Family Member 2, the eldest son, is a 31 year old
entrepreneur who also has a family of his own and lives on the outskirts of Cavite. The 3rd
family, Survivor 3 is a 40 year old woman. She is an elementary teacher and a wife with no
children. At the age of 21, she was hit with a mild stroke, at the age of 26 she first knew that she
was diagnosed and at the age of 34 she went to bypass surgery for twice. Family Member 3 is the
sister of the patient and is three years older. She has a family with 4 children. As for the 4th
family, they are a Filipino family that currently resides in Georgia, USA. Survivor 4 is a 67 year
old man. He is divorced and lives with the family of his son. He has undergone bypass surgery at
the early age of 47. Family Member 4, the sister of the patient, also lives in Georgia. And
currently works as a QC (Quality Control) abroad. Lastly, the 5th family is a Filipino family that
lives in Pasig City. Survivor 5 is a 66 year old retired ECG Technician who underwent the
surgery at the age of 61. She has 4 children, all of which has a family of their own. Family
member 5 is a 31 year old son and works as a designer with 2 children; they are currently
residing in Pasig City.
38
Experiences of the Survivor

During the process of pre operational and post operational, the survivors shared their
experiences that they had to endure that none of us normally experience. The researcher came up
with three themes for the survivors; difficulties, emotional and physical limitations.
Difficulties
Constantly the survivors bore unusual pain they have not felt before like what the
survivors stated Mabigat 'yong dibdib ko konting galaw ko pagod talaga ako parang merong
nakatusok sa dibdib ko na gusto kong bunutin para makaramdam ng ginhawa.-Survivor 1. She
also mentioned that she experienced often times shortness of breath, cramps in some part of her
body such as head and chest. Moreover, she went multiple bypass surgery that caused her to
experience more difficulties and pain. One of the survivors shared experience of social restriction
while in the preoperative period, Gusto mong makipag communicate hindi pede. Tapos puro
complications... yung mga na-experience ko pa yung parang feeling mo, last days mo na. Yung
feeling na parang eto na yon, dumating na nagka pneumonia ako, yung hininga ko parang
tinanggal na isda sa tubig... sisinghap-singhap.- Survivor 3. According to her, the first
operation was the time when she bore more pain due to complications. Survivor 3 mentioned that
there was effusion in her heart that caused the second operation. Moreover, Banner, Miers,
Clarke & Albarran (2011) stated that throughout preoperative period, participants encountered
difficulties in overcoming their symptoms.
Emotional and Physical Experiences
There came a time in the survivors pre-operative life that they felt dysfunctional because
of physical limitations. According to Banner, Miers, Clarke & Albarran (2011) women
experienced practical impediments and limitations which constrained them and give up their
roles and activities such the survivors have stated Mahirap para kang nauupos na kandila.
Para kang akala mo hanggang doon ka nalang. Paglakad mo mahirap di ka makagawa ng
gawaing bahay. Hanggang dyan ka lang sa upuan mo. Lalakad ka ng kaunti, hihingalin ka
kaagad.-Survivor 2. Before the operation, Survivor 2 stated that she lost a lot of weight resulting
more physical impediments for her. In addition, she was not able to finish household chores and
felt useless because of the fact that she often experience shortness of breath and exhaustion.
Finishing one chore such as sweeping dust in their bedroom takes a lot of time before she
finished cleaning one room. Survivor 4 also shared how emotionally distressed he felt, After
surgery I was stuck with persistent chest pain, swelling in my legs and I was on total disability. I
felt useless... at some point." They also had to bear physical and emotional distress throughout
the period. According to Survivor 1, watching massive news or television dramas that will make
her feel too emotional were avoided. Due to the fact that anytime her blood pressure could
increase and she might felt palpitations. Survivor 2 also stated that there were times she felt
scared and depressed. This agrees to Sorensen & Wangs study (2009), states that female
participants are more exposed to experience depression compared to males in both preoperative
and postoperative period.
Experiences of the Family Members
The researcher came up with a theme of feelings and reactions. Wherein the family
members described their feelings and reactions upon discovering that one of their family
members is suffering from heart disease, on which most of them were more affected than the
patients.
Feelings and Reactions
Four of the family members experienced emotional distress and worry for the patients.
Noong una akala ko maliit na bagay lang kaya naman akoPero nung araw na siya ay nag
pacheckup...yun pala malala na 'yong kalagayan nya. Kinikailangan agad syang operahan at
ayon, dun na talaga ako sobrang natakot at kinabahan.- Family Member 1. Not only the
39
survivors can experience adversity and emotional distress but their family members too, stated
by Family member 3, Noong una natakot kami talaga kasi, wala naman kaming experience na
ganun kalala sa pamilya namin. In addition, Family member 5 shared his feelings and reaction;
he stated that he felt hopeless and worried of the survival rate and the outcome of the operation.
However, family member 4 stated that they did not worry much on the outcome of the surgery as
they trust the high technology on medicine in United States.
Coping Strategies That Helped the Survivors Overcome the Adversity
The survivors described their different coping mechanisms that helped them resilient. The
researcher came up with three themes for the survivors which are 1) healthy lifestyle, 2) selfhelp, and 3) spiritual coping.
Lifestyle
According to Ozbay, Johnson & Dimoulas (2007) one of the examples of good factor that
can advocate health resilience in some communities is healthy diet. One of the survivors way of
coping up is improving their diet. 'Yong diet ko talagang, low salt, low fat, almost ano 'yong
mga kinakain ko eh. Oatmeal, oatmeal langfruits tapos konting fish lang na steam.Survivor1 Moreover, Survivor 2 stated that she also maintain a healthy and balanced diet through
avoiding fatty food and switching to non-salty and non-fatty food. Daily exercise is also added to
their daily routine. Morning walks, jogging or cleaning the house are some of their exercises,
according to Survivors 1, 2 and 3.
Self-help
Self-discipline is a big help for recovering and for maintaining their health, following the
doctors instruction and the dos and donts. In-explain na sakin eh na maaaring bumalik yan
kapag hindi ka magiingat sa pagkaen.-Survivor 1. Moreover, Survivor 2 stated that abusing
self-limitations must be avoided, Syempre 'yong disiplina sa katawan, disiplina sa sarili mo.
Kailangan susunod ka sa sinasabi ng doctor di mo abusuhin katawan mo. In addition, the
scheme of getting by or actually coping up, are positive cognitive appraisal, emotional, active
coping and mastery were also correlated with resilience (Steward & Yuen, 2011). There are
twelve domains that can affect the patients quality of life; family, job or education, friend,
health and leisure activity (Dua, Cooper, Fox and Stuart 2009). One survivor stated that one way
of forgetting and remedy is through going to casino and fishing with family. It also helped the
survivor not to focus on the surgery.
Spiritual
Spiritual coping is one of the survivors coping strategy, ...keep believing
ipagpasadyos ba. Yun 'yong numero uno don... God is good all the time.-Survivor 3, Survivor 1
also shared her spiritual thoughts in overcoming her situation,...kaya lang nilalakasan ko
nalang ng loob, ayon, nagppray ako. Sinasabi ko na Lord, ikaw may hawak ng buhay ko, ng
puso ko. Kasi wala na namang iba eh. Moreover, the survivors statements are congruent to the
study of Rybarczyk, Emery, Guequierre, Shamaskin, et. Al., (2012) age-relation to psychological
development, with increased wisdom, body and ego supremacy, increased social capability,
selective development with compensation, and increased spiritually have also been implicated as
protective factors.
Family Members Way of Support
For the reason that the family members shared how they supported and reliable for the
patients that added as a factor of coping strategies for both survivors and family members. They
became the foundation of their strength as well. Each of them nursed and took care of the
patients both physically and mentally.
Way of Support
Family member 1 stated that he often missed the class because he rather stay in the
hospital and be the caretaker of his mom than be in school yet worried and distracted. He also
mentioned that he cannot take the fact that at such young age living a life without his father had
40
more trouble accepting the fact that his mother could be gone soon. The family members also
gave out financial support for the patients and explained how these little things can become the
very root of the patients' recovery, Financially and moral support. Lahat ginawa namin para
lang makasurvive si Nanay.-Family Member 5 Moreover, They exerted efforts and sacrificed
their time for the well being of the patients. Giving up activities such as basketball and hanging
out with friends just to take care of the patients are some of their sacrifices, however, their
sacrifices are done open heartedly for the patients. One of them shared how they spend quality
time by watching Sunday Mass in television and cooking breakfast for the patient. The results is
parallel to the study of Greeff & Wentworth (2009) that family time and everyday habits,
parents to child togetherness, chores for the family and consistent communication are the most
important qualities for concealing family adaptation and help not only the patient to resilient but
also the family members.
Outlook in Life of the Survivors
The survivors described their outlook in life while on their way of recovery that helped
them resilient. The common point of view of the survivors whilst experiencing these events is
that they remained brave and hopeful for the best out of the situation they are facing.
Positive Outlook
The survivors described their present resiliency which is how optimism helped them
resilient and in their aspirations towards the future as such Survivor 5 stated, Simple lang, be
brave and determined as to what will happen before the surgery. I prepared myself for the best
and the worst outcomes. And of course, after the surgery, I thanked God kept telling myself to
recover as soon as possible to get back to my normal life and enjoy what lies in front me. In
relation to Dua, Cooper, Fox & Stuarts (2009) study, improving the self-perception, fulfillment
in life, physical activity levels and overall health can also help improve the quality of life of a
patient. One of the reasons why the survivors maintained their positive outlook in life is because
of their families. They want to keep the faith and show hope to their families. Three times ako
nag-critical. Pero yon nga inaano ko na kelangan ko lumaban. Sabi ko wala na ngang father
(the children of the survivor) hindi na sya nahintay ng father nya tapos pati ako. So ayon
talagang motivation ko para lumaban.-Survivor 1
Sources of Strength of the Survivors
The survivors shared how and why they won the fight against heart disease, both postoperation and pre-operation. They also described what makes them feel strong and their feet on
the ground.
Family
Family strength, positive coping strategies, optimistic appraisal in a stressful situation
and practicing social support are identified by both patient and family as resources and qualities
stated by Greeff, Vansteenwegen and Gillard (2012). In connection to their study, Silva, Viana,
and Moura (2011) stated that patients can have a better perception of quality of life than did the
general population, through psychological, social relationship and environment scales basis such
as the survivors stated Syempre mga anak ko, 'yong pamilya ko. Basta ang naisip ko kelangan
magpagamot ako, hindi na ako nagdalawang isip pa. Dahil may anak ako na kelangan pa
sakin kelangan ng kalinga.-Survivor 2, Survivor 5 shared his sources of strength came from
his grandchildren and his childrenThe greatest gift Ive ever received are the ones who are
keeping me alive and well. Totoong kung wala sila, wala na ako." Social support to patients can
improve, increase resilience and promote positive adjustments to illness.
Sources of Strength of the Family Members
They shared how they entertained themselves and how family plays a big part on their
recovery. They described how faith took place for them to stay hopeful for the best. All of them
states that their main source of strength are from their families.That is why the researcher came
up with three themes; 1) Family, 2) Friends and 3) Religiosity.
41
Family
Two family members shared their sources of strength, Our father... He's an example to
his own life having heart disease eh.- Family Member 4, Family Member 5 is a family man
since then, his source of strength comes from his family, That time my siblings and my wife.
Theyve been there for us since day 1. According to West and Buettner (2012), resilience range
were above average for both the patients and for the family members. Although the resiliency
scale of family member is quite greater compared to the patients. However, family members
needed a source of strength too, to help them resilient.
Friends
In relation to Ozbay, Johnson and Dimoulas, et al., (2007) study, a big part of
maintaining the patients mental health at good condition is social support. One of them shared
their sources of strength, 'Yong family ko lahat supportive. Ma-swerte lang ako kasi may mga
kapamilya ako na kahit hindi ko masyadong kakilala, nagbibigay oh ate panggamot. Plus nablessed ako ng asaswa. Kahit wala kaming anak... supportive paren sya.-Survivor 3
Religiosity
Two of the family members explained that both religious beliefs and faith from the other
family members helped them manage to resilient and remain strong. Family member 1 stated that
he became closer to God and most specially to his family, ...mas tumatag 'yong faith ko kay
God. Sakanya ako una talagang lumapit lalo na noong habang inooperahan si mama. Higit sa
lahat, sarili ko. While Family member 2 focused himself to his faith and to the positive
outcome in his family, and I quote, Kaming magpapamilya at faith sa sa Dyos. Cliche at
mukang galing sa pelikula pero, totoo, basta masaya at nagmamahalan ang pamilya parang
wala namang nangyayaring masama sa buhay.
The study in general focuses on the experiences of resiliency in the survivors and in the
family members. Results from the interviews show both family members and the survivors can
bounce back in any adversity. The survivors faced a difficult trial in life, both pre and postoperatively, mainly for physical and emotional limitations, they remained strong for others and
especially for themselves. By continuing a normal life and actually improving it. The researcher
found that they considered the biggest part of their recovery was their family, mainly because of
optimistic appraisal and moral support. And as for the family members, even though they were
greatly affected about what happened, even to the point where they got scared and worried as to
what might happen to the patient, they remained positive to set an example for the patients to
help them realize that determination plays as one of the biggest part on the process of recovery.
Moreover, with social support, maintaining positive outlook in life, and with different coping
strategies the evolution of their recovery was fast and unexpected, and the love they felt from
their families was the very reason why it happened. Their experiences taught them to remain
positive in life and made them and their families' bond stronger and helped them resilient.
Future research needs to gather a greater number sample of participants and equal
number of both males and females for a more reliable and valid study. The researcher also
suggests for future research concurrent in this study warrants further exploration and more
studies about heart disease. Furthermore, these findings encourage the readers to keep their
lifestyle in a healthy and balanced diet associating with physical exercises such as jogging or
simply cleaning the house as stated by the respondents. Maintaining positive outlook and
keeping faith helps to improve not only the physical health but also the mental health of the
patient. Lastly, family togetherness and strong support from family is a big factor in improving
the quality of life of not only the patient but also the people close to them.
42
References:
Bartley, M., Schoon, I., Mitchell, R., Blane, D., (2010). Resilience as an asset for healthy
development. Health Assets in Global Context, II, pp 101-115
Biddix, P. Ph.D. (2009). Qualitative Research Design. Dewar College of Education, Volda State
University. Retrieved on July 6, 2009 from
Choi, K. S., Park. J. A., Lee, J., (2012). The effect of symptom experience and resilience quality
of life in patients with colorectal cancers. Asian Oncol Nurs, 12(1), pp 61-68.
Dua, J.S., Cooper, A.R., Fox, K.R., Stuart, A.G., (2009). Exercise training in adults with
congenital heart disease: Feasibility and benefits. International Journal of
Cardiology.138(2),pp 196-205.
Greeff, A. P. and J. Lawrence (2012). "Indications of resilience factors in families who have lost
a home in a shack fire." Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology 22(3):
Greeff, A. P., Wentworth, A., (2009). Resilience in families that have experienced heart-related
trauma. Current Psychology, 28, pp 302-3014.
Grogan, M., Harms, R. W., (2014) Diseases and Conditions; Heart Disease. Mayo Foundation
for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved July 29, 2014 from
Hearps, J.S., McCarthy, M.C., Muscara, F., (2013). Psychosocial risk in families of infants
undergoing surgery for a serious congenital heart disease. Cardiology in the Young. 24(4),
pp.632-639.
Latal, B., Helfricht, S., Fischer, J.E., (2009). Psychological adjustment and quality of life in
children and adolescents following open-heart surgery for congenital heart disease: a
systematic review. BMC Pediatrics, 9.
Lincoln, J.C., (2011) Ginger: A Heart Disease Survivors Story. John C. Lincoln Health
Network Society of Chest Pain Centers. Retrieved March 2011 from
Mackie, A.S., Ionescu-Ittu, R., Therrien, J., (2009). Children and adults with congenital heart
disease lost to follow-up. Circulation, 120, pp 302-309.
Moon, J.R., Huh, J., Kang, I-S., Park, S.W., Jun, T-G., Lee, H. J., (2009). Factors depression in
adolescents with congenital heart disease. Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical
Care, 38(5), pp 419-426.
Moons, P., Van Deyk, K., Marquet, K., Raes, E., De Bleser, L., Budts, W., De Geest, S., (2004)
Individual quality of life in adults with congenital heart disease: a paradigm shift. European
Heart Journal, 35(47).
Ozbay, F., Johnson, D. C., Dimoulas, E., Morgan, C.A., Charney, D., Southwick, S., (2007).
Social support and resilience to stress. Psychiatry, 4(5), pp 35-40.
Rybarczyk, B., Emery, E. E., Guequierre, L. L., Shamaskin, A., Behel, J., (2012). The role
resilience in chronic illness and disability in older adults. Annual Review of Gerontology and
Geriatrics, 32(1), pp 173-187.
Silva, A. M., Vaz, C., Areias M. E. G., Vieira, D., Proena, C., Viana, V., Moura, C., and
Areias,J. C., (2011). Quality of life of patients with congenital heart diseases. Cardiology in
the Young, 21, pp 670-676.
Sorensen, E. A., & Wang, F. (2009). Social support, depression, functional status, and gender
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& Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care, 38(4), 306-317.
West, C., P. Buettner. (2012). "Resilience in families with a member with chronic pain: a mixed
methods study." J Clin Nurs.
43
Life without Limbs: Acceptance, Perspectives and Social Support

Duran, Bianca Dia
Alonso - Balmonte,Juli-ann
ASBTRACT
The purpose of this study is to identify the factors on how the respondents accept the disability,
the positive perspectives, and the respondents sources of strength to overcome daily life. In a
purposive sampling ten lower limb amputees were interviewed. The results revealed before
accepting limb loss the respondents gone through stages of depression, denial, and social
adjustments; social support and positive outlook towards obstacles helped the respondents to
accept the disability. Lastly, the benefits of positive perspectives among people with limb loss
includes having great appreciation of ones capabilities to overcome life challenges, acquired
empathy towards people with disabilities because they know whats like to live with a disability,
more inclined to help or encourage others and having the patience to achieve dreams or goals.
Keywords: limb loss, acceptance, positive perspective, social support, amputee,
people with disabilities
Limb loss is a type of physical disability that is defined surgically as the complete
removal, or spontaneous partial removal of a body part. It is constrained to perform an activity
independently such as walking, bathing, toileting, etc. Limb loss may involve either upper or
lower limb amputation.
According to World Health Organization/WHO (2006), internationally the most common
and frequent level of amputation is the Lower Limb Amputation (LLA) ranging up to 85 %
rather than Upper Limb Amputation (ULA) with an approximate of 15%. The main potential
causes of amputation are due to birth defect or congenital malformation accounts up to 3%,
diseases including infection, and tumours approximately 65% and due to accidents up to 30 %.
In the Philippines, a prevalence rate for amputation is increasing in an approximate of 603,692
based on the Census of Population and Housing (CPH, 2010). Limb amputation is not just a
health problem. It is a complex phenomenon, reflecting the interaction between features of a
persons body and features of the society in which he or she lives.
Accepting one's disability is difficult and it takes time to deal with because living with
limb loss is at risk to physical pain, psychosocial challenges and emotional difficulties. However,
with the right aid of social support, acceptance and positive perspective can help overcome
multiple challenges they face that disturb their long-term progress in adjustment following
amputation. A famous example of persons without limbs is Nick Vujicic a motivational speaker,
has a rare disorder with an absence of all four limbs and Jessica Cox the armless female pilot.
They struggled mentally, emotionally and physically but eventually found meaning in their life.
Overcoming the difficulties faced by people with disabilities requires interventions to remove
environmental and social barriers. Individuals with physical disabilities often experience stigma
concerning their physical competence and bodily appearance. This leads to impairment in social
interactions and devaluation of an individual. With their conditions, they need greater attention
and consideration in terms of health needs, without discrimination (WHO, 2012).
Factors in Accepting Disability
Amputation is a distressing experience that is likely to pose considerable challenges that
can lead to significant psychological and social dysfunction (Desmond & MacLachlan, 2006). In
addition depressive symptom is the most frequently assessed indicator of affective distress
following amputation and it is also linked with a broad range of negative psychosocial outcomes
like anxiety and public self-consciousness (Atherton & Robertson, 2006). Research findings
suggest that before a person with physical disability achieves psychological adjustment, they
experience denial, hostility, and depression (Vargo, 2012). Furthermore, several recent studies
44
show significant factors to psychologically adjust to limb loss; time since amputation affects the
individuals anger, denial to perception of reality to what happens next to newly acquired limb
loss, and after 2-3 years since amputation results reduced feelings of anxiety and depression
(Phelps, Williams, Raichle, Turner, & Ehde, 2008; Kratz, Williams, Turner, Raichle, Smith, &
Ehde, 2010 & Unwin, Kacperek, & Clarke, 2009). A quantitative study also provided that selfmanagement intervention help improve individuals with limb loss; outcomes were improved
positive mood, reduced pain, depression and self-effectiveness increasing any kinds of healthy
behaviours (Wegener, Mackenzie, Ephraim, Ehde & Williams, 2008).
Perspectives
In a study of Carver and Connor-Smith (2010), optimistic individuals tend to be more
confident and persistent in striving towards their goals in the face of diverse life challenges, may
it be slow or difficult progress and explains differences of pessimistic individuals that they tend
to be avoidant in coping such as behavioural disengagement while those individuals who are
optimistic provide certain coping strategies to overcome problems. Furthermore, optimism has
previously been associated with quality of life in a variety of patient populations (Ruland, 2005)
measuring quality of life of individual following amputation identifies issues through perceived
social relationships, emotional well-being, and mobility functioning and psychological wellbeing. In addition facilitates rehabilitation process and screening for psychosocial problems
(Gallagher & Desmond, 2007). Spiritual role in individuals with limb amputation is related to
their quality of life, descriptive and quantitative research study of Peirano & Franz (2012)
confirmed that amputees use spirituality to cope with limb amputation. Existential spirituality
was a significant predictor of satisfaction with life, general health, and social integration. In
addition, a cross-sectional descriptive study design, revealed significant factors of depression,
mobility, social support, comorbidity, prosthetic difficulties, age and social participation to
perceived quality of life after having a lower limb amputation (Asano, Rushton, Miller &
Deathe, 2008).
Social support
Persons with amputation have decreases levels of anxiety, depression or distress through
the aid of social support. Social support helps another individual manage stressful events,
understand them better and provide coping strategies needed to deal with their situation; also
contributes to the promotion of good health and emotional well-being in a wide range of illness
including disability population (Taylor, 2007). In a longitudinal study, William, Ehde, Smiths,
Czerniecki, Hoffman, & Robinson (2004) reported higher levels of social support increases
participation of individuals with amputations in their communities, getting out of the house and
other leisure or meaningful activities. Furthermore, Kim et al (2005) investigated the influencing
factors on health-related quality of life of physically disabled persons. The findings of this study
show that self-esteem and the size of the social support network are significant influencing
variables on health-related quality of life in physically disabled persons. In another study, Kim et
al (2004) investigated whether subjective health and social support influence depression directly
or indirectly through self-control of the physically disabled. The level of depression was high;
70% of the subjects were depressed. Subjective health and satisfaction with social support
influenced self-control, but subjective health influenced the level of depression directly and
indirectly.
People with a physical disability may find it difficult to participate when facing social
and physical barriers. Quite often they are individuals of courage and independence who have a
desire to contribute to the fullest level of their ability (Ensign, 2005). Interview findings by
Shier, Graham, & Jone (2009) suggest the presence of workplace and employer discrimination
and labelling as primary factors impeding respondents success in securing and maintaining
employment in the labour market, also respondents provide strong evidence that perceptions of
45
disability have a greater impact on their inability to maintain and secure employment than does
the lack of accommodative practices and measures in the workplace.
Synthesis
Research findings concluded that in order to psychologically adjust to disability, one
must go through denial, hostility, and depression (Vargo, 2012). Furthermore, time since
amputation affects the individuals anger, denial to perception of reality to what happens next to
newly acquired limb loss, and after 2-3 years since amputation that enables them to accept the
disability. In addition, in the studies of Kim, et al (2005) Asano, et al (2008) & Periano (2012)
revealed the significant influencing factors such as religious coping, self-esteem, size of social
support, depression, depression, mobility, mobility, comorbidity, prosthetic difficulties, age and
social participation are contributors to the quality of life following limb amputation that enables
the acceptance of the disability. Higher levels of social support have been correlated to the
promotion of health and emotional well-being (Taylor, 2007). It also increases their participation
in meaningful activities, social functionality and being able to handle own problems faced
(William, et al, 2004). But in the industrial setting people with disability have less chance of
employment because of the impression of any employer that they are incapable, cannot maintain
and secure employment (Shier & et al, 2009).
The purpose of this study is to reach out to all readers to be aware that loss of limbs can
happen to anyone at any age because it can be acquired through accidents or other diseases later
in life. To persons with disabilities, this research informs them that there is still hope and
meaning in their lives. In addition, information about the experiences and reactions of amputees
then on how later on accepted their disability. Furthermore, the benefits of a maintained positive
outlook of amputees after their limb amputation, their coping strategies, perceived sources of
strength in their day to day existence. Lastly, the purpose of this research is to notice the
perceived suggestions of the respondents which can help and enhance the psychological needs of
people who experienced limb amputation. Moreover, the study explores the following questions:
(1) what are the experiences, reactions and feelings about the amputated limb? (2) How did the
respondent accept the disability? (3) What are the sources of strength to overcome daily life? (4)
What are the respondents positive perspectives in achieving dream or goal? (5) What were the
changes noticed before and after the amputated limb?
Method
Research Design
The researcher used qualitative research method; the strength of qualitative research is its
ability to provide complex textual descriptions of how people experience a given research issue
(Denzin, 2000). In-depth interview is appropriate in collecting data on individuals personal
histories, perspectives and experiences, particularly when sensitive topics are being explored. In
this method, the respondent responses affect how and which questions researchers are asked
next.
A total of ten lower limb amputees of any cause such as vehicular accidents, cancer,
diabetes, infection and congenitally acquired; employed male and female ranging from 21 up to
61 years old. The respondents experienced 10 to 15 years since limb amputation. The researcher
used purposive sampling, looking for cases that represent the natural phenomenon of interest and
group respondents.
Instruments
The researcher prepared a total of ten self-made questions that serves as a guide
throughout the interview. The question focused on the experiences of the amputees before they
were able to accept the disability to understand the coping strategies they used in adapting to the
situation what are the experiences, reactions and feelings you encountered when you were
amputated? followed by the question How did you accept it and what are the sources of
46
strength you use to overcome daily life and What are your positive perspectives in achieving
your goals which leads to the focus of the study, the acceptance of the disability, positive
perspectives and social support. Questions are open-ended, following on how the respondents
responses and effects to which research questions are asked next. For the collection of data, the
researcher used a camera and a voice recorder. The questions were administered twice and
approved by an expert adviser in order to assess the reliability and the validity.
Procedures
The researcher disseminated consent letters to the respondents to be approved, also
contains the particular schedule in which the interview can be done. After the approval, the place
and time for the interview were indicated by the respondents. Several interviews are necessary in
order to gather sufficient data needed for the study. The researcher used a voice recorder and
camera for documentation. Confidentiality was assured so that the respondents answer truthfully.
The researcher personally messaged the members of the group for a set-up of interview for those
who are willing to participate in my research. The researcher met up with the willing
respondents; at the respondents required location for their convenience. The researcher first
introduced herself, what the interview was and what my research is all about. Second, the
researcher confirmed confidentiality regarding their personal information and such, made them
read and sign the consent form. Third, the researcher lets the respondents read through the
questions to be asked, then asked the respondents if it was okay to start or is there any sensitive
topics in the questions listed. Lastly, the researcher started voice recording the conversation
when the respondent is ready.
Data Analysis
The researcher used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis or IPA to explore in detail
how respondents are making sense of their personal and social world, and is also concerned with
trying to understand what it is like, from the point of view of the respondents (Smith, & Eatough,
2006). In addition, the researcher also used the constant comparison analysis which is utilized to
understand concepts presented, divide ideas to meaningful parts and labelled each one according
to similarity.
Demographic profile of the respondents
What are the experiences, reactions and feelings about the amputated limb?
Acceptance
47
The most common reaction and feelings experienced by the respondents about their limb
amputation is depression and self-pity. Unexpectedly, they have come to point in life where they
have to decide whether to amputate their leg or be it the cause of their death. Choosing to live
after being amputated has its downsides but for some individuals they don't get to choose
because they were born without limbs. As Atherton, Et al (2006), said depressive symptom is the
most frequently assessed indicator of affective distress following amputation and it is also linked
with a broad range of negative psychosocial outcomes like anxiety and public selfconsciousness. Some respondents said that at first they were depressed Noong una parang hindi
ko kaya, noong tumagal aba ay kakayanin naman pala, kaya okay naman but then it came to a
point in time that they were able to accept their amputation Naisip ko kung ikakahiya ko yung
sarili ko wala din naman ako magagawa hindi katulad nila na kumpleto kaya naglakas loob
akong tanggapin na ganito ang sitwasyon. quoted from Respondent 6. While others also
experienced depression but the presence of self-pity is prevalent among them because they
dwelled upon the negative outcomes of their amputation, a quote from Respondent 7 Nadepress
din ako pero kailangan tanggapin kasi maswerte pa din ako, and Nagsisi ako kasi hindi
naagapan yung infection at hindi na ako makakatakbo katulad ng dati, said Respondent 9.
There also comes social anxiety, Andun yung social anxiety until such time naka-cope up din
ako sa feeling na yankesa naman mamatay ako. and inferiority because of their physical
appearance Nagkaroon ako ng inferiority sa sarili ko ayaw ko lumabas, ayaw ko pag-tinginan
ako. Wala kasi ako buhok pati kilay dahil nag-pachemo ako noon at walang paa so ayun ayaw
ko nang lumabas. Pero noong lumaki na ako at nagstart magschool um-okay na ako. They
didnt want other people to see them and feared being stared at in social gatherings. The utility of
coping mechanisms varies to different stressors and situations faced by an individual. Focusing
on emotion strategies such as denial or avoidance are generally considered to be maladaptive,
they may prove adaptive in the early stages of coping with the disability by reducing distress and
allowing time for the full impact of the event to be absorbed (Kortte & Wegener, 2004). In
addition, before being able to psychologically adjust one must experience denial, depression and
hostility (Vargo, 2012) like in the case of Respondent 5, she never felt sad about her amputated
limb instead, is in denial that part of limbs was still there and refuses to acknowledge the loss of
limbs Hindi naman ako nalungkot, wala naman ako naramdaman. Noong naputulan ako akala
ko meron pa din minsan nakakalimutan ko na wala na haha kakamutin ko sana kaso wala na
pala.
Furthermore, after 10 to 15 years since the amputation, the respondents were able to
adapt to their situation, accept the disability and cope with it because they have realized that they
are not the only one with the disability or more severe health problems. Furthermore, before they
were able to accept the disability they have gone through stages depression, self-pity, social
adjustments, and denial. In tandem with the other studies, time since amputation affects the
individuals anger, denial to perception of reality to what happens next to newly acquired limb
loss, and after 2-3 years since amputation results reduced feelings of anxiety and depression
(Phelps, et al, 2008; Kratz, et al 2010 & Unwin, et al, 2009).
What are the factors that facilitates acceptance of the disability?
Family and friends
The following significant antecedent on acceptance of the disability is social support
through family and friends, religious views, and employment. In times of unmanageable turn of
events, sometimes we can't handle to take care of ourselves emotionally, and there are moments
that we just need somebody to lean on and encourage us to stay strong in times of trouble. Social
support helps another individual manage stressful events, understand them better and provide
coping strategies needed to deal with certain situations; it also contributes to the promotion of
good health and emotional well-being in a wide range of illness including disability populations
(Taylor, 2007). Respondent 9 accepted his disability because he wants to show his family and
48
friends that there is still hope following amputation or to those people with missing limbs
...gusto ko na makita nila na may pag-asa pa kahit naputulan kami ng parte ng katawan. In
addition, Respondent 10 said that he was able to accept his disability because of the help of his
family natanggap ko itong lahat dahil sa pamilya ko dahil tinulungan nila ako at nakikita ko
silang masaya kapag masaya rin ako Also mentions that his family is happy when the
respondent is also happy in spite of his condition. Furthermore, Respondent 1 & Respondent 6
found hope to accept their disability by comparing themselves to their fellow amputees or other
people with disabilities worse than their situation sa PGH kasi andaming pasyente, maraming
klase ng sakit. Kung iisipin ko mas maraming mahirap ang kalagayan. Saka when there is life,
there is hope. they have stated that if the other PWDs can do it, so can they ...nacocompare ko
po yung sarili ko na may mas mahirap pa yung buhay kesa sakin, tuloy parin yung buhay nila,
ayun natanggap ko na ganito. There are benefits to higher levels of social support because it
increases the participation of individuals with amputations in their communities, getting out of
the house and other leisure or meaningful activities (Williams, et al, 2004).
Religiosity
Respondent 2 acknowledged the large impact of church Siguro tulad na din ni God,
malaking impact din sakin yung church. Nag-papiano ako sa music ministry ng church, marami
akong kaibigan doon kaya hindi ko na-ffeel yung pagkukulang participating in the music
ministry of the church helped her not to feel the absence of her limb while Respondent 4 Yung
kayang gawin, gagawin. Ang panginoon, hindi ibibigay sa atin kung hindi kaya. lives by the
belief that God wont give us challenges that we cant handle. And Respondent 5 mentions
Dasal ako ng dasal. Sinabi sa akin ng Padre na wag ako magpapakamatay may misyon pa raw
ako. That praying and the church community helped her not to commit suicide because it has
reminded her that she still has a mission in life; respondents life satisfaction increased because of
the spiritual activities they are involved in and religious community help them to encourage other
people with disabilities. In relation to the study of Peirano Et al (2012) that religious views or
spiritual beliefs help individuals following limb amputation to cope and establish meaning in
their disability.
Employment
Some respondents mentioned their employment as a factor on how they accepted their
disability, Nito ko lang na-accept noong nagtratrabaho na ako. Respondent 7 said that he just
focused on his work rather than sulk at home and do nothing Tinanim ko sa sarili ko na
magttrabaho nalang ako kaysa magtambay sa bahay at magmukmok. While Respondent 8 feels
blessed that he was able to work in his condition and also feels happy when he sees fellow
amputees working. Iniisip ko parati, nakakabless din naman kasi kahit ganito nakakapagwork
pa din katulad noong iba masaya din ako pagnakakita ng tulad ko nagwowork din. In
contradiction with the study of Shier, Et al (2009) that there are discrimination and barriers to
employment in individuals with a physical disability. Some are still capable of working and able
to show their skills and potential as an individual that does not define their disability.
What are the respondents perspectives in achieving dream or goal?
Positive perspectives
Some of the respondents mentioned that their disability is not a hindrance in achieving
and reaching their desired goal, Respondent 8 also said, Wag iisipin na walang magagawa,
parati naman may magagawa any kinds of amputation man yan. encouraging other people with
disabilities helped respondents focus on the brighter side of difficulties. Positive mind setting is
the key to having a successful outcome in everything they do. According to Respondent 7, he
always keeps in mind not to lose hope and have faith that if there is still life there is still a way to
overcome problems Hanggat may buhay may pagasa. Pag-iniisip mo masama walang
mangyayari kaya think positive. Another positive perspective from Respondent 4 that he always
work hard and persevere to provide for his family, and be thankful for the blessings. Palagi
49
kong iniisip na ang pamilya ko ay buhay pa at hindi sumusuko. Kaya bakit ako susuko. Nagbunga ang pagsisikap ko, natupad ko na yung gusto ko na makabili ng lupa. Basta magsikap at
magpasalamat sa panginoon. While Respondent 6 mentions that if he was not disabled, he
wouldnt have known his other skills, potentials and met new other people other than the ones in
their social group like his coach and teammates, hindi ko nga inaasahan na makakarating
ako sa ibang bansa dahil sa kalagayan ko. Napili kasi ako para maglaro sa Wheelchair
basketball para sa Pilipinas. Sobrang masaya ako kasi nakakilala ako ng mga bagong tao
katulad ng coach ko. In tandem with the study of Carver et al. (2010), optimistic individuals
tend to be more confident and persistent in striving towards their goals in the face of diverse life
challenges, may it be slow or difficult progress and explains differences of pessimistic
individuals that they tend to be avoidant in coping such as behavioural disengagement while
those individuals who are optimistic provide certain coping strategies to overcome problems.
What are the respondents sources of strength to overcome daily life?
Family, friends and religiosity
The respondents listed some sources of strength which come to mind when they wake up
in the morning to overcome their daily life. Most of the respondents indicated that their family,
friends and praying as their sources of strength Yung mama ko, husband ko, yung family ko.
Nakikita ko silang pursigido, ginagawa lahat para makalakad ulit ako ng normal. as said by
Respondent 1 and Respondent 3, Siyempre manalangin lagi. At yung gabay ng mga magulang
ko. Their support system for the respondents helped them to overcome obstacles in life and to
become resilient when it comes to difficulties or challenges faced. They are very supportive
talaga. Sila talaga yung nag-adjust para sa akin. as said by Respondent 8. The respondents
used these sources as foundation to strive in spite of their disability Yung anak kong bunso,
dahil pinag-aaral ko pa siya kaya nagsisikap akong magtrabaho at nakakaya ko kahit ano mang
problema sa buhay. a quote from respondent 4. Furthermore, their sources of strength affected
their way of living, how they see themselves and their new perspective when it comes to
challenges that there is still hope and meaning in their lives. Like Kim et al (2005) mentioned
that physically disabled persons quality of life and satisfaction is significantly influenced by the
size of social support which brings outcomes of having self-control, increase in self-esteem and
reducing depression. However, respondent 6 indicated ones self as a source of strength Sarili
ko. Tuwing umaga sinasabi ko sa isip ko na kaya ko to at malalagpasan ko rin ang mga susunod
pang pagsubok sa buhay ko. bettering oneself every morning and coping without the assistance
of others in solving own problems in life. In relation to the study of Wegener, Et al (2008) that
self-management helps individuals with limb loss and outcomes were improved positive mood,
reduced pain, depression and self-effectiveness increasing any kinds of healthy behaviours.
What were the changes noticed before and after the amputated limb?
Mobility restrictions
According to most of the amputees, mobility restriction was the prevalent change they
encounter, Mobility restriction and prosthetic problems is correlated with the quality of life of
individuals with limb amputation (Asano, Et al, 2008). The respondents life situation changed in
the aspect of mobility and functional independence which affects their emotional well being as
such being irritable and impatient. Respondent 9 said nakakatakbo pa rin naman ako kaso hindi
na katulad ng dati sa mga marathon na sinasalihan ko. and such as not being able to travel
alone mahirap mag-travel or commute magisa. Either mag-papahatid nalang talaga ako
quote from Respondent 8, also they felt irritated about being too dependent to the people in their
surroundings as said by Respondent 1 Noong bago pa lang matanggal isang leg ko, hirap
talaga akong gumalaw. Naiinis ako kasi lahat nalang inuutos ko. Hindi na ako makalakwatsa
magisa, palagi may kasama. The other respondents, with the help of prosthetics improve their
daily functions than non-prosthetic users but complaints about wearing it too long causes pain in
the area of the amputation Malaki talagang pagbabago lalo na sa trabaho hindi ko na kaya
50
magbuhat. Hindi na talaga, kasi nappressure yung prosthetic ko. Pero kaya ko naman magisa
walang problema sa akin. quote from Respondent 7.
Interference with work
Some of the respondents shared that they have interference with their work due to limited
mobility and not being able to return to their previous work because of the job qualification of
having an able body. ...may prosthetic naman ako nagagamit, yun nga lang hindi na ako pwede
bumalik doon sa dati kong trabaho kailangan kumpleto daw, abled body raw dapat. said by
Respondent 7. Aligned with the research findings of Shier, Et al (2009) that strong evidence of
perceptions of disability has a great impact on employers, discrimination and labelling as
experienced by people with disabilities on their inability to maintain and secure employment.
Religiosity
Religious views or spiritual beliefs help individuals following limb amputation to cope
and establish meaning in their disability (Peirano, et al, 2012). For Respondent 5 & Respondent
10, before that they were not so religious, churchgoer or spiritual, but after limb amputation they
spent their time serving to nuns priests and other church community, a quote from Respondent 5
Pagkatapos ko maputulan nag-serve ako sa mga madre. Nag-lalaba ako dun para sa kanila,
nagdadasal basta kung ano inutos nila and Respondent 10 said, Palagi ko na binibigyan ng
oras ang pag-sisimba at pagseserve sa panginoon. These individuals focused their energy on
something good rather than thinking of negative possibilities that they were not supposed to be in
their situation.
In general, the study focused on how the amputees accepted their disability, their sources
of strengths to overcome daily life and positive perspectives on achieving their dream or goal.
Results in the interview revealed that before accepting the disability the following respondents
gone through stages of depression, denial and social adjustment. In addition, the acceptance of
their disability and sources of strengths to overcome daily life are the social support coming from
family, friends, it helped the amputees to become resilient to the obstacles in life or problems
faced; the spiritual views helps accept their disability, increased life satisfaction because of the
spiritual activities they are involved in and religious community help them to encourage other
people with disabilities. Furthermore, being employed for individuals with disabilities, serves
that they can still do something after the amputation. It also provides hope and meaning in the
lives of other people with disabilities. In addition, changes noticed after limb amputation is
mobility restrictions, interference with work and outcomes of being religious. Lastly, the
research concluded benefits of having a positive perspective among people with limb loss
include having great appreciation of ones capabilities to overcome life challenges, acquired
empathy towards people with disabilities because they know whats like to live with a disability,
more inclined to help and encourage others and having the patience to achieve their dreams or
goals.
The researcher recommends examining the causes of the physical pain as experienced by
the amputees when wearing their prosthetics and relating it into the psychological outcome for
the individual because while interviewing it was mentioned by most respondents which restrict
mobility. In addition, a deeper exploration of the subjective well-being of congenital amputees
because they are at risk in discrimination at an earlier age by providing awareness to other
individuals about acquiring limb loss caused by birth defects.
References:
Asano, M., Rushton Paula, Miller W.C., & Deathe B.A., (2008). Predictors of quality of life
among individuals who have a lower limb amputation. Prosthetics and Orthotics
International. Volume 32, Issue 2,pages 231-243
Atherton, R., & Robertson, N. (2006). Psychological adjustment to lower limb amputation
amongst prosthesis users. Disability & Rehabilitation, 28(19), 1201- 1209.
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Carver, C. S., & Connor-Smith, J. (2010). Personality and coping. Annual Review of
Psychology, 61(1), 679-704.
Census of Population and Housing (2010). Physical Disability. Retrieved from
http://hwa.org.sg/news/general-information-on-physical-disabilities/
Desmond, D. M., MacLachlan, M. (2006). Affective distress and amputation-related pain among
older men with long-term, traumatic limb amputations. Journal of Pain and Symptom
Management, 31(4), 362-368.
Gallagher, P., & Desmond, D. (2007). Measuring quality of life in prosthetic practice: Benefits
and challenges. Prosthetics & Orthotics International, 31(2), 167-176.
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factors on labour discrimination of disabled women. Research in Developmental
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Kratz, A. L., Williams, R. M., Turner, A. P., Raichle, K. A., Smith, D. G., & Ehde, D.(2010). To
lump or to split? Comparing individuals with traumatic and nontraumatic limb loss in the
first year after amputation. Rehabilitation Psychology, 55(2), 126-138.
Kim, K.H., Kim, O.S. & Kim, JH., (2004). Depression in Physically Disabled Persons. College
of Nursing.
Kim KH, Kim OS, (2005). College of Nursing Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.
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Theory, research, and definition. Rehabilitation Psychology, 49(3), 187-199.
Peirano, A. H., & Franz, R. W. (2012). Spirituality and Quality of Life in Limb Amputees. The
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Phelps, L. F., Williams, R. M., Raichle, K. A., Turner, A. P., & Ehde, D. M. (2008). The
importance of cognitive processing to adjustment in the 1st year following amputation.
Rehabilitation Psychology, 53(1), 28-38. Ploeg
Shier, M., Graham, J.R., & Jones, M.E., (2009). Barriers to employment as experienced by
disabled people: a qualitative analysis in Calgary and Regina, Canada. Disability &
Society Volume 24, Issue 1,pages 63-75.
Smith, J.A. and Eatough, V. (2006) Interpretative phenomenological analysis, in G. Breakwell,
C. Fife-Schaw, S. Hammond and J.A. Smith (eds) Research Methods in Psychology, (3rd
edn). London: Sage.
Taylor, S. E. (2007). Social support. In H. S. Friedman, & R. C. Silver (Eds.), Foundations of
health psychology (pp. 145-171). New York: Oxford University Press.
Turner, R & Wood, D ., (2012). Depression and disability: The stress process in a chronically
strained population. Research in Community & Mental Health, Vol 5, 2012, 77-109.
Unwin, J., Kacperek, L., & Clarke, C. (2009). A prospective study of positive adjustment to
lower limb amputation. Clinical Rehabilitation, 23(11), 1044-1050
Vargo, J.W., (2012).On Counselling the Physically Disabled. Vol 13, No 1.
Wegener, S.T., Mackenzie, E.J., Ephraim, P., Ehde, D. & Williams, R. (2008). Self-Management
Improves Outcomes in Persons With Limb Loss. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. Volume 90,
Issue 3, 373-380.
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A2oKmM0ToA_trfSQxByN2RnanRxBHNlYwNzcgRwb3MDMQRjb2xvA3NnMwR2dGlkAw
--/RV=2/RE=1441851218/RO=10/RU=http%=0/RS=DY52AKalONlD35lC5BxriWjPhnwWilliams, R. M., Ehde, D. M., Smiths, D. G., Czerniecki, J. M., Hoffman, A. J., & Robinson, L.
R. (2004). A two-year longitudinal study of social support following amputation.
Disability & Rehabilitation, 26(14), 862-874.
52
Experiences of College Dropouts with Successful Corporate Industry Careers

Enriquez, Maria Gracel
Alonso - Balmonte, Juli-ann
ABSTRACT
This study investigated the experiences of college dropouts when they are looking for work, what
are the challenges they met to successfully achieve their profession, what motivated them to
pursue goals in the corporate industry career, and what are the positive insights that they have
in dealing with their goal in life. The researcher used a purposive sampling and qualitative
method to successfully meet the needed criteria and philosophy of the respondents. A number of
five college dropouts were interviewed using 15 structured questions with follow-up questions to
clarify some of their answers. The result of this study shows that the insufficient financial
capabilities of the college dropouts have not been a hindrance for them to not pursue their goal
in life because they are the ones who want to secure the needs of their family and their future
needs as well. The identified challenges, skills, perspectives, motivation, perseverance, and
positive insights of the college dropout are the existing factors for them to be hard working.
Moreover, the college dropouts have established high positive outlook in life to leave their
comfort zone and make the most of their effort to be successful in the corporate industry career.
Keywords: Dropouts, Success, Challenges, Hard working, Positive Outlook, Corporate
Industry Career
Many students drop out of college not because they are kicked out of school, but they
decide to leave the school because of the insufficient financial capability of the family that
turned to be their responsibility. Dropouts work because they find it difficult to support their
families financially and at the same time their school fees (Kantrowitz, 2009).
According to Muzzones and De Jesus (2009), many Filipino youth fail to afford the
increasing tuition fee of education due to the every year increase of its cost, the dropout rate in
the Philippines become worsened. The study of Clark (2009), shows that there is an increasing
number of college dropouts because of the financial capabilities their families can only sustain.
Moreover, based on the Commission on Higher Education (2012), the rate of dropouts
among college students arrived to 83.7 % which means the Philippines happen to have 2.13
million college dropouts every year while graduates move closely to 500,000 only.
In the study of Boehm & Lyubomirsky (2008) related to success, the accomplishment
that measures life success can make an individual be satisfied and according to Knight and
Yorke (2006), the employability is the set of achievements that will contribute to the graduate
college students to be successful and be satisfied in their job and their capability as well.
College dropout still find themselves as unemployable or might as well, having no
assurance of having a stable job in the corporate industry career and in addition to the
perspective of the industry, dropouts were defined as having failure to possess specific sets of
employable skills and competencies required by the industry (CHED-TESDA, 2010). Whereas
the researcher of this study indicates that there are college dropouts that are successful in the job
industry with high position, as supported by the research of Bersales (2015), where it says that
there are also college dropouts who are employed in companies.
There are sufficient studies about college graduate students that are successful in life and
it was explained by Knight and Yorke (2006), that college graduates are the ones that companies
53
wants to have as an employee. This study's focus are the college dropouts who pursue their goals
in life in the career industry through own strategies by doing skills they possess even though
they know that they fail to have requirements of the company and even though they know that
they are stereotyped to have no profession in life compared to college graduates, this study will
determine the latest trend of what makes a college dropout influence themselves in the corporate
industry career.
Insufficient Financial Capability
One important factor for an individual to finish their study is the financial capability of
the family for them to support the schooling of their child. The cost for the education of student
indicates that the tuition can be the common reason for them to drop out. According to Brown
and Park cited by Shahidul and Karim (2015), in rural China, parent's incapability to pay tuition
fees was the main reason for an individual to drop out. More over the financial incapability on
tuition fees in china were also indicated as significant problem for the dropout rate in South
Africa (Shahidul and Karim, 2015).
Successful Experiences
The importance of openness to diversity and challenges (ODC) can establish good
outcome on some of the college dropouts experiences and it may also establish openness to
deal with challenges in life (Bowman, 2014).
Studies found that there are successful college dropouts who pursue their goals in life.
The New York Times published the article made by Williams (2012) saying that, there are
famous dropouts who choose to pursue their goals in life rather than continue their college.
Benjamin Goering, studied in the University of Computer Science and Philosophy and dropped
out of college to pursue his goals in life, which is to make web experiences to make people's life
better. Soon enough Goering got a job, a software engineer at a social-software company.
Williams (2012) sited Goering's belief "Education is not a four years program, it's a mind set."
Also Bill Gates founder of Microsoft, Zuckerberg founder of facebook, and Michael Dell
founder of Dell Computer Corporation are successful college dropouts. The published
informations about college dropouts clarified that individuals are not required to be these said
famous people but as cited by Williams, Ellsberg (2012) says that dropouts can be successful
through their own strategies in life. It is also said as a reminder that the reported information still
admits that college degree is still needed to have a diploma and it is still necessary for many
career professions because "One Size Doesn't Fits All: A Student's Assessment of School"
published by Goyal (2012) that explains, there are students whose for college and there are
students who can pursue their goals through using their skills.
Perspective of College dropouts
The study of Kim and Park (2013) that identifies the impact that affects dropouts
perception in careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. This study is focused on the
informal social experiences with their coworkers and supervisors that is present during the study
of this topic. The results was implied by the researchers that the needed social and organizational
experiences of the dropouts during the research periods can lead to a change of perception, which
means that the negative perceptions of these dropouts to the expected factors in career in the
hospitality and tourism industry turned to be positive.
Careers of College dropouts
According to CHED-TESDA (2010), the most to get a chance in the career industry is the
college graduates whereas it means that an individual who's not a degree holder cannot have the
best priority when applying position. Dropouts were defined as having unknowledgeable about
jobs to be done because they have not completed their training ground, the perspective of the
industry has a judgement that they fail to posses the required sets of employable and competency
54
skills which Bersales (2015), has an opposite belief where it said that dropouts can be successful
in the corporate industry career.
Synthesis
Based on the research findings, it shows that there are famous college dropouts who are
now successful in life (Williams,2012), they are the ones who have decided to drop out of
college because of their existing capabilities that they are aware of and according to Gloyal
(2012), there are college dropouts who can be successful through using their existing skills.
Shahidul and Karim (2015) stated that the most common reason for a student to dropped out is
the high tuition fee their parent's cannot sustain them to school. The dropout's perspective
according to Kim and Park (2013), can be improved and be turned to positive through being
open on social and organization experiences. Furthermore, CHED-TESDA stated that the college
dropped out has the least to get a chance in the corporate career industry for they have fail to
achieve employable skills and a degree but it was contradicted by Bersales (2015), that dropouts
can still find themselves as employable and successful in life.
There are studies of college dropouts about insufficient financial capabilities, success,
perspective and college dropout's qualification. None of the given studies gave importance to
know the experiences of college dropouts when they are looking for work. This research is
different among the past researches because its purpose is to know how college dropouts have
supported themselves to have the confidence to compete in the job industry. Moreover, this
research is unique because it will give awareness to improve the college dropout's motivation,
skills, and positive insights. These given purpose of the study will increase the knowledge of
college dropouts who are also experiencing insufficient financial capabilities, and moreover to
help more individuals and not just college dropouts who needs motivation in life and positive
perspective from the respondents of this study.
Furthermore, the study seeks to answer the following questions: (1) What are the college
dropout's experiences when they are looking for work? (2) What were the challenges they met to
successfully achieve their profession? (3) What motivated them to pursue goal in the corporate
industry career? (4) and What are the positive insights that they have in dealing with their goal in
life?.
Method
Research Design
This study used a qualitative design because the needed answers cannot be defined
through quantity or surveys but only through spoken insights and perceptions that would help to
emerge the studys consistency and significance (Denzin & Lincoln, 2000). This research have
conducted a face to face interview to the chosen qualified respondents that helped the researcher
explore issues, answer phenomenon and answer the questions needed.
This study has a total number of five female participants and they were selected as they
possess the needed criteria of the study. The criteria of the following respondents are as follows:
a college dropout because of insufficient financial capabilities, female living in south, a college
dropout who is working in the corporate industry career, has a white collar job in the company,
and have agreed to be a respondent of this study.
Instruments
The instruments of this study are the following: A fifteen (15) item structured interview
that helped in gathering the exact data needed in the study with follow-up questions for the
clarification of some answers, paper and pen to take down important notes from the respondents,
and a voice recorder as an aid in the encoding of data for the success of transcription.
Data Gathering Procedures
55
The interview covered an average of one and a half hour. The face to face interview in
each respondent was held according to their request with agreement by the researcher.
The researcher first searched for participants that met the criteria of this study. After the
researcher discovered that the referred people are college dropouts, each participant was given a
consent form which they have also replied via email to make the researcher be assured that they
have agreed to be a respondent of this study.
Before starting the interview process, the researcher reminded the respondent that the
interview will be kept as confidential, and the interview process will be recorded. To start the
interview process, the researcher first gathered their demographic profiles: full name, address,
current company, and age for the assurance of the qualifications of the respondent that is needed.
After assuring that they possess the needed criteria, the researcher started the structured
interview, and in some point of answers that need clarifications, the researcher added some
unstructured interview question/s. When the researcher already have the needed data from the
interview process, the researcher gave a token to the respondents for appreciation.
For the results of successful college dropouts, each participants were encouraged to
answer truthfully and openly in their preferred language which the researcher would also
understand, and to be specific on the time frame most interview process took up one (1) hour and
thirty (30) minutes.
Data Analysis
After the researcher have conducted the interview, the recorded data was transcribed and
the written output was organized from the light levels of question to the deeper ones.
The researcher analyzed the answers into themes. The researcher described the known
perspective and gave the outcome of each phenomenon. Encoding of data were done for the
written output of the study. The personal information that was in the form of words was
identified and explained in this research.
The result of this study focused on the college dropout's experiences in their successful
corporate industry career; from their dropping out of college, to their being persevered to enter
corporate industry career, and to their success in the present time. The objective of the study
linking to the research questions are as follows: To know the perspective that they have in life, to
know the challenges/difficulties they met, to know how they establish to motivate self, and to
know and share their positive insights. These objectives of the study were drawn to have certain
direction on the answers of 5 female college dropouts.
The Respondents
Respondent A is a 32 year old cabin manager (Purser). Respondent B is a 30 year old
workforce supervisor. Respondent C is a 40 year old team manager. Respondent D is a 42 year
old social compliance assessor to manufacturing firms and office manager and lastly,
Respondent E, 33 year old and a team manager.
What are the College dropout's experiences when they are looking for work?
Efforts
The college dropouts have made an effort to be ready in the corporate industry career like
attending seminars and trainings, gathering information, and being knowledgeable on the
informal society. To cite the respondents, Respondent A: Aattend ng trainings para ma-expand
yung knowledge ko, Respondent B: I had to be diverse and I had to taught myself how to be
street smart, I educated myself in small ways by reading books, lots of books, Respondent C:
I prepared and studied. I gathered as many information I can to achieve my goal. Knowledge is
what will make us self-assured and I did the best I can, Respondent D: I go out of my way to
take bold actions such as equivalency trainings, seminars and accreditations. The gathered data
56
in the efforts of college dropouts are similar to the study of Kim and Park (2013) where they said
that the formal social experience of dropouts improves when it was achieved and moreover,
these respondents have turned their negative feelings to a positive ones in the help of being
knowledgeable on the behavior of the people in the society and might as well in the organization.
The respondents have educated themselves independently, prepared a lot from getting out of
school so that after then, they will recover on what they have lost, and strong enough to enter the
workplace after feeding themselves from the trainings that they gain. The respondents believes
that in order to survive in everyday life people should live independently in a way that they can
manage life in the society, because for them being wise on how to deal with people and to the
hardships of life will educate self more than just staying silent and steady on what they will be
after dropping out of college. Furthermore, the respondents prepared a lot because they know
that they will be needing many experiences to be qualified in the corporate industry career.
Skills
It is good for an individual to have an advantage but it does not mean that it will save the
rest of your life.The respondent of this study used their advantage as their first attempt to enter
the corporate industry career. The most common advantage of the respondents of this study who
are a college dropout is that they are good to communicate with people because their verbal skill
is innate to them, to cite the similar responses, Verbal communication - respondent A,To be
honest when I started I really didnt think that I was skillful, sure I knew for a fact that I was a
good communicator, I speak well but that was really all I had when I started.-respondent B,I
know that Im a good communicator, and yun din ang sabi nila sa akin. -respondent E. The
study of Goyal (2012), said that there are college dropouts who can be successful by using their
existing skill/s. However, although verbal communication helped them to boost their confidence,
still companies considered their character and other skills as well and as a leader what would be
their benefits in the company, in their co-workers, and the work force. The respondents as a good
communicator achieved their profession by making an effort to have best practices, be very
reliable, have good attitude and have good character where following company guidelines and
maintaining good work strictly takes place.
Commitment
Being committed to something that is important to your success should be a mind set for
it will lead to a consistent good outcome of perseverance, Furthermore, Respondents A, C , and
D have similar answers that focused on commitment where for them committing to the work and
their selves is the key to be successful in life even being a college dropout. To cite them
Respondent A, Clear your thoughts and always focus on what you need to achieve, wag mong
kakalimutan imotivate yung sarili mo or in other words continue to motivate yourself. Be
committed to yourself pati nadin sa gusto mo. Laging one baby step at a time and everything will
manifest and nothing will be beyond your reach. Respondent C, It takes many to persevere but
it should start with your commitment and responsibility. Outline your dreams how you can
achieve it, define your priorities to balance your life what are you willing to give and let go,
define your strength and weaknesses what and how to use both, outline your timelines you must
have timetable to achieve each step, discipline yourself, and do action because a dream without
action is just a vision. and Respondent D, self-worth and pride." The study of Williams
(2012), stated that college dropouts can be successful through their own strategies in life where it
says that being driven to be goal oriented is a mind set.
What are the Challenges they met to Successfully Achieve their Profession?
Qualification and Competition
Even though the respondents were threatened of the qualifications of other applicants
versus their own because it is expected that to have good position in the company an individual
should be a degree holder and the college graduates are the most to get the chance they still have
57
the thought that they still deserve to be qualified because they persevere for it. To cite the
respondents answers on their qualification, Qualification of other applicants. Kasi yung iba
alam na nila, may idea na sila eh ako I need to do extra efforts para malaman ko yung alam
nila- respondent A, Definitely qualification restrictions such as educational background,
number of years finished in college, degree holders, and etc. - respondent B, During our time
the basis of immediate selections for good positions are graduates from prestigious schools
only.- respondent D. The difficulties that the respondents had in their first job were the
qualifications of other applicants versus their own because it is expected that to have good
position in the company an individual should be a degree holder (CHED-TESDA, 2010).
Being in the corporate industry, respondent C and E felt being in the competition because
of their stand as a qualified dropout, to cite their answers Respondent C said I think
competition. Once na you enter the job market at alam mo sa sarili mo na wala kang degree yun
yung magiging challenge sayo. and Respondent E The feeling of being in a competition.
According to CHED-TESDA (2010) since college dropouts are not expected to have employable
skills it is necessary for them to have thoughts of being in a competition.
What motivated them to pursue goal in the corporate industry career?
Future needs
The force that motivates the respondents of this study to work after dropping out of
college is the good future for their self and might as well for their family because theres no one
to help them survive but their own. To cite them, Necessity Im a single person with no one to
depend on but myself- respondent C, I realized I cannot rely to others for my future. Soon, I
dont want my children to be deprived of education and good life. I realized that I must take part
and use my gifts in giving them good life.- respondent D, I was motivated to apply for work
because I know by that time the only choice that I have? is to have a job. And by then, I look on
what could I do to myself to be qualified- respondent E. Related to insufficient financial
capability, college dropout do not really have an assurance for the future because they have
financial incapability to sustain their needs because their family cannot support them fully
(Shahidul and Karim, 2015).
Dropout
The respondents of this study claimed that the reason for them to dropped out of college
was the financial difficulties of their family to cite them, Needs of family example yung
financial needs and medical- respondent A, Financial reasons and being a young mom respondent B, Unstable financial needs- respondent C, During our time, financial
constraint of the family- respondent D, Financial needs of the family, cannot sustain college
tuition fee- respondent E which means that the budget of their family was not able to reach the
need to support their schooling. Moreover, it is related to the study of Shahidul and Karim
(2015), that high tuition fees among schools is the common problem for an individual to drop
out. Furthermore, the respondents stand as dropouts have not an hindrance for them to be
successful in life but it become a reason for them to make an effort and be a hard working
individual.
What are the Positive Insights of the College Dropout?
The positivity of the respondent looking on the hardship of their life helped them to
pursue their goal in the corporate career industry. Whereas, the respondents have not look on the
negative but instead on what they can do to achieve their goal. To cite them, Respodent B To
just be positive, to perceive failure as part of the learning process and of course to work hard but
most of all to never give up on your goal or your dreams. and Respondent E To always be
positive in everything you do, kahit nahihirapan ka at masakit sa kalooban mo yung mga
nangyayare sa buhay mo, kailangan mong bumangon, kasi alam mo kapag may ginawa kang
tama sa buhay mo aangat ka din. The study of Bowman (2014), stated that the openness of an
individual to experience challenges in life has a good outcome where an individual will treat
58
most of the present challenges as something that will soon pass after they have been used on that
positive thinking mindset.
Respondent A and D wanted to prove others that even they are a college dropout, they
still have something to be proud of since they have worked hard for their success. To cite their
answers, Respondent A: Each and everytime I get to be questioned with every decision I made
like yung pagiging undergraduate ko mas pinalakas non yung loob ko kasi challenging talaga
kasi gusto mo may mapatunayan ka sa lahat and sa sarili mo, na hindi ka basta basta
lang.""Respondent D: When Im challenged to prove to others that I am worth it without
bitterness but with love and surely guided by the Lord our God, . Respondent B chose to leave
her comfort zone, though she mentioned that she was terrified of not leaving it and petrified at
the thought of being a failure, having mistakes, and being rejected. She did what she think is
right which helped them to overcome her regardless of the outcome to cite the respondent,
Respondent B: Every brave hero in stories and in real life were all strong, pero that did not
mean na they were not scared or afraid, because believe me they were hahaha! I personally
think yung nagpapalakas sakin ay hindi yung mga bagay na ginagawa ko pero yung mga bagay
na takot akong gawin but I end up doing anyway. In essence I did not live in my comfort zone
even though I was terrified of not leaving it and most of all even though I was petrified at the
thought of failure, mistakes, rejection. I did what I needed to do to overcome my fears regardless
of whatever the outcome was, at the end of the day lagi kong sinasabi sa sarili ko na try again
tomorrow or do better than yesterday ayon Respondent C said that to be successful it is very
motivating that there are people who believe in your capabilities Its when you have people
looking up to you as a leader and who are resolved to the kind of work you render. Respondent
E wants to help her family and that made her weakness turn to strength The moment when I
have thoughts na wala na kong naitutulong sa pamilya ko. And my youngest sister wants to
study in a private school. That experience really made me stronger dahil naisip ko non
nakailangan ko maging malakas at maghanap ng magandang trabaho. The strength and
weaknesses of the respondents helped them not to look on the problem because in some point of
their lives they have already feed themselves of all the negative thoughts before they try to apply
for position, so from that they look it as a challenge where after all the hardships soon it will
pass. Their strength and weaknesses helped them to pursue more in the workplace where their
lack of qualifications that was supposed to be the one to pull them down, it became their
reinforcer which also helped them to be more competitive in the work place. To the things that
they thought they won't achieve like being qualified in the workplace, and to the things they are
afraid to do in the past like going out of their comfort zone, it became their strength. It became
their strength because as they pursue their goals in life, they already decided what would they
sacrifice, and they first sacrifice their pride to themselves like surrendering self pride to the
people who they expect that will discriminate them. As related to the study of Bowman (2014), it
shows that when openness to diversity were established, a good outcome will follow.
This study is about the experiences of the college dropouts before entering the corporate
career industry and up to achieving their goal in life which is to have a stable job. The challenge
of being a college dropout have not been a hindrance for them to not pursue reaching their goal
in life but instead it become one of their reinforcer to face obstacles to success that might lead
them to mistakes, failures, and rejections. The college dropouts had a difficulty because of their
qualifications and competition in the corporate career industry but their strength from
motivation, and positive insights, etc. and weaknesses from their lack of diploma helped them
not to be discouraged. Their efforts and experiences were really unique in a way that they are
motivated through their own needs since they are responsible for it because their parents cannot
sustain much. After they dropped out, the most common skill that they have is the
communication skill where according to the researcher even they have that existing skill as an
59
advantage, efforts are still necessary to be done. The efforts that the college dropout made were
to attend seminars, trainings, read books, and be knowledgeable about how to deal with the
people in the society. The respondents learned to be focused on what they are expected to do,
they leave their comfort zone and become more matured as they face the challenges they have in
life, the respondents learned to be flexible for they look at obstacles as something that will pass
as soon as they have solved it, and also the respondents learned how life is hard when no one
tries to find solutions and how life will be easy when they make an effort to strive for success.
As a conclusion to this study, the respondents have established strong personalities that
helped them to persevere, and self motivation which drives them to work.
The researcher recommends to those who are a dropout of college for a reason of
financial difficulty and are still young and working, that after they have earned enough money on
work, they enroll again to school because the respondents of this study claimed that it is still
what they are looking for at the back of their minds. It is, then, recommended for the future
studies to have male respondents for comparisons. Also, it is recommended to study the skill/s,
motivation, positive insights, and the challenges they met. Moreover, the researcher suggests to
have more number of participants. Its objective would be to give the society the awareness of
their difference and might as well to have more sources of perspective.
References:
Bersales (2015). Employment Rate. Philippine Statistics Authority.
Boehm & Lyubomirsky (2008). Becoming Happier Takes Both a Will and a Proper Way: An
Experimental Longitudinal Intervention To Boost Well-Being. American Psychological
Association. 11(2), 391402.
Bowman, N. (2014). Conceptualizing Openness to Diversity and Challenge: Its Relation to
College Experiences, Achievement, and Retention. Innov High Educ Innovative Higher
Education, 39(4), 277-291.
CHED-TESDA (2010). World Data on Education: Philippines (7th ed).
CHED (2012). College Education for Poor Students.
Clark (2009). Education in the Philippines.
Denzin, N. and Lincoln, Y(2000, 2nd ed.). Handbook of Qualitative Reserch.
Gorter, R., Freeman, R., Hammen, S., Murtomaa, H., Blinkhorn, A., & Humphris, G. (2008).
Psychological stress and health in undergraduate dental students: Fifth year outcomes
compared with first year baseline results from five European dental schools. European
Journal of Dental Education, 12(2), 61-68.
Goyal (2012). One Size Doesn't Fits All: A Student's Assessment of School.
Kim, H., & Park, E. (2013). The role of social experience in undergraduates career perceptions
through internships. Journal of Hospitality, Leisure, Sport & Tourism Education, 70-78.
Knight and Yorke (2006).Learning and Employability.The higher Education Academy.
Shahidul and Karim (2015). Factors Contributing to School Dropout among the Girls: A Review
of Literature. European Journal of Research and Reflection in Educational Sciences. 3(2).
United Nations (2006). The Millennium Development Goals Report.
Williams (2012). Say No To College. New York Times.
60
Ang Pananaw ng mga Piling Sundalo sa Istriktong pagtuturo

Juangco, Eunice
ABSTRAK
Ang pananaliksik na ito ay isang kwalitatibong pag-aaral na naglalayong mailarawan ang
karanasan at pananaw ng mga piling sundalo tungkol sa striktong pagtuturo. Gumamit ang
mananaliksik ng katutubong metodo na pakikipagkuwentuhan upang makuha ang pananaw at
karanasan ng 10 piling sundalo mula sa Camp Aguinaldo tungkol sa striktong pagtuturo. Sakop
ng pag-aaral na ito ang pananaw ng mga kalahok sa striktong pagtuturo, mga nakitang dahilan
sa striktong paraan ng pagtuturo at ang naging epekto ng striktong pagtuturo sa mga kalahok.
Ayon sa resulta ng pag-aaral, nahahati sa tatlo ang pananaw ng mga kalahok, May pananaw na
kailangan ang striktong pagtuturo, pananaw na ang striktong pagtuturo ay wala halos
pinagkaiba sa striktong pagtuturo sa civilian schools at pananaw na ang striktong pagtuturo
ay mahirap at pisikalan. Ang nakitang dahilan ng mga kalahok sa striktong pagtuturo ay
tinatanggal nito ang civilian antics ng mga sundalo at binabawasan ang pride. Ang mga
nakitang epekto ng mga kalahok sa striktong pagtuturo ay nahahati sa tatlo, naiba ang kanilang
pagtingin sa buhay, nakatulong ang striktong pagtuturo sa kalusugan ng katawan at pag-iisip, at
nagkaroon din ng epekto sa kanilang pag-uugali sa pakikisama at leadership skills.
Mga susing salita: pananaw, kadeteng sundalo, striktong Pagtuturo, civilian antics,
disiplina, pakikipagkuwentuhan
Ang pagiging isang sundalo ay isang mahirap na trabaho. Parte ng pagiging sundalo ang
pagsasanay. Ang mga pagsasanay na ito ay maaaring makita sa mga palabas sa telebisyon at
maranasan sa CAT, ROTC at military schools. Sa mga karanasan at napapanuod, hindi
maiiwasan na magkaroon ng ibat-ibang pananaw tungkol sa kahirapan ng pagsasanay at
striktong pagtuturo. Ang mga pananaw ay madalas na may negatibo at positibong panig. Sa
pagiging strikto ng pagtuturo, madalas marinig ang negatibong mga pananaw. Ang mga pananaw
na ito ay madalas na mababasa sa mga blogs at artikulo.
Pananaw ng mga estudyante ng ROTC at CAT sa striktong pagtuturo
May mga blogs at artikulo na nagbibigay ng opiniyon ng mga estudyante ng CAT at
ROTC at mga sundalo kung paano nagiging strikto ang pagtuturo tulad ng pagtakbo ng ilang
metro, pagbibilad sa araw at hindi mabilang na mga pagsasanay (Cruz, 2011); Paninigaw ng mga
mas nakatataas, Kawalan ng oras mag-isa at pagtakbo saan man sila magpunta (Nye, 2015);
Sobrang init ng panahon at mahabang oras ng pagkabilad sa araw (Wang, 2015).
Mga Propesyunal na opinyon sa striktong pagtuturo
Nahahati ang pananaw ng mga propesyunal tungkol sa striktong pagtuturo. May mga
sumasang-ayon dito sa dahilan na kailangan ang striktong pagtuturo tulad ni Li Tianxue, na
sinabing kinakailangan ng mga estudyante ang pagsasanay military If this youngsters cannot
overcome this minor difficulties, What can they achieve when they grow up and enter society?
(Wang, 2015); Ayon kay headmaster Lu Qisheng, importante ang pagbibigay ng disiplina sa
pamamagitan ng striktong pagsasanay, importanteng ituro ang pagsunod sa batas at pakikisama.
May mga sumasang-ayon kay headmaster Lu at sinasabing magandang karanasan ang striktong
Pagtuturo sa mga kabataan ngayon. (Minji, 2014). May mga propesyunal at may sapat na gulang
na negatibo ang pananaw sa striktong pagtuturo tulad nila Luo Yongxian na sa isang interbyu ay
sinabi na mas makahulugan ang regular na serbisyong military kaysa pangmilitar na pagsasanay.
(Wang, 2015);
Ang mga pananaw na ito ay madalas mabuo dahil sa karanasan o mga naririnig sa
telebisyon, kakilala o ibang tao at maaaring mabago ng naririnig o nakikita na dahilan. Sa mga
nakalap na impormasyon sa internet, ang nakikitang dahilan sa pagiging strikto ng pagtuturo sa
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mga kadeteng sundalo ay ang disiplina. Kailangan ang disiplina sa maraming bagay, lalo na sa
pagiging sundalo. Ayon kay John Mixon isang beterano ng USAF when things get tough, many
people want to go home kung hindi sa disiplina na natutunan niya sa military ay nagkaroon na
ng maraming pag-aalsa. Isa pang rason ay nakamamatay ang mga kaguluhan o pag-aaway kung
saan may mga sandata ang magkakalaban at dahil ang mga sundalo ay pumapasok sa mga
sitwasyon kung saan lahat ay may sandata, pinapanatili ang matatag na disiplina. (Mixon, 2014).
Sang-ayon si Marcus Werner isang grounds communication technician kay Mixon. Sinabi
niya na ganap na kinakailangan ang matinding pagdidisiplina dahil pagdating sa laban, kahit
maliit na pagkakamali ay maaaring ikamatay ng mga kasamahan o makapagdulot ng
kapahamakan sa mga sibilyan. since most combat training occurs under high-stressed
conditions, coupled with physical exhaustion, it is important to replicate those during the training
phase idinagdag ni Werner na nagagawang baguhin ng striktong Pagtuturo ang perspektibo ng
mga sundalo sa kanilang mga kakayahan. Nababago ng striktong Pagtuturo ang saloobin ng
isang sundalo mula sa hindi ko kaya yan papuntang kayang-kaya natin ito bagay na kailangan
ng unit (Werner, 2014).
Mga pag-aaral tungkol sa striktong pagtuturo
May mga pag-aaral din kung saan hiningi ang panig ng mga sundalo na umalis sa
panahon ng pagsasanay. Isa sa mga nakitang pag-aaral ay ang pag-aaral ni MOD Psychologist
Natalie Fisher tungkol sa mga rason ng pag-alis ng mga bagong sundalo bago matapos ang
pagsasanay. Natuklasan niya na ang mga negatibong rason upang sumali sa militar tulad ng
kawalan ng iba pang maaaring pasukan na trabaho, ay mas madalas na makita sa mga umalis
kaysa sa mga nanatili sa serbisyo. (Fradera, 2012) Ang ilan sa mga pag-aaral ay nakatuon sa
emosyonal na disposisyon at kalusugan ng mga sundalo tulad ng pangmatagalan na pag-aaral ng
mga kalalakihan sa Germany na nagsabi na may mas mababalang lebel ng agreeableness ang
mga taong dumaan sa military training at maaring magkaroon ng matagalang impluwensiya ang
military experiences sa indibidwal na karakteristics (Jackson, Thoemmes, Jonkmann, Ldtke,
& Trautwein, 2011), Pag-aaral nila Bardwell, Ensign at Mills (2005) Rigorous training in
challenging environments may result in enduring negative moods that approach levels of clinical
significance and may have implications for readiness for duty and performance of critical tasks .
Pagbubuo
Marami ang persepsyon at opinyon tungkol sa striktong pagtuturo ng mga sundalo. May
mga sumasang-ayon dito dahil nagtuturo ito ng disiplina, pagsunod sa batas at pakikisama
(Minji, 2014). Para sa mga estudyante at bagong sundalo, ang ganitong pagtuturo ay mahirap at
hindi nila gusto dahil nabibilad sila sa araw, nasisigawan o kaya naman ay binibigyan ng parusa
matapos himatayin habang nagsasanay. Marami sa mga ginawang pananaliksik at pag-aaral
tungkol sa striktong Pagtuturo sa militar ay ginawa sa Germany, Britain, China at bahagi ng
America. Ipinakita sa mga pag-aaral na ito ang mga epekto at dahilan ng striktong paraan ng
Pagtuturo sa mga sundalo.
Kakaunti lamang ang mga lumabas na pag-aaral tungkol sa striktong pagtuturo sa Pilipinas.
Ang mga nakita na artikulo ay mga blogs at forums tungkol sa opinyon ng mga estudyante
sa CAT at ROTC. Nais malaman ng mananaliksik kung 1) Ano ang pananaw ng mga kalahok sa
striktong pagtuturo? 2) Ano-ano ang mga nakikitang dahilan ng mga kalahok sa striktong
pagtuturo? 3) Ano-ano ang naging epekto ng striktong Pagtuturo?
Metodolohiya
Disenyo ng pananaliksik
Gumamit ang mananaliksik ng kwalitatibong pananaliksik sa pamamagitan ng indigenous
o kakututubong paraan ng pananaliksik upang lubos na mailarawan ang pananaw ng mga
kalahok tungkol sa paksang striktong pagtuturo sa mga sundalo. Ang kwalitatibong disenyo ay
ginamit sapagkat nakatuon ang pag-aaral na ito sa paglalarawan ng karanasan at pananaw ng
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mga kalahok. Ang katutubong paraan ay napiling gamitin upang maging mas komportable sa
pagsagot ang mga kalahok.
Mga Kalahok
Ang mga kalahok sa pag-aaral ay 10 lalaking kadete. 8 sa kanila ay mula sa office of civil
defense at 2 ay mula sa National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council sa Camp
Aguinaldo. Ang mga kalahok ay nasa edad 28-40. Ang ganitong edad ay napili ayon sa oras
kung kailan libre ang mga kalahok at sa suhestyon ng kakilala ng mananaliksik.
Mga instrumento sa pananaliksik
Sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagkuwentuhan ay kinuha ng mananaliksik ang pananaw ng
mga kalahok sa striktong pagtuturo. Upang makuha lahat ng datos na ito ang mananaliksik ay
gumamit ng sound recorder. Ang mga tanong na ginamit ay galing sa talatanungan na binubuo
ng 5 tanong batay sa layon ng pananaliksik. Ang mga tanong na ito ay dinagdagan ayon sa mga
sagot ng mga kalahok.
Pamamaraan ng pananaliksik
Ang pananaliksik na ito ay nakatuon sa pananaw ng mga kadeteng sundalo sa istriktong
paraan ng Pagtuturo sa larangan ng disiplina. Humingi ng permiso ang mananaliksik sa mga
kalahok bago ilagay ang mga pangalan nila sa resulta at salin ng naganap na pananaliksik. Sa
pamamagitan ng pagtatanung-tanong bilang iskala ng mananaliksik, pakikisama at pakikipag
palagayang loob bilang iskala ng pagtutunguhan ng mananaliksik at kalahok, gumamit ang
mananaliksik ng pakikipagkuwentuhan upang mangalap ng mga datos. Bago simulan ang
pananaliksik ay nakipagkilala muna ang mananaliksik sa mga empleyado sa opisina ng tiyahin
nya na nagpakilala sa kanya sa mga mananaliksik. Matapos ito ay nagabang ang mananaliksi ng
tamang oras upang makausap ang mga kalahok. Ang unang tatlong kalahok ay sunod-sunod na
nakausap ng mananaliksik, habang ilang oras din ang hinintay upang makausap ang mga
natitirang kalahok.
Bago opisyal na magsimula ng pananaliksik ay ipinakilala at nakipagkilala muna ang
mananaliksik sa mga kalahok. Ang mananaliksik ay nagtanung-tanong ng mga simpleng tanong
tulad ng pangalan ng kalahok, ilang taon na ang kalahok sa serbisyo at iba pa upang makuha ang
tiwala at maging komportable ang mga kalahok sa pagkukuwento ng kanilang mga karanasan at
pananaw sa istriktong paraan ng pagtuturo sa militar.
Inumpisahan ang pananaliksik sa pagpapakilala ng mananaliksik bilang mag-aaral ng
sikolohiya sa san Beda college alabang. Matapos nito ay ipinaliwanag ng mananaliksik ang
dahilan ng paggawa ng pananaliksik na maayos namang tinanggap ng mga kalahok. May mga
pagkakataon na nanghingi ng iba pang detalye ang ilang kalahok tungkol sa paaralang
pinanggalingan ng mananaliksik. Pagkatapos ay ipinaliwanag ng mananaliksik ang metodong
gagamitin upang mas maging komportable ang mga kalahok sa pagkukuwento at pagsasabi ng
kanilang mga karanasan o obserbasyon sa military training. Nagpasintabi rin ang mananaliksik
sa paggamit ng tagatala ng tunog (sound recorder) habang nangyayari ang pananaliksik at dito
na magsisimula ang pakikipagkuwentuhan ng mananaliksik sa mga kalahok. May pagkakataon
na malawak ang sinasabi ng mga kalahok at nasasagot nila ang mga tanong bago pa man ito
ibigay ng mananaliksik. May ilang kalahok din na maiikli ang mga sagot kaya sumisingit ng
anong ang mananaliksik. Pinasasalamatan ng maigi ng mananaliksik ang mga kalahok sa tuwing
matatapos ang pakikipagkuwentuhan sa kanila.
Pagsusuri ng datos
Una ay pinagsama-sama muna ng mananaliksik ang mga pahayag batay sa layunin ng
pananaliksik.
Pangalawa ay nilagom ng mananaliksik ang mga magkakatulad na pahayag bago ilagay
ang mga ibang sagot ng mga kalahok. Ang mga obserbasyon ay inilagay lamang matapos ang
paglalagom ang mga sagot bilang suporta sa ginawang pag-aanalisa ng mga datos. Ang unang
letra ng kanilang pangalan ay kumakatawan sa mga kalahok.
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Resulta at Diskusyon
Pananaw sa striktong pagtuturo
Sa pakikipagkwentuhan sa mga kalahok, lumabas na ang pananaw sa striktong pagtuturo
ay nahati sa tatlo.
Magkapareho lang sa civilian schools
Isa sa mga pananaw na binigay ng mga kalahok ay ang pananaw na ang striktong
pagtuturo ay wala halos pinagkaiba sa civilian schools. ikinumpara ng apat sa mga kalahok
ang striktong pagtuturo sa kanila sa ginagawa sa mga civilian schools partikular sa pagiging
mahigpit sa pagsunod sa mga batas ng eskwelahan.
So in terms of strictness, we will be using the existing policy ng school parang ordinary
university or training institution na meron kang sinusunod na policy. -kalahok Sa
Sa experience ko sa military service halos wala naman pagkakaiba sa civilian way of
instructing, of instruction. Yun lang sa military we are very conscious about time. Sa amin
pagsinabing ang start ng class ay 8o clock all the students or all the soldiers has to be in the
classroom on or before that time. Walang anu yan, no less no more otherwise may mgaung
mga instructors naming may ginagawa sila mga actions na maaring wala sa civilian setting.
Example ako, ung anu naming ung instructors, pag wala ka sa classroom on that time, which is 8
o clock. Pag eksaktong 9 o clock iclclose nya ung pintuan ng classroom naming.- kalahok I
ang nagkakaiba lang ung sa first part So iba ung training, pagbumagsak ka dito ay
matatanggal ka sa serbisyo kaya may takot. One of the basis to upright a student or a military is
if you will not pass the schooling. It is a ground na matatanggal ka. So may tension.
Samantalang sa civilian, okay lang..may pressure pag military ka- kalahok S
Batay sa mga sagot at kilos (pagngiti at relaxed posture) ng ilang kalahok, napagalaman na para sa kanila ang pagiging strikto ng pagtuturo ay wala halos pinagkaiba sa civilian
schools. Mas mahigpit sa pagsunod sa mga patakaran at may pressure. Sa
pakikipagkwentuhan kay kalahok S, ang paraan ng pagiging strikto ng pagtuturo ang tanging
naiba sa pagtuturo sa civilian schools. Naturingan lamang na mas mahigpit sa pagpapasunod sa
batas ng paaralan ang military schools.
Pananaw na kailangan ang striktong pagtuturo
Apat sa mga kalahok ang nagbigay ng pananaw na ang striktong pagtuturo ay isang bagay na
kailangan.
So even in other military school, common yan. Ganyan kasi ung kultura ng military.
Siguro, kasi marami kasing lumalabas na mga pelikula ngayon noh mga movies na puro fiction
na lang lahat eh pero makikita mo, strict in a sense na gusto kang ipush to your limits eh.-Sa
......kailangan talaga disiplinado ka pag military-A
.....yung discipline, hindi lang sya theoretical kundi by practice.-O
......Very strict sila sa core values..-O
Ung sinasabi nilang mahirap sa training sa military ay ung anoung ah kwan..
inaalishow-how you will remove the civilian antics from civilian to military ung antics nya.kalahok S
un ung one process of weeding out the unfit. Meron kasi military kasi is for men not for
boys. Isang pamamaraan un to weed out the unfit kaya nagququit ung iba. - kalahok Sa
Isa sa mga pananaw ay kailangan ang istriktong pagtuturo. Lumabas sa isa sa mga
kalahok na may mga pumapasok sa military training dahil bagong graduate sila at walang
mapasukan na trabaho o kaya naman ay last resort o napipilitan lang, bagay na lumabas sa pagaaral ni Natalie Fisher bilang dahilan ng pag-alis ng mga sundalo bago pa man matapos ang
pagsasanay Dahil sa ganitong klase ng pagtuturo naaalis ang mga pumasok sa serbisyo dahil
napilitan o last option.
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Binigyang diin ng ilang kalahok na para sa kanila, kailangan ang striktong Pagtuturo para
sa disiplina ng mga sundalo. Sa pakikipag-usap sa kanila, napansin ng mananaliksik na ilang
beses inulit ng mga kalahok ang importansya ng disiplina na nakuha nila sa pagsasanay militar.
Sumasang-ayon ito sa isang artikulo sa Tsina kung saan sinabi ng headmaster na importante
ang pagbibigay ng disiplina sa pamamagitan ng striktong pagsasanay, importanteng ituro ang
pagsunod sa batas at pakikisama. May mga nabanggit din sa artikulong ito na sumasang-ayon
kay headmaster Lu at sinasabing magandang karanasan ang striktong Pagtuturo sa mga kabataan
ngayon. (Minji, 2014). Mula dito, masasabing positibo ang pananaw ng mga kalahok sa striktong
pagtuturo sapagakat nakikita nila ito bilang isang parte ng pagsasanay nila na nakatutulong
upang lalo silang maging disiplinado at lumabas ang mga napipilitan lamang na pumasok sa
training.
Pananaw na mahirap at pisikal ang striktong pagtuturo
Dalawa sa mga kalahok ang nagbigay ng pananaw na ang striktong pagtuturo ay mahirap
at pisikalan.
Sa military training physical yan- kalahok P
hirap na hirap ako talagang..kwan dito talagang pisikal kasi ang gusto ng military kasi
physically fit ka.- kalahok S
Ayon sa obserbasyon ng mananaliksik, hindi masaya ang mga kalahok na ito sa hirap na
naranasan nila ngunit tanggap at naiintindihan nila ang dahilan. Ang ganitong pananaw ay
sinang-ayunan ng mga blogs at ilang artikulo na nagdetalye ng mga pagsasanay na pinagawa
sa CAT tulad ng pagtakbo ng ilang metro, pagbibilad sa araw at hindi mabilang na mga
pagsasanay (Cruz, 2011). Laging paninigaw ng mga mas nakatataas, Kawalan ng oras mag-isa at
pagtakbo saan man sila magpunta (Nye, 2015). Dalawa sa mga kalahok ang may pananaw na
negatibo ang striktong pagtuturo, ito ay isang parte ng pagsasanay militar na mahirap at
pisikalan.
Nakitang dahilan ng striktong pagtuturo
Pagtanggal ng civilian antics
Sa pangkalahatan, iisa lamang ang ibinigay na dahilan ng mga kalahok sa pagiging strikto ng
pagtuturo, ang matanggal ang tinatawag na civilian antics. kasama sa civlian antics na sinabi
ng mga kalahok ay ang pride, disiplina at bilis ng pagsunod sa utos.
Pisikalan yan..kaya ganun ung training ang purpose non para tatanggalin ung civilian antics
motyaka kailangan talaga disiplinado ka pagmilitary- kalahok P
dahil pagsundalo ka kung ano sasabihin ng boss mo gagawin mo-kalahok L at Sa
Pag sinabi ni boss na tumayo ka dyan..di mo pwede sabihin.. ser mamaya na.- kalahok P
yung sinasabi nilang mahirap sa training sa military ay ung anoung ah kwan..
inaalishow-how you will remove the civilian antics from civilian to military ung antics nya.
kalahok S
Second is ung maalis ung kwan mo ung pride mo. kalahok S
.command and control. Ung hierarchy, importante un. Obey first before you complain
kalahok O
bago ka pumasok ng military training, may is aka pang training pisikalan un. Ang purpose non
para tatanggalin ung civilian antics mo, para mabilis ka kumilos hindi pwede mag-aarte.kalahok P
Para sa mga kalahok, strikto ang pagtuturo upang matanggal ang civilian-antics sa
tradisyon ng military at maalis ang pride. Sa pakikipag-usap sa mga kalahok, natuklasan ng
mananaliksik na mahalaga ang pagkakatanggal ng tinatawag na civilian antics sa mga sundalo.
Kasama sa civilian antics ang pride na maaaring magresulta sa pagkuwestyon sa mga utos
ng nakatataas ng ranggo sa mga sundalo. Base sa obserbasyon ng mananaliksik, importante ang
matanggal ang civilian antics upang mabilis na sumunod at rumisponde ang mga sundalo.
Hinihigpitan sila upang lumabas ang kanilang pagiging sundalo at maging mas mabilis at
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masunurin sila dahil ang pagiging mabagal ay maaring ikalagay sa kapahamakan ng mga
sundalo, kasama at bansa nila sakaling may mangyari. Ang pahayag na ito ay singayunan at
binigyan ng mahabang paliwanag sa artikulo ni John Mixon (Mixon, 2014).
Mga nakitang epekto ng striktong pagtuturo
Batay sa impormasyong nakalap, ang mga epekto ng striktong pagtuturo ay mahahati sa
tatlo
a)pagtingin sa buhay
Isa sa mga kalahok ang nagsabi na isang epekto ng striktong pagtuturo sa kanya ay nabago
ang pagtingin sa buhay, sya ay naging mas patriotistic.
malaki pinagbago ko talagang natanggal ung civilian antic kokahit sa pananamit, tuturuan
ka.- kalahok P
Para sa isang kalahok, nabago siya ng striktong Pagtuturo na naransan nila. Nawawala na
ung mga civilian antics. Nagkakaroon din ng patriotistic na pagtingin sa buhay.
b)kalusugan ng isip at katawan
Apat sa mga kalahok ang nagsabi na nakatulong sa kanilang pisikal na kalusugan at
kalusugan ng isip ang striktong pagtuturo.
Paggising sa umaga tyaka ung sa katawan mo kailangan physically fit ka..-kalahok P
Mayroon silang healthy body, soul and mind. kalahok K at F
So nakita ko if your healthy physically your mind will go as well ung ganun kalahok O
Ayon sa sagot ng mga kalahok at obserbasyon ng mananaliksik, nagkaroon ng positibong
epekto ang striktong pagtuturo sa katawan at pag-iisip ng mga kalahok. Nasabing positibo ang
epekto dahil sa mga kalahok mismo nanggaling na nakatuon ang striktong pagtuturo sa pagiging
physically fit ng mga kalahok at napatalas ng striktong pagtuturo ang kanilang mga pag-iisip.
c)pag-uugali
Apat sa mga kalahok ang nagsabi na nagkaroon ng epekto sa kanilang ugali ang striktong
pagtuturo.
pagnakapasa ka sa first part ng training.punta ka na sa field mo.meron ka nanaman
training sa specializationmore on teknikal.ang training dito hindi na pisikal utak naman
ngayon.sa officer naman meron ka naman another training leadership training- kalahok S
so kumbaga kung sa pension you will be self.. self-sufficient by the time you retire from the
service- kalahok I
Its not a restriction of one-self but its a consciousness that you have to standard yourself
because whatever action you do it will affect your team..- kalahok O
Isa sa mga advantage ay mission accomplishment.- kalahok M
..teamwork, how they they relate to one anotherand how a certain group can achieve a
certain ah goal.- kalahok o
Ayon sa mga sagot ng mga kalahok makikita na nagiging self-sufficient na ang mga
sundalo pagdating ng oras ng kanilang pagreretiro. May pagkakataon din ang mga sundalo na
makarating sa ibang bansa at doon magsanay. Maaari rin mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga
sundalo na mag Sinasanay din ang kanilang pagiging pinuno (leadership training) at kanilang
intelektwal na abilidad. Gumagaling din sila sa interaksyon sa mga civilian at mga kasama nila
sa serbisyo. Maliban sa mga sagot ng mga kalahok, may pag-aaral din na nagpakita na may mas
mababang lebel ng agreeableness ang mga sundalo matapos ang pagsasanay, (Jackson,
Thoemmes, Jonkmann, Ludtke & trautwein, 2012)
Konklusyon at Rekomendasyon
Magkahalo ang naging resulta ng pananaliksik. May mga kalahok na neutral ang pananaw
sa pananaliksik. Sa ilang kalahok, ang striktong pagtuturo ay halos kapareho lamang ng striktong
pagtuturo sa civilian schools mas intense at may tension ngunit maliban doon ay kapareho
lamang ito ng striktong pagtuturo sa mga civilian schools. Sa boses at ekspresyon ng mukha ng
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mga kalahok, hindi positibo at hindi negatibo ang striktong pagtuturo. May mga kalahok na
positibo ang pananaw sa striktong pagtuturo. Para sa mga kalahok na ito, maganda at kailangan
ang striktong pagtuturo. Ito ay nakatutulong upang maging disiplinado ang mga sundalo at
makita ang mga sundalo na napilitan lamang na pumasok sa militar. Pantay ang bilang ng mga
kalahok na may pananaw na neutral at positibo sa striktong pagtuturo at karamihan sa mga
kalahok na ito ay nagsabi na positibo ang nakita nilang dahilan sa pagiging strikto ng pagtuturo
at ito ay upang matanggal ang civilian antics lalo na ang mataas na pride ng mga pumapasok
sa militar. 2 sa mga kalahok ang may pananaw na negatibo sa striktong pagtuturo, ayon sa kanila
ito ay mahirap at pisikal. Bagamat hindi ikinaila ng mga kalahok na mahirap ang striktong
pagtuturo, mas nakita ng karamihan na positibo o neutral ang striktong pagtuturo.
Makikita sa konklusyon na sa pananaw ng mga kalahok, nagagawa ng striktong pagtuturo
na ilabas ang pagiging disiplinado ng mga sundalo at dahil dito, inirerekomenda ng mananaliksik
na ipagpatuloy ang mga paraan kung paano nasabing strikto ang pagtuturo ngunit bigyan ng
pagkakataon ang mga sundalo na masabi kung kalian sumosobra ang pagiging strikto ng
pagtuturo tulad ng open forums at seminar kung saan maaari rin magbigay ng opinion ang mga
guro kung paano pa mapagbubuti ang mga ginagawang pagsasanay militar. inirerekomenda ng
mananaliksik ang patuloy at mas malawak na pag-aaral sa paksa gamit ang iba pang metodo ng
pananaliksik sapagakat marami pang mga panig ng striktong pagtuturo na hindi naisama sa
pananaliksik na ito.
Sanggunian:
Attrition in the army: why do so many leave during training?. (2012). Occupational Digest
Putting Psychology to work. Retrieved from http://bps-occupational-digest.blogspot.com
/2012/02/attrition-in-army-why-do-so-many-leave.htmlAttrition in the army: why do so
many leave during training?. (2012). Occupational Digest Putting Psychology to work.
Bardwell, W., Ensign, W., & Mills, P. (2005). Negative mood endures after completion of
high-altitude military training. Annals Of Behavioral Medicine, 29(1), 64-69.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1207/s15324796abm2901_9
Jackson, J., Thoemmes, F., Jonkmann, K., Ludtke, O., & Trautwein, U. (2012). Military
Training and Personality Trait Development: Does the Military Make the Man, or Does
the Man Make
the Military?.Psychological Science,
23(3), 270-277.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0956797611423545
Minji, Y. (2014). Brawl raises doubts about military training. Shanghaidaily. Retrieved from
http://www.shanghaidaily.com/feature/news-feature/Brawl-raises-doubts-about-militarytraining/shdaily.shtml
Mixon, J. (2014). Why is the U.S. military so strict and tough? - Quora. Quora.com. Retrieved 9
October 2015, from https://www.quora.com/Why-is-the-U-S-military-so-strict-and-tough
Nye, d. (2011). 11 things new soldiers complain about during basic training. Retrieved from We
are the Mighty: http://www.wearethemighty.com/11-things-new-soldiers-complain-basictraining-2015-01
Pineda, I. (2005). Military training is a part of the Philippines' educational system. Refusing to
kill. Retrieved 9 October 2015, from http://www.refusingtokill.net/Philippines/Military
TraininginPhilippineschool.htm
The Effect of Military training on personality traits in military students. (2012). Journal Of
Military Medicine, 13(4), 195-200. Retrieved from http://www.militarymedj.ir/browse.
php?a_id=857&sid=1&slc_lang=en
Wang, Q. (2015). Chinas bittersweet military training. Gb Times. Retrieved from http://gbtimes.
com/china/chinas-bittersweet-military-training
Werner, M. (2014). Why is the U.S. military so strict and tough? - Quora. Quora.com. Retrieved
9 October 2015, from https://www.quora.com/Why-is-the-U-S-military-so-strict-andtough
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Pananaw ng mga kalalakihan sa Konsepto ng Seenzone

Laput, Jethro
ABSTRAK
Ang pag-aaral na ito ay tungkol sa pananaw ng mga mag-aaral na kalalakihan ng Veritas
Parochial School sa konsepto ng Seenzone bilang motivation o drive. Sa kabuuan, Ang
mananaliksik ay nakapanayam ng labing tatlong mag-aaral. Ang mananaliksik ay gumamit ng
deskriptibong paraan ng pananaliksik partikular ang pagtatanung-tanong at pakikipagkwentuhan
upang makuha ng mananaliksik ang tunay na nararamdaman ng mga kalahok at ito ay mas
naaayon sa kamalayang Pilipino. Ang layunin ng pananaliksik na ito ay upang malaman ng
henerasyon ngayon kung ano ang konsepto ng Seenzone, ano ang naging bunga at epekto nito
sa mga kalahok at kung paano ito nakaapekto sa kanilang buhay. Ang problema sa pag-aaral na
ito ay kung bakit may mga lalaki na hanggang sa pampribadong pagmemensahe na lang sila
nakikipagusap sa kababaihan sa kadahilanang nga ba na natotorpe sila sa halip na tanggapin ang
mga dagok sa pagmamahal at sa ganoon ay makuha nila ang kanilang kagustuhan. Iisa at
positibo ang mga damdamin na naging resulta sa pagkuha ng datos sa mga kalahok lalo na sa
mga karanasan at epekto nito sa mga kalahok. Ito ang napiling pag-aaral ng mananaliksik dahil
nais niya mausisa ng lubusan at kung hindi man ay malaman niya kung totoo nga na mayroong
Seenzone sa panahong kinakatayuan nating lahat na nahuhumaling sa ibat ibang teknolohiya
sa ating kapaligiran.
Mga susing salita: Seenzone, Kalalakihan, Komunikasyon, Panliligaw
Ang mabilis na pag-usad ng social networking o SNS ay nararanasan ng higit na ilang
taon na pumupukaw na sa pangkalahatang kultura at ang pagpapadali ng buhay sa pang-araw
araw ng ibat ibang tao sa mundo. Ang SNS ay nagbibigay ng ibat ibang pagkakataon at
pamamaraan sa mga tao na kung papaano sila nakikipagusap sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng
internet, mapa cellphone man ito o PC. Ang SNS ay nagbibigay ng oportunidad na mapadali ang
paggawa ng sariling propayl at makagawa at makakilala ng mga bagong kaibigan (Cruz, 2010)
Ang SNS at ang komunikasyon gamit ang internet ay nagiging tanyag para sa mga
kabataan (Allen, Evans, Hare, Mikami, & Szwedo, 2010) Sa pagdaloy ng mabilis na pagbabago
sa ating kultura at pang lipunan na aspeto at alinsunod sa teknolohikal na rebolusyon, ang
kakanyahan ng social networking ng pagiging mukha ng internet ay nanatiling katanungan pa din
sa ating mga kaisipan (Cruz, 2010)
Isa sa mga pangunahin at mabuting epekto ng Social Networking ang mas pagiging bukas
isip ng mga kabataan sa pakikipagkaibigan at pakikipagkapwa nito na kahit hindi kakilala at
mapadami ang kaibigan sa social networking ay tuloy pa rin ng tuloy sa pag dagdag subalit sa
pagusbong ng mundo ngayon ay minsan nagiging sanhi naman ng kagalitan ang mga ito
halimbawa na lamang sa pakikipag paramihan ng kaibigan na kung saan ay hindi maiiwasang
humantong sa pagkainit ng ulo o sa karahasan. Parte na rin ito ng masamang epekto sa
kadahilanang na nakakaimpluwensya na rin iyong mga kaibigan mo sa social networking sa mga
ikinikilos mo. Minsan pa ang kabataan ngayo'y nagiging mas mapanghusga, marahil ay dahil
narin sa kanilang mga nakikita sa social networking na kalayaan sa pagpapahayag kahit minsa'y
nakakasakit na o minsa'y lumalampas na tayo sa hangganan ng pagpapahayag ng ating sarili
kung saan nakasasakit na tayo ng damdamin ng ibang tao (Binauhan. 2013)
Ang ilang SNS ay naghahatid ng mabilisang pagpapadala ng mensahe katulad ng
facebook na kilala sa larangan ng SNS dahil sa paghatid nito ng pagdiskubre at paggabay sa atin
na nakapaloob sa mundong kinatatayuan natin ngayon at email katulad ng yahoo messenger na
kung saan ay naghahatid ng agarang pribadong mensahe sa iyong gustong padalhan at mababasa
mo din dito na agad kung binasa na ito ng pinagpasahan mo ng mensahe. Para naman sa
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kabataan ngayong henerasyon, ito ay nagbibigay importansya na kung saan malalaman niya na
binalewala siya o pagpapawalang halaga sakanya ng pinagpasahan niya ng mensahe (Ahn,2010)
Ayon kay Lenhart at Duggan (2014),talagang malaki at positibo ang naging epekto sa
panliligaw lalo na sa mga pangmatagalang pagsasama ng magkarelasyon at kung susuriin man ay
nasa 74% sa gumagamit ng SNS ay di hamak na mataas ang impact habang ang nasa 20% naman
ay nagdulot ng negatibong epekto ang paggamit ng SNS sa cellphone at habang ang 6% ay nasa
pagitan lamang ng dalawang panig. Malaking tulong din ang nagawa ng cellphone at SNS lalo na
sa panliligaw dahil pinadali nito ang paglalahad ng damdamin nito sa kanyang karelasyon sa
pupwedeng magdulot ng kasiyahan at mas pinaigting pagsasama. Ayon din kay Lenhart na ang
henerasyon ng kabataan ngayon na 57% ay bukas sa SNS na nagbubukas sakanila upang
magkaroon ng bagong kaibigan, ang kalalakihan ay mas madaling makahanap ng karelasyon na
pumapatak sa 61% habang ang kababaihan ay nasa 39% tyansang makahanap ng karelasyon sa
pamamagitan ng SNS.
Dahil din sa kabataan na palaging gumagamit ng SNS katulad ng facebook, twitter, at
yahoo messenger, nabubuo ang iba't ibang konsepto na kung saan nilalagyan nila ng laman o
kahulugan kahit hindi pa naman sila ganoong kasigurado kung tama ang kanilang nararamdaman
at naiisip. Ang ekspresyon ay mga salita, pagpapahiwatig o ang komunikasyon ng pansariling
paniniwala o opinyon ng tao, organisasyon at iba pang grupo na naglalahad ng saloobin upang
mas madaling maalala at maibagay ito sa henerasyon nakapaloob dito. Sa larangan ng social
media, partikular sa facebook, maraming kabataan ngayon ang bumubuo ng kanya kanyang
konsepto para sa kanilang profile. Katulad na lamang ng konsepto sa social networking na
facebook na seenzoned. Ang pagbibigay ng konsepto o pagpapahayag ay isa lamang sa iba'tibang paraan ng pagpapakita ng pangkaraniwang kahulugan para sa lahat ng gumagamit ng
facebook o anumang uri ng social media. Sa mabilis na paglawak ng kaisipan ng pilipino at
pagtangkilik nating mga pilipino sa modernong komunikasyon ay kaugnay nito ang pagpili ng
bawat miyembro ng social networking na kung sino nga ba ang nararapat mangibabaw at bigyan
pansin.(Hard,2014) Sinikap ng mananaliksik na masagutanang layunin ng pag-aaral sa
pamamagitan ng mga katanungan patungkol sa Seenzone. Una ay gusto malaman ng
mananaliksik ay kung anu-ano ang pananaw ng mga kalahok sa konsepto, ikalawa ay kung ano
ang mga karanasan nila sa Seenzone at ang naging epekto nito sa mga kalahok.
Seen zone
Ayon kay Ramos (2013), ito ay nakasaad kapag nagchat ka sa crush mo, ngunit ang
makikita mo lang sa chat box mo ay seen. Ano nga ba ang ideyang ito? Ito ay isang bagay na
makikita mong lumalabas sa chat or sa conversation niyo ng kausap mo. Kung saan nakasaad
dito kung nabasa or nakita na ng kausap mo ang pinadala mong mensahe, kasama na rin dito ang
oras kung kailan nya nabasa. Nakita mo nang nabasa nya ang pinadala mong mensahe. Ang
masaklap lang ay ilang oras, araw, linggo, buwan at taon na ang lumipas eh inaamag na 'yung
liham mo, wala ka pa ring nakukuhang reply. Dahil dun sa ideya na ito ng Facebook ay
napagtanto mo na binalewala ka ng taong iyon.
Makabagong panahon ng ligawan at pagbabago sa dating mga nakaugalian sa panliligaw
Ayon kay Yapchiongco (2014), Ang makabagong panliligaw ay ibang iba sa mga dating
kaugalian na nakasanayan noong dating panahon at dahil sa pag-usad ng ekonomiya, siyensa at
teknolohiya, nagkaroon na din ng malaking pagbabago sa mga patakaran, ritwal, at mga
inaasahan sa isang pagliligawan. Mayroon na tayong ibat ibang uri ng panliligaw sa
pamamagitan ng social media katulad ng yahoo messenger, facebook, twitter, tinder, instagram,
at iba pa. Sa pag unlad ng panahon ngayon, nagkakaroon ng malaking pagbabago sa ugali at
pananaw ng mga tao lalo na sa mga kabataan. Ang dating mga nakaugalian ay tinuturin ng
makaluma at hindi na angkop sa modernong panahon. Baduy, old school at korny na ang
dating moda ng panliligaw (Yapchiongco, 2014)
Impluwensiya ng teknolohiya sa ligawan
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Ayon kay Yapchiongco (2014), dahil moderno na ang teknolohiya ngayon ang mga
telepono, hindi na uso ang pag-akyat ng lalaki sa bahay upang manligaw ng pormal. Pwede na
manligaw gamit ang Facetime o Skype. Hindi na kailangan mamasahe ng lalaki o manghiram ng
auto sa kanyang mga magulang upang makadalaw sa babae. Swerte ng mga lalaki ngayon dahil
nakakatipid sila ng husto. Pero di kaya parang lugi naman ang mga babae ngayon? Napakalaki
talaga ng impluwensiya ng teknolohiya sa henerasyon ngayon. Marami na kasing paraan ng
interaksyon ngayon na wala pa noong nakaraang dekada. Bukod sa telepono o smart phones,
nandiyan din ang social networking, instant messaging at video calling.
Pagbubuo
Ang panliligaw, partikular ang paggamit ng modernong pamamaraan nito ay talaga nga
naman nakagawian na lalo na ang kabataan ngayon na mabilis mapukaw ng teknolohiya lalo pat
kung ito ay kaaya aya sa lipunan o kung ito man ay naaangkop sa madla
Talagang malaki ang epekto ng social media ngayon sa kabataan dahil dito nagsisimula
ang pagkakaibigan na pwedeng humantong sa pagiibigan. Madali na din masaktan ang kabataan
ngayon lalo pat may mga nabubuong mga ekspresyon na malakas makaimpluwensya sa
kabataan sapagkat sila ay madaling makuha ang kanilang loob at hindi hamak na bata pa at hindi
pa gaano kayabong ang kanilang mga nalalaman sa social networking sites at binabase nila ito sa
mga nauuso ngayon halimbawa na lamang ng Seenzone na napakalaki ang naging epekto sa
kabataan lalo na noong nailagay na sa facebook messenger ito na nagbunga ng sari saring
opinyon at ideya patungkol dito, karamihan ay sinasabi na ang isang tao ay makakakita ng
mensahe na kung saan ay babasahin lamang ito at hindi tutugunan ito na parang binaliwala o
pinagpawalang halaga ka ng pinaglihaman mo. Ang konseptong seenzone sa social media ay mas
nakakatulong upang mas madaling makilatis kung binasa ito ng pinagpasahan ng mensahe. Ito
rin ang pinagkukuhanan ng ideyang pagkabaliwala at pagpapawalang halaga sayo ng isang tao sa
kadahilanang wala silang interes sayo o ayaw lang talaga sayo. Dahil dito, naisip ng
mananaliksik na gumawa ng isang pag-aaral tungkol sa pananaw ng kalahok sa konsepto ng
Seenzone
Ayon kay Binauhan (2013), ang Seenzone ay maihahalintulad sa pagwawaksi dahil ang
rejection ay ang pinakamasaklap na pakiramdam sa buong mundo dahil masakit mareject ng
taong minamahal mo. Kahit anong pilit mo sa kanya marereject ka kase ayaw nya. hindi ba tao
lang tayo may puso at damdamin. Minsan na nga lang magmahal marereject pa. Bakit ba tayo
narereject?may mali ba sa atin o may isang bagay tayo na ayaw nila talaga kahit wala naman
tayong ginagawang mali at ginawa na naten ang pinakamakakaya natin pero narereject pa rin
tayo. Ang sama naman ng tao na nangrereject sa atin. May dahilan din kung bakit nagagawa nila
ang ganun bagay. Tulad ng may mahal silang iba, may karelasyon pa, wala pa sa tamang
panahon at oras, at and pinakamasakit ay iyong talagang ayaw sayo ng iniibig mo (Binauhan,
2013)
Metodo ng Pag-aaral
Disenyo ng Pananaliksik
Ang ginawang pag-aaral ng mananaliksik ay isang deskriptibong pag-aaral na gumamit
ng makapilipinong pananaliksik partikular ang pagtatanung-tanong at pakikipagkwentuhan.
Napili ng mananaliksik ang disenyong ito, sapagkat ito ay akmang akma sa pagkuha ng pananaw
ng mga kalahok sa Seenzone at upang mas makakalap ng higit na impormasyon sa paggamit
ng deskriptibong pag-aaral.
Mga Kalahok
Ang mga kalahok sa pananaliksik na ito ay ang mag-aaral ng Veritas Parochial School
partikular ang ikaapat na taon sa sekundaryang paaralan. Napili ng mananaliksik ang mga
kalahok na ito sa kadahilanang bukas ang paaralan sa paggamit ng modernong teknolohiya
katulad na lamang ng e-tablets at tumatangkilik sila sa modernong pamamaraan ng panliligaw sa
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kababaihan. Random na pamamaraan ang ginamit ng mananaliksik at nasa 16 hanggang 17 na

edad na kalahok na ang nakapanayam ng mananaliksik at ibabase lamang niya ito sa kanilang
pagtangkilik at paggamit sa social networking sites.
Ayon sa teorya ni Erikson, ang mga nasa ganitong edad pamula 13 hanggang 19 ay
kinikilala pa lamang ng mga kalahok sa sarili sa kung papaano sila makikiangkop sa lipunan at
kung paano sila tatanggapin ng mga ito. Sa edad na ito ay gumagawa sila ng paraan kung paano
sila makikibagay sa kapwa nila, susubukin din ng mga kalahok kung ang nasa tingin nila ay
naaayon hanggang sa paglaki nila at dito din sila nagdedesisyon para sa kanilang kinabukasan.
Instrumento ng Pananaliksik
Ang mananaliksik ay gumamit ng rekorder sa cellphone at talatanungan. Ang
talatanungan ay naglalaman ng demograpikong propayl na mayroong pangalan, edad, at taon ng
paggamit ng SNS nila, ano ang pananaw ng mg kalahok sa nasabing konsepto, ano ang
kanilang karanasan at epekto ng Seenzone upang makuha ng mananaliksik ang kanilang
saloobin Ang mga impormasyong nakalap ng mananaliksik ay ginamit upang gawing basehan sa
layunin ng pag-aaral.
Paraan ng pagkuha ng datos
Una sa lahat, ang mananaliksik ay nakikipagpalagayang loob sa mga kalahok para
makuha yung totoo nilang pananaw at makatulong sila kaagad sa mananaliksik sa kabila ng
unang pagkakataon pa lamang sila nagkausap at magsama.
Ikalawa, ang paraan naman ng mananaliksik ay gumamit ng pakikipagkuwentuhan sa
mga kalahok tungkol sa panliligaw at sa mga karanasan nilang pagkabigo sa pag-ibig kasunod
nito ay ang pagtatanung-tanong ng mananaliksik tungkol sa konseptong Seenzone
Ikatlo, pagkatapos malikom ng mananaliksik ang mga datos na nakuha niya sa mga
kalahok ay susuriin ng mananaliksik na kung ano ang pananaw nila sa seenzoned at ano ang
naging epekto sa kalahok mapapositibo man o negatibo ay balido pa din ito sapagkat ito ay base
sa mga naranasan ng kalahok.
Pagsusuri ng datos
Una ay pinagsamasama muna ng mananaliksik ang mga kasagutan ng mga kalahok ayon
sa layunin ng pananaliksik. Pangalawa ay nilagom ang mga kasagutan na magkakatulad ang
pahayag upang makabuo ng ibat ibang temang ayon sa pananaliksik.
Presentasyon at Interpretasyon
Ang isinagawang pag-aaral ng mananaliksik ay tungkol sa pananaw ng mga kalahok sa
konsepto ng Seenzone at ito ay base sa makapilipinong pamamaraan na kinailangan ng
maingat at masusing pagkalap ng datos. Sa kabuuan mayroong labing-tatlong kalahok ang
nakapanayam ng mananaliksik.
Demograpikong propayl ng mga kalahok
Ang mga kalahok na nasa edad 16 ay 9 o 69% at ang mga kalahok naman na ang edad ay
17 ay nasa 4 o 31%. sa bilang ng paggamit naman ay 4 o 31% ng mga kalahok ay gumagamit na
ng SNS taong 2010 pa habang ang 6 o 46 % ng mga kalahok ay gumagamit na ng SNS taong
2009 pa at ang 3 o 23% ng mga kalahok ay gumagamit na ng SNS taong 2013 lamang.
Pananaw ng mga mag-aaral sa konsepto ng Seenzone
Labing-tatlong mag-aaral ang nagbahagi ng kanilang saloobin sa konsepto na Seenzone. Ang
ilan sa mga sumusunod na pahayag ay sinipi ng mananaliksik:
Karamihan ang sasabihin kapag nakarinig ng Seenzone ay ang pag ignore sa iyo ng
babae pero sa kalagayan ko ay hindi dahil ang Seenzone ay isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit
tumatag ang aking loob upang udyokin ang babaeng hinahangaan ko. kalahok #2
As a student, Id say that Seenzone is one of the major components of being in the
state of the Friendzone. In order of being in that state you have to undergo through one of the
zones that is being used by students like us kalahok #3
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Seenzone. Simple lang yan kung ipapaliwanag. Pero sa mas madaling salita, walang
pagasa sa nililigawan kalahok #5
Ang seenzone ang nagsisilbing motivation ko para lalong suyuin ang babaeng nais
kong makasama habang buhay. Subalit bigo ako sa unang hakbang nang maseenzone niya ako
di ito naging hadlang para tuparin ang pangarap ko makasama siya kalahok #6
Seenzone para sakin ay yung pagkakawalang oras sayo ng tao nais mong makausap at
ito ay siguro para sa pangkalahatang aspeto dahil sa katamaran niya siguro na mareply sayo o
hindi kaya ay hindi ka talaga type nung minessage mo. Pasok din yan pagdating sa pag private
message mo sa crush mo siguro hindi ka lang talaga niya gustong makausap at may iba pang
tao siyang kailangan niyang abalahin kalahok 11
Ang mananaliksik ay namangha at napansin ang mga magagandang pananaw galing
kanila kalahok 2, kalahok 6, at kalahok 10 na kung saan ay sinabi nila ang positibong konsepto
sa pananaw ng Seenzonena nagbibigay motivation sa kanila na kung ito man ay ang dahilan
ng pagkatatag ng kanilang loob upang mas lumapit sila sa babaeng hinahangaan nila at ito
lamang ay isang pagsubok na kailangan nilang tahakin upang malaman ng babae kung hanggang
saan ang kakayanin nila o ang limitasyon nila sakanila at siyempre may nagsabi din na neutral
lamang ang Seenzone dahil sa kanyang mga naoobserbahan sa kapaligiran at pang kalahatang
tao siya kung sumagot kaya binase niya ito sa ganitong aspeto ng pagkakaSeenzone.
Karanasan at epekto ng konsepto sa Seenzone ng mga kalahok
Ang labing-tatlong mag-aaral ay nagbigay ng kanya kanyang saloobin patungo sa epekto
ng Seenzone sakanila tila nanguna ang mga positibong komento nila patungkol sa Seenzone,
nagbahagi din sila ng kanilang saloobin ukol sa kung paano nila naranasan ang nasabing
konsepto at paano nila ito tinanggap sa aspetong pang-emosyonal. Ilan sa mga ito ay ang mga
sumusunod:
"Nagbunga ng kagandahan dahil sa pagkalakas ng loob ko at umalis sa "comfort zone"
ko. Hindi ako nagpadaig sa takot na humarap at kinulit ko siya sa facebook at naging kami na
ngayon" kalahok 2
"Wala naging epekto ito sa akin. Tinukso ako ng mga kabarkada ko sa kanya at mas
naging malapit ako sakanya at mukhang mapapasagot ko pa siya" kalahok 10
"Mas naging thankful ako sa Diyos dahil sinagot niya ang mga hiling ko sa kadahilanang
naging kami sa kakasuyo ko sakanya sa loob lang ng limang buwan" kalahok 12
"Open mindedness ang naging epekto nito sa akin. yung taong nangseenzone sa akin ay
may magandang relasyon kami na iniigihan namin ang pag-aaral namin alang-alang sa aming
magulang imbis na unahin namin ang isa't isa ay kami muna ang dapat naming ayusin" kalahok
13
Ang mga positibong sagot ang pumukaw sa mnanaliksik na kung saan ay ang naging
epekto sakanila nito, maraming sinabi na nakatulong ito upang mas makilala nila ang sarili nila,
umalis sa kanilang comfort zone, nagpursigi, at mas napabuti nila ang kalagayan nila.
Maganda din ang sinabi ni kalahok 12 dahil dinala niya sa usapan ng mananaliksik ang
paniniwala niya sa Diyos na kung saan ay mas naging mapagpasalamat siya dito at tinupad ang
kanyanag mga hiling upang makamtam niya ang tagumpay na makuha ang parehas na damdamin
ng babae sakanya. Ayon kay Binauhan (2013), ang pagkakaroon ng positibong epekto ng
Seenzone makakatulong sa lalaki upang mas tumaas ang kanilang Self-esteem at Selfworth sa kanilang sarili dahil mas nagkakakumpiyansa ang mga lalaki na kausapin ang babae at
tugunan ang mga kagustuhan nito.
Ang karamihan naman sa mag-aaral ay purong positibo ang kanilang mga karanasan at na
kung saan nagbunga ng magandang pagsasama ang mga kalahok at ang nangSeenzone
sakanila, naisakatuparan ang kanilang mga hiling na maging sakanila ang mga babaeng
hinahangaan nila at ang pinakahuli ay si kalahok 13 na kung saan ay inuna ang kapakanan ng
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pamilya partikular sa kanyang magulang na nagtatrabaho para mairaos siya sa magandang

buhay.
Sa kabuuan, Ang pananaw ng mga kalahok patungkol sa seenzone na naayon sa resulta
ng pag-aaral ay may iisang damdamin sa pananaw ng mga lalaking mag-aaral sa konsepto ng
Seenzone. Ang konsepto ay isang pagganyak sa kadahilanang isa lamang itong pagsubok na
makakapagsabi kung hanggang saan ang kanyang kakayahan pagdating sa pagseryoso sa isang
bagay. Ibat iba man ang pananaw na nakalap ng mananaliksik, hindi maipagkakaila na tila iisa
lamang ang konsepto ng Seenzone ay kataga na nagbibigay motivation o pagganyak ng tao
upang ipagpatuloy gawin ang isang kahit ano man ang mangyari at kahit ano pa ang sitwasyon.
Ang importante ay nagawa lahat ng makakaya at hindi ka sumuko.
Para sa epekto ng konsepto sa mga kalahok, masasabi na ayon sa mga nakuhang datos,
ang pagkakaroon ng konsepto ay may positibong epekto, Positibo dahil para sa nakakarami ay
nakakapagganyak ng tao dahil sa pinanghahawakan silang konsepto ng Seenzone na kung saan
ay ganado at may motibo kang dagdagan ang mga kulang na bagay sa mga sinauna mong ginawa
sa babaeng hinahangaan mo. Bukod sa mga nagbuo ng konseptong ito, ganoon din ang naging
epekto nito kahit sa kalaunany wala ng pag-asa na kung saan ay hindi lang talaga nila
sinusubukan yung abot nilang makakaya upang makuha ang matamis na tagumpay. Talagang
nagkaepekto ito sa mga lalaking mag-aaral dahil sa unang pagkakilala na negatibo ay nag bunga
ng magadang resulta na kung saan ay karamihan sa nakapanayam ng mananaliksik ay
nagkatuluyan o naging magkasintahan ang lalaking mag-aaral at ang babaeng gusto nila.
Iminungkahi ng mananaliksik na higit na mapaghusay pa ang kanyang pag-aaral ukol sa
konsepto sa kadahilanang nais pa ng mananaliksik na higit na maunawaan ang pinagmulan ng
Seenzone at ang mga mas malalim pang bagay patungkol dito. Ang maiaambag ng
mananaliksik na makakatulong sa lipunan ay ang gumawa ng seminars patukoy sa SNS na
maaaring makatulong sa kabataan na may limitasyon lang ang paggamit ng mga SNS
pagdating sa panliligaw. Inirerekomenda din ng mananaliksik sa mga susunod na gagawa ng
pag-aaral nito na gumamit ng kwantitatibong uri ng pananaliksik upang makuha naman ang
ibang perspektibo sa Seenzone at sa gayon ay makalikom at mas makatiyak ng
makapilipinong pananaliksik sapagkat ito ang naaayon sa kultura ng mga Pilipino at nang sa
gayon ay malikom ang mga datos na nais makamit.
Mga Sanggunian:
Allen, J.P., Evans, M.A., Hare, A.L., & Mikami, A.Y. (2010). Adolescent Peer Relationships
and Behavior Problems Predict Young Adults Communication on Social Networking
Websites. Developmental Psychology, 46(1), 4656. doi: 10.1037/a0017420
Binauhan, J. (2013) Rejection. Retrieved from https://maykwentoooakoo.wordpress.com/2014/0
1/07/r-e-j-e-c-t-i-o-n/
Cruz, C., & Mirasol, M. (2010, October 1). The perceived effects of social networking sites on
the study habits of the students. Retrieved from http://www.scribd.com/doc/74724607/
Thesis-1-3#scribd
Lenhart, A., & Duggan, M. (2014). Couples, the Internet, and Social Media. Retrieved from
http://pewinternet.org/2014/02/11/couples-the-internet-and-social-media/
Lenhart, A. (2015). Teens, Technology and Friendships. Retrieved from http://www.pewinternet.
org/2015/08/06/teens-technology-and-friendships/
Ramos, M. (2013) Na-SeenZone dre?. Retrieved from http://chipsmakoy.blogspot.com/2013/05/
na-seenzone-dre.html
Yapchiongco, R. (2014) Makabagong paraan ng panliligaw. Retrieved from http://thepoc.net/
index.php/makabagong-paraan-ng-panliligaw/#comment-21039
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Perspektibo ng pakikiuso sa materyal na bagay at sa pag-uugali ng ilang mga kabataan sa

Baguio City
Macaraeg, Grace Anne
ABSTRAK
Ang pag-aaral na ito ay tumalakay sa perspektibo ng pakikiuso sa materyal na bagay at sa paguugali. Sampung kabataan ang naging kalahok at isinagawa sa Aurora Hills, Baguio City. Ang
mananaliksik ay gumamit ng impormal na pakikipanayam at pagtatanung-tanong upang higit na
matalakay ang pakikiuso ayon sa kamalayang Pilipino. Ayon sa resulta, ang ilan sa mga
katwiran ukol sa pakikiuso ay, pakiki-in, pagsabay sa pagbabago ng panahon at pakikibagay.
Mayroon namang positibo at negatibong naidulot ang pakikiuso. Ang ilan sa positibo ay ang
pagkatutong makibagay at pagkakaroon ng tiwala sa sarili. Ang ilan naman sa negatibo ay ang
pagkakaroon ng siraan, pagiging magastos at pagkalimot sa kinalakihang kultura. Sa pananaw
naman, mayroong positibo at negatibo. Sa materyal na bagay at positibo, ito raw ay bahagi na
ng buhay at nangyayari ng dahil sa inobasyon at ito rin daw ay nangyayari sa bawat
henerasyon. Sa negatibo naman, sinasabing ito raw ay magastos. Sa pag-uugali naman at
positibo, sinasabing hindi ito masama dahil ito raw ay nabuo na sa pang araw-araw na buhay at
nakasanayan na. Sa negatibo naman, tingin nila na ito ay kawalang respeto at pagkalimot sa
sariling kagustuhan.
Keywords: Pakikiuso, Perspektibo, Sikolohiyang Pilipino, Inobasyon, Kultura,
Kabataan
Sa araw-araw na kaganapan ng buhay, hindi na maitatanggi ang malaking gampanin ng
pakikisalamuha at pakikihalubilo sa kapwa bilang isang natural na aktibidad ng tao. Ayon nga
kay Le Bon (1985), kapag ang tao ay isinama sa isang grupo, makararamdam daw ito ng kahalihalinang impluwensiya galing sa grupo ng walang kaalam-alam. Inihantulad pa nga niya ang
pakiramdam na ito sa isang taong sumailalim sa hipnosis. Ganito maihahalintulad ang epekto ng
herd mentality. Ito ay isang mentalidad na naglalarawan sa pag-uugali ng mga tao kung saan
naihahalili nito ang kanyang mga ginagawa ayon sa mga taong nakapaligid sakaniya. Sinasabing
ang isang halimbawa ng mentalidad na ito ay ang pakikiuso. Ito ay isang kaugaliang nag-uudyok
sa isang tao upang sumunod sa kung ano ang tinatangkilik o ginagawa ng karamihan sa
kasalukuyan.
Ayon kay Pamintuan (2001), hindi malinaw ang katayuan ng Pilipinas sa umiiral na
sistema. Ito ay nagbibigay sa atin ng kakayahang tumuklas at magbahagi. Sa kasalukuyan, hindi
na mabibilang sa kamay ang samut-saring nauuso. Ang ilan sa karaniwang makikitang
kinahuhumalingan ng mga kabataan sa materyal na bagay ay ang mga gadyets, damit, sapatos.
Nariyan na din ang ibat ibang istilo ng buhok at kaugaliang maoobserbahan sa mga kabataan sa
paraan ng pananalita at pakikisalamuha. Ayon sa perspektibo ng mananaliksik, higit na mabilis
ang pagbabago at mabilis naaabisuhan ang mga tao sa kung ano ang bago ng dahil sa teknolohiya
at ang mga kabataan ngayon ang masasabing henerasyon na lumaki sa impluwensya ng
teknolohiya at ang mga nanguguna sa pagsunod sa uso.
Ang pag-aaral ay isinagawa sa bayan ng Aurora Hills sa lungsod na Baguio dahil isa ang
Baguio sa mga lungsod sa ating bansa na kilala sa kanilang mayamang kultura. Ngunit sa likod
nito, mapapansing namumuhay na din ng ayon sa modernong panahon ang mga tao dito. Ang
mga bahay ay yari na sa bato at kumpleto na rin sa mga makabagong kagamitan. Madalas nag
pupunta noon ang mananaliksik sa nasabing lugar at ayon sa mananaliksik, hindi maikakailang
maraming nagbabago sa lungsod habang tumatagal. Ayon nga sa mga matatanda, simula noong
umusbong ang teknolohiya, nagsimula nang mag hiwahiwalay at naging kalat na sa ibat ibang
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lugar ang ibat ibang tribo sa Baguio at mas pinili na ding mamuhay ayon sa modernong
panahon. Kahit anong gawin nilang pagsusumamo sa patuloy na pag-gapos ng pamilya at
kultura, pinipili na din talaga ng kanilang mga anak na mamuhay ng ayon sa modernong
pamamaraan. Dahil sa maraming pagbatikos ukol sa pakikiuso, nilalayon ng pananaliksik na ito
na makuha ang perspektibo ng ilang mga kabataan ukol sa paksang ito at nang matutulungang
mabigyan ang mga magulang ng pagkaunawa ukol sa mga kabataan ngayon at ang sinasabing
generation gap na maaaring nagbubunga ng hindi pagkakaunawaan. Ang mga kabataan rin ay
dumadaan sa panahon ng transisyon mula pagka-bata patungo sa pagtanda. Tulad nga ng sabi ni
Erik Erikson, ang edad na ito na sumasaklaw sa 12-18 ay dumadaan sa proseso ng pagbuo ng
kanilang pagkakakilanlan. Ang mga kabataan ay higit na naguguluhan pa sa kanilang kagustuhan
at higit pang nakatuon sa mga impluwesiyang nasasagupa at mga taong nakasasalamuha. Kung
susuriin, tinatangkilik man ng nakararami o napapanahon, hindi naman lahat ng uso ay
mayroong mabuting naidudulot at mabilis din lumipas. Kaya naman madalas madidinig ang
batikos ng ilan lalo na ang mga matatanda dahil dito. Kaya naman naglalayon ang pananaliksik
na ito na sagutin ang mga sumusunod: (1) Ano ba ang katwiran ng mga kabataan ukol sa
pakikiuso? (2) Ayon sa kanilang karanasan, ano ba ang positibo at negatibong naidulot ng
pakikiuso? (3) Ano ang pananaw ng mga kabataan sa pakikiuso sa materyal na bagay at paguugali?
Herd Mentality
Ayon sa ilang pag-aaral na ginawa ukol sa pakikiuso o herd mentality sa mas malawak na
konseptong banyaga, sinabi ni Dyer, Ioannou, Morrell, Croft, Couzin, Waters, & Krause, (2007)
na kahit walang tumatayong lider o kahit walang kinikilalang lider ang isang grupo ayon sa isang
eksperimento, malakas padin ang naging impluwensya ng desisyon na ginawa ng karamihan sa
grupo. Naakit ang ilang kalahok na walang alam sa eksperimento sa desisyong ginawa ng ilang
kalahok na ginamit bilang taga impluwensya.
Pakikiuso at pag-gawa ng desisyon
Katulad ng nabanggit, sinasabi din sa pag-aaral ni Torney, Lorenzi, Couzin, & Levin,
(2014) na ang pag-gawa ng desisyon ng ilang kalahok ayon sa isang pananaliksik ay mas higit na
nakabatay sa impormasyong nakukuha sa lipunan o paligid kaysa sa sariling pananaw.
Iminumungkahi din na natural na sa tao ang makisunod sa desisyon ng nakararami. Sinasabi sa
resulta na mas higit na mataas ang kompiyansa ng mga kalahok sa desisyong binase sa
karamihan.
Iminumungkahi naman sa pag-aaral na ginawa ni Campbell-Meiklejohn, Bach,
Roepstorff, Dolan, & Frith (2010) na ang opinyon ay madaling nakaka apekto sa kung paano
nating pinapahalagahan ang mga bagay. Sinisiyasat natin ang mga nangyayari sa ating isip kapag
tayo ay sumasang-ayon sa iba ukol sa halaga ng isang bagay. Bagamat may ebidensya man o
wala, para sa pakikiuso, mayroong pagkakataon na kaya natin itong baguhin. Sinasabi din na ang
pakikiuso ay may kinalaman sa reinforcement learning circuitry na bahagyang nakakapag
impluwensiya sa pagkalat ng isang bagay at madaling pagkatuto ng mga tao dahil sa
benepisyong natatanggap dito.
Bakit sumusunod sa pakikiuso
Ayon naman sa eksperimento na ginawa ni Klucharev (2009), ang utak natin ay
nagkakaroon ng kusang pag-aanalisa sa tuwing kaiba ang iniisip o nilalaman nito sa karaniwang
pamantayan o ginagawa ng karamihan. Ang ating utak raw ay nagbibigay sinyales o tinatawag
nilang prediction error kapag tayo ay kaiba sa mga taong nakapaligid sa atin. Ang proseso daw
na ito ay ang maaaring eksplanasyon kung bakit ang mga tao ay sumusunod sa uso, sumasali sa
mga grupo ng relihiyon, pati na rin sa ibat ibang kilusang pampulitiko.
Pakikiuso at Kulturang Popular
Ayon kay Tolentino (2009), ang kulturang popular ay naglalarawan sa masa. Ito ay
nagiging paraan upang maging epektibo ang pagpapalaganap ng mga produkto. Ito ay maaaring
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sa paraan ng telebisyon, babasahin at internet at naglalayong gamitin pang hanap buhay, pang
libangan o pang pasikat. Sinasabing ang kulturang popular ang kumukonekta sa pakikiuso. Ito ay
inihantulad sa kalakalan o negosasyon na namamagitan sa mga nakikiuso at nagpapauso o
negosyante. Upang makamtan ng bawat sektor ang kagustuhan, ang kuturang popular ay
mayroon daw konseptong sado-masokismo kung saan sinasabi rito na mayroong mga tao
handang masaktan o magsakrispisyo upang makiuso sa kulturang popular.
Pagbubuo
Mula sa mas heneral na konsepto ng herd mentality na pinagmulan ng pakikiuso, sinasabi
na mga pag-aaral na kahit walang tumatayong lider sa isang grupo ay nagkakaroon pa din talaga
malaking impluwensiya ang ginagawang desisyon ng mga nakararami sa isang indibidwal.
Dalawang pag-aaral nga ang nagtugma at nagsabing malaki ang kumpiyansa ng isang tao sa
kanyang desisyon lalo pat kung ito ay hinango sa nakararami. Sinasabi din na malaking
impluwensiya ang naidudulot ng pakikiuso lalo pa kung mayroong benepisyong nakukuha dito.
Iminumungkahi naman na isang pag-aaral na ang dahilan daw ng pakikiuso mula sa bayolohikal
na perspektibo ay ang pagkaramdam ng ating utak ng sinyales o tinatawag nilang prediction
error kapag ang indibidwal daw ay nakararamdam na iba sila sa mga nakapaligid sakanya. Ayon
naman sa isang pag-aaral, ang kulturang popular daw ay konektado sa pakikiuso. Ito raw ang
konseptong nagpapaliwanag na ang pakikiuso ay parang isang imboluntaryong kalakalan na
naglalayong gamitin upang maging hanap buhay, pang libangan at pang pasikat. Sa kabuuan,
halos lahat ng mga nabanggit na pag-aaral ay ginawa sa mga bansang kanluranin at ang datos ay
kinuha mula sa metodong eksperimental kaya naman nilayon ng pag-aaral na ito na makuha
naman ang datos ayon sa perspektibo ng mga Pilipino at kunin ito gamit naman ang metodong
sikolohiyang pilipino.
Metodolohiya
Ang kwalitatibong pag-aaral ayon kay Merriam (2009) ay naglalayong umintindi sa
pananaw ng tao sa mundong kanyang ginagalawan mula sa karanasan nito na akma naman sa
layunin ng pananaliksik na ito. Ang katutubong metodo naman na ginamit sa pananaliksik ay
impormal na pakikipanayam at pagtatanung-tanong na naglayong makuha ng mananaliksik ang
pananaw ng mga kabataang Pilipino sa paraang makakapagbigay sila ng saloobin at perspektibo
sa paksa ng walang alinlangan.
Mga Kalahok
Ang mga kalahok na bumuo sa pananaliksik na ito ay sampung kabataang pilipino na
pasok sa edad na 16-19. Ang mga kalahok ay halong lalaki at babae. Ang pamantayan na
kinailangan sa pananaliksik ay mga kalahok na sumasang-ayon na sila ay mahilig sumunod sa
uso at nagmamay-ari ng kahit anong uri ng teknolohiya. Ang mga kabataan naman na
nakapanayam ng mananaliksik ay mga tubong Baguio at dito na din lumaki.
Instrumento
Ang pananaliksik na ito ay gumamit ng mga talatanungan na binubuo ng anim na tanong.
Ang mga tanong na ginamit ay open ended na naglalayon na bigyan ng kalayaang sumagot ang
mga kalahok ayon sa daymensyong kaya nilang ibahagi. Gumamit naman ng recorder ang
mananaliksik upang maitala ang mga pahayag ng mga kalahok.
Pamamaraan
Ang paksa ng pananaliksik na ito ay tumatalakay sa hindi naman gaanong sensitibong
usapan kaya naman gumamit ng impormal na interbyu at pagtatanung-tanong ang mananaliksik
bilang Iskala ng Mananaliksik at Gumamit naman ito ng pakikipagpalagayang-loob bilang Iskala
ng Pagtutunguhan ng Mananaliksik at Kalahok. Nagsusuot lamang ng simpleng kasuotan ang
mananaliksik upang hindi maging kaiba ang imahe ng mananaliksik. Binuo ng mananaliksik ang
pakikipagpalagayang-loob sa mga kabataan sa pag tatanung-tanong ng mga impormasyon ukol
sa kanilang pakikiuso at kanilang buhay bilang estudyante. Nagkatugma naman ang ilang interes
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ng mananaliksik dahil ang ilan dito ay mga estudyante rin na nasa kolehiyo. Dahil mga kabataan
ang kalahok, ang palitan ng pahayag ng mananaliksik at kalahok ay ginamitan ng tonong
impormal upang hindi malimitahan ang sagot ng mga kalahok at hindi mahiyang magpahayag ng
kanilang saloobin at para narin mapanatili ang katangian ng sikolohiyang pilipino na
pagkakaroon ng pagkakapantay-pantay sa pagitan ng mananaliksik at kalahok.
Pagsusuri ng Datos
Sinuri ng mananaliksik ang mga nakalap na datos sa pamamagitan ng coding. Dito din
sinuri ang pagkakaiba, pagkakatulad at paulit-ulit na temang nabanggit ng mga kalahok upang
makuha ang malalim na pakahulugan ng perspektibo sa pakikiuso ng mga kalahok. Dito ay
bumuo ng tema ang mananaliksik at kinategorya ito ayon sa klasipikasyon nito.
Katwiran ukol sa pakikiuso
Pakiki-In
...proseso talaga yan. Yung tipong gusto ko kasing maki-in. Para anjan na din yung
social status na.. kahit na mahirap ako, Eh kasi nga gusto ko ngang makisabay diba. Kahit na
sabihin nating low class yung ano ko, basta touch screen lang ako nay un. In parin ako nun Kalahok #9
Ang pinakamadalas na nabanggit ng mga kalahok ay ang pakiki-in. Ayon sa mga
kalahok, ang tinatawag nilangpakiki-in ay sumasaklaw sa hangarin nilang maging pasok sa
pamantayan ng nakararami at maging pasok sa kung ano ang pinag-uusapan. Ayon sa mga
kalahok, kung hindi ka nakikiuso, ikaw ay nasa labas. Hindi ka nabibilang. Nagkakaroon sila
pakiramdam na kakaiba sila sa mga taong nakapaligid sakanila at sa lipunang pangkalahatan na
tumutugma naman sa pag-aaral ni Klucharev (2009) na ang ating utak raw ay nagbibigay
sinyales o tinatawag nilang prediction error kapag tayo ay kaiba sa mga taong nakapaligid sa
atin. Sa ilalim ng tinatawag nilang pakiki-in ay nakapaloob ang ibatt-ibang rason. Andito ang
pakiki-in ng dahil sa (1) social status o kalidad ng pamumuhay. Dito pumapasok ang hangarin ng
ilang kabataan na maging pasok sa pamatayan ang kalidad ng kanilang pamumuhay. Nabanggit
nga ng isang kalahok na kung minsan, kahit mahirap ang buhay nila, napipilitan syang sumunod
sa uso dahil sa imaheng pagkakaroon ng mataas na kalidad ng pamumuhay. Andito rin ang
pakiki-in ng dahil sa (2) peer pressure o pamimilit ng mga kaibigan. Ayon sa ilang mga
kabataan, nakikiuso sila upang makipagsabayan sa kapwa nilang kabataan. Kung minsan rin,
dahil sila ay nasasabihan ng baduy o KJ (Kill Joy) tumatahak silang maki-gaya o makiuso sa
kung ano ang patok o anong ang tinatangkilik ng mga kasamahan dahil napipilitan. Ang ilan
naman, bagamat napipilitan ay nasisiyahan rin sa resultang nagkakaroon sila ng maraming
kaibigan ng dahil sa pakikiuso.
Pagsabay sa pagbabago ng panahon
Wala lang.. ahm, kailangan din kasi eh.. tulad ng kwan, Gadgets.. kailangan sa school
ahm.. sa komunikasyon ganon. - Kalahok #7
Parang pag wala ka sa uso, kj ka or baduy ka o kaya minsan, parang out of place ka.
Kasi ano, alangan naman na naka cellphone na yung mga tao ngayon tas ikaw naka beepeer pa
din yun bang ganun. - Kalahok #10
Ayon sa mga kalahok, ang pakikiuso nila ay ayon sa kanilang hangarin na sumabay sa
pagbabago na nangyayari sa kanilang paligid. Isa rin dito ang pakikiuso upang punan ang
pangangailangan nila o upang magamit sa araw-araw ng kanilang buhay. Sa bilis raw ng
pagbabago ng panahon, sobrang bilis din ng mga pagbabagong nagaganap sa ating paligid. Ayon
sa kanila, kung minsan, ang pakikuso ay nagiging daan din upang mapadali ang kanilang
pamumuhay na humahalili naman sa pag-aaral na ginawa ni Campbell-Meiklejohn et al. (2010)
na nagsasabing ang pakikiuso ang may kinalaman sa reinforcement learning circuitry na
bahagyang nagpapaliwanag kng bakit nanghihikayat sa mga taong makisunod sa uso dahil sa
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benepisyong natatanggap dito. Ito raw ay nag bibigay daan sakanila upang mailapat o maiakma
ang pamumuhay nila ayon sa pagbabagong nangyayari sa kanilang paligid.
Pakikibagay
...yun bang para iwas conflict nalang din? KJ ka or tingin nila weird ka kasi sa kanila
cool yun eh. Parang katuwaan din kasi yun pero kung minsan naman masakit din talaga. Pero
ayun nga, parang nakikibagay ka lang din. Pero syempre pag dumating na sa punto na, kwan..
sobra na, mejo taliwas nako pero kwan, pag keri naman, go with the flow. - Kalahok #6
...ewan ko parang nakasanayan na din eh.. para bang ano anjan na sya. Ganun tayong
mga Pilipino eh para bang nakikibagay ka din kasi sa pakikiuso. Parang pag wala ka sa uso, kj
ka or baduy ka o kaya minsan, parang out of place ka. Kasi ano, alangan naman na naka
cellphone na yung mga tao ngayon tas ikaw naka beeper pa din yun bang ganun. - Kalahok #10
Ayon sa ilang kabataan, sila ay nakikuso dahil ito raw ay kanilang paraan ng
pakikibagay. Ito ay maihahalili sa konsepto ni Enriquez (1978) ng Kapwa o ang itinuturing na
ubod (core) ng sikolohiyang pilipino at pinaka sentro ng estruktura ng Filipino Values kung saan
nakapailalim dito ang pakikibagay. Kung minsan, kaiba man ang tunay na kagustuhan nila,
nakikisabay nalamang sila sa uso upang hindi sila lumabas na baduy o lumabas na masama ng
dahil sa pagiging kaiba sa ginagawa ng karamihan. Ito rin ay sumasaklaw sa hangarin ng ilang
mga kabataan na makisama rin sa mga kaibigan na humahalili din sa konsepto ni Enriquez
(1978) ng pakikisama na nakapailalim din sa konsepto ng kapwa. Ang pagtanggi o pagtutol raw
sa tinatangkilik ng karamihan ay tila nagpapahayag ng hindi pagsang-ayon.
Paghahangad ng bago (Thrill)
May thrill eh. Kumbaga lalabas yung uso tapos makikita mo yung mga tao ganito suot
tapos parang maiintriga ka. Parang bang gagayayin ko tapos ah, so ito pala yon. Ganito pala
yun. Parang exciting din para sakin kasi bago eh. Kakaiba panibago sakin.. ayun. - Kalahok #6
Ayon sa ilang kabataan, sila ay nakikiuso dahil ito ay sumasaklaw sa hangarin nilang
makaramdam ng bago. Ito ay nagbibigay sakanila ng kagalakan dahil ang pagsunod sa uso ay
naghahatid sakanila ng kasiyahan at kaaliwan dahil nga ito ay bago sakanila. Bagamat mayroon
itong pwedeng maging positibo at negatibong kahihinatnan, kung minsan, hindi na raw nila ito
gaano alintala dahil nga sa kapalit sa saya o aliw na dulot nito.Ito naman ay tumutugma sa
konsepto ni Tolentino (2009) na sado-masokismo kung saan sinasabi rito na mayroong mga tao
handang masaktan o magsakrispisyo upang makiuso. Ang mga bagong bagay o kaugalian na
nasasaksihan daw nila sa kanilang paligid ay nagbibigay sakanila ng curosity o nagiiwan
sakanila ng katanungan at akma naman nilang susubukan upang matuklasan mismo kung bakit
tinatangkilik ng mga tao ang uso o kanila ring masubukan ito.
Nakasanayan
Nakasanayan na kasi ng mga Pilipino na gumaya sa ibang bansa eh like for example,
sa damit, diba po umuso sa korea kpop, syempre gagayahin din po kung ano yung uso ngayon.
Parang nakahiligan narin po. - Kalahok #8
Ayon sa ilang mga kabataan, natural na raw ang sumunod sa uso at hindi raw ito dahil sa
kadahilang gusto nila o ayaw. Ito ay tumutugma sa sinabi ni Dyer et al. (2007) kahit walang
tumatayong lider o kahit walang kinikilalang lider ang isang grupo, malakas padin ang naging
impluwensya ng desisyon na ginawa ng karamihan sa grupo. Kung minsan daw, hindi raw ito
napipigilan o lumalabas nalamang lalo na kung akma sa interes o kagustuhan nila ang mga uso.
Para sakanila, tila kahalo na ng ating kultura at pamumuhay ang ganitong pag-uugali ng mga
Pilipino at tila hindi maiiwasan. Nariyan na daw ito at hindi na maalis sa mga Pilipino.
Mga naidulot ng pakikiuso ayon sa karanasan
Positibong naidulot ng pakikiuso
Meron akong nagagamit sa pang araw-araw. Nakakatulong sakin yun. - Kalahok #7
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Sa positive, tiwala sa sarili? ano eh.. pag nakiuso ako.. para bang may dating ako eh,
Nasa loob ako ganun.. Di ako napag-iiwanan. May thrill tapos syempre nagiging interesado
sakin. Tapos minsan naman ang tingin nila sayo, cool. - Kalahok #10
Ayon sa ilang kalahok, isa sa mga positibong naging epekto ng pakikiuso ay ang
pagkatutuo nilang makibagay. Ayon sa mga kalahok, ang pakikiuso ay naging paraan upang sila
ay madaling makapag adjust sa mga pagbabago sa paligid, sa panahon, at natututong makisama
sa ibat ibang klase ng taong. Ang sumunod namang epekto ay ang pagkakaroon ng tiwala sa
sarili na tumugma naman sa pag-aaral ni Torney et al. (2014) kung saan sinasabi sa resulta na
mas higit na mataas ang kompiyansa ng mga kalahok sa desisyong binase sa karamihan.
Bagamat pare-parehong binanggit ang epektong pagkakaroon ng tiwala sa sarili, magkakaiba
naman ang dahilan nila dito. Una ay dahil sa hindi na sila naiiba sa mga kasama at pangalawa,
nagkakaroon sila ng kaibigan. Ayon naman sa pahayag ni kalahok 10, ito naman ay dahil sa
pagkakaroon niya ng dating sa paninginin ng iba. Ang sumunod namang epekto ay ito raw ay
nakakabata. Ayon kay kalahok 8, Siya ay labing syam na taong gulang palamang ngunit dahil sa
kanyang malaking postura at matured na imahe, lagi raw siyang napagkakamalang medyo
matanda higit pa sa kanyang edad. Kaya naman nakatulong daw ang pakikiuso sa kanya na
maging bata pa din ang tingin sa kanya. Ang huli namang epekto ay ang pagtugon sa kanilang
pangangailangan. Nakatutulong daw ito sa kanilang pangangailangan sa araw-araw. Ito ay
maiuugnay sa pag-aaral na ginawa ni Campbell-Meiklejohn et al. (2010) kung saan sinasabi na
ang pakikiuso ay bahagyang nakakapag impluwensiya sa pagkalat ng isang bagay at madaling
pagkatuto ng mga tao dahil sa benepisyong natatanggap dito. Napapadali ang paraan ng
pamumuhay dahil sa makabagong kagamitang nauuso. Itong epekto na ito ay higit na
sumasalamin sa pakikiuso sa materyal na bagay.
Negatibong naidulot ng pakikiuso
...ayan magastos tapos minsan ano, nagkakaroon ng siraan. Yung ano.. kunwari hindi
naman bagay sa kanya nakikiuso lang! Yun bang ganun. Parang kahit ayun nasa uso ka nga
pero may mga taong naninira. Sasabihin, di naman bagay nakikiuso lang. - Kalahok #6
Ayon sa ilang mga kalahok, isa sa mga naging negatibong epekto ng pakikiuso ay ang
pagkakaroon ng siraan. Ayon kalahok 1, ito daw ay kadalasang umaabot pa sa sagutan o pagaaway sa social media. Ang isa pang epekto ay ang pagiging magastos. Ito ay sumasalamin halos
sa aspeto ng materyal na bagay dahil kasangkot ang salapi sa pagtangkilik nila nito. Nakitang
mas malaking porsyento sa mga kalahok ay gumagastos dahil sa kagustuhan nila higit kesa dahil
ito ay kailangan nila. Ang sumunod namang negatibong epekto ay ang pagkalimot sa sariling
kultura. Hindi kaila ng ilang kabataan na kung minsan, ng dahil sa pakikiuso, nakakaligtaan na
nila ang kulturang pinagmulan. Ang huli namang epektong umusbong mula sa mga pahayag ng
mga kalahok ay ang pag balewala ng kanilang sariling kagustuhan. Maihahalili naman ito sa pagaaral na ginawa ni Campbell-Meiklejohn et al. (2010) na bagamat may ebidensya man o wala,
para sa pakikiuso, mayroong pagkakataon na kaya natin itong baguhin. Ito nga raw ay para
umiwas na sila ay mapagdiskitahan at umiwas na sa hindi pagkakasundo dahil sa pagtutol sa
ginagawa o inaasal ng karamihan.
Pananaw ng mga kabataan sa pakikiuso
Materyal na Bagay (Positibong Pananaw)
Naniniwala ako na parte na yun ng kultura natin. Kasi, may mga pagbabago naman
talagang nagaganap eh anjan na yan tas para ano, yun pakikiuso, kwan kahit panandalian lang
tapos lumilipas na, may benefits pa din naman yan. Wag lang sumobra kasi lahat ng sobra ayun
diba masama. - Kalahok #6
Sa tingin ko kinasanayan na siya eh.. tapos tayo syempre kabataan.. parang
technology kaya ayun tayo active sa mga ganito. Tingin ko din kasi yung pakikiuso, by
generation yan eh. Yung mga nakakatanda noon, mayroon ding nauso sa kanila na syempre
satin hindi na uso. Tas yung uso satin, syempre sakanila, hindi. - Kalahok #10
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Ayon nga sa ilan, ang pakikiuso ay tila ba parte na ng buhay, kultura at nakasanayan na
kung saan tumugma muli sa pag-aaral ni Dyer et al. (2007) na kahit walang tumatayong lider o
kahit walang kinikilalang lider ang isang grupo, malakas padin ang naging impluwensya ng
desisyon na ginawa ng karamihan sa grupo. Ayon naman kay kalahok 5, mayroong inobasyon at
pagbabagong nangyayari at ang pakikiuso ay parte nito. Ito raw ay pagsabay sa panahon dahil
tila nagbabago ang paligid at ang mga tao, nagbabago rin ang kinasasanayan at ang hindi pagsabay rito ay tila nagbibigay ng pakiramdam na napag-iiwanan sila. Ayon naman kay kalahok
10, ang pagsunod raw sa uso nangyayari sa bawat henerasyon at ang pagsunod na mga kabataan
rito ay tila pagsunod sa kung ano ang kinahihiligan ng henerasyon nila. Naniniwala naman si
kalahok 6 na kahit panandalian lamang ang mga mga bagay na nauuso, may benepisyo pa din
naman daw na nakukuha rito na maitutugma muli sa pag-aaral ni Campbell-Meiklejohn et al.
(2010) at sinasabing malakas ang impluwensiya at pagkalat ng isang bagay at madaling
pagkatuto ng mga tao dahil sa benepisyong natatanggap dito .
Materyal na Bagay (Negatibong Pananaw)
Nakakalimutan ko na yung sarili ko pati pag-gastos ko, naaapektuhan. - Kalahok #7
Nasa tao pa din kung alam nyang masama at sobra nakung against naman sa
paniniwala mo, tigil na. Yun din yung inaayos ko sa sarili ko madali ako madala.- Kalahok #10
Bagamat pabor ang mga kalahok sa pakikiuso, naniniwala naman sila na kailangan din
naman ng limitasyon. Narito ang alalay sa pag-gastos at pagkalimot sa sariling kagustuhan. Ayon
naman kay kalahok 10, bilang mga Pilipino, naniniwala siyang ang pakikiuso ay nagpapakita na
mahilig tayong tumanggap ng tumanggap na kung minsan ay hindi tayo nakapaninindigan sa
ating sariling kagustuhan kaya mahilig tayong makiuso o makigaya. Ito naman ay maihahalili sa
Iminumungkahi ng pag-aaral na ginawa ni Campbell-Meiklejohn et al. (2010) na ang opinyon ay
madaling nakaka apekto sa kung paano nating pinapahalagahan ang mga bagay.
Pag-uugali (Positibong Pananaw)
Kasi alam mo, may positibo at negatibo talagang resulta eh sa tuwing may
pagbabagong mangyayari pero nasasatin pa din naman yan kung paano mo dadalhin yung
pakikiuso diba.. Para sakin.. okay lang naman na makiuso basta yung alam mo limitasyon mo
kasi parte nayan ng kultura natin eh. - Kalahok #9
Ayon sakanila, marami raw ang nauusong pag-uugali kung minsan, hindi mo na
mapapansin na ito ay uso dahil tila nagiging parte na raw ito na kultura ng kanilang henerasyon
na maihahali naman sa pag-aaral ni Dyer. et al (2007) na nag sasabing ang ugali nating magaya o
maihalintuad ang galaw o kilos sa mga taong nakapaligid sa atin ay natural sa tao. Para sa mga
kalahok, walang masama pagdating sa pakikiuso sa pag-uugali higit nilang pinahahalagahan ang
limitasyon nito. Mas maganda raw kung titignan ang pakikiuso sa pag-uugali sa positibong
aspeto nito.
Pag-uugali (Negatibong Pananaw)
Iwasan lang siguro makasakit diba tapos yung sobrang OA na halos gayahin mo yung
ibang tao wala nang matira sa sarili mo. - Kalahok #6
Sa kabila naman na positibong pananaw, narito ang ilang negatibong pananawa ng ilang
kabataan kung saan ayon sakanila. Ito raw ay nag papakita ng kawalang respeto at tulad nga ng
nabanngit ni kalahok 7 na nagagalit raw ang matatanda sa kanila kapag ganoon. Nabanggit din
ng ilang kalahok ang tila pagkalimot sa sariling kagustuhan sa sobrang pakikiuso na tumugma
naman sa pag-aaral ni Campbell-Meiklejohn et al. (2010) na sinasabing bagamat may ebidensya
man o wala, para sa pakikiuso, mayroong pagkakataon na kaya natin itong baguhin. Bagamat
malaking bagay na ang naidulot ng modernisasyon sa pamumuhay ng mga taga Baguio, tila
mayroon pa ring alinlangan ang ilan pagdating sa pag-uugali. Bagamat mayroong iba na mabuti
ang pananaw dito, higit pa rin nilang pinapahalagahan ang hindi makasakit sa ibang tao.
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Ayon sa resulta ng pag-aaral na ito, mayroong ilang tema ang nabuo ukol sa katwiran ng
pakikiuso. Nakapaloob dito ang pakiki-in, pagsabay sa pagbabago ng panahon, pakikibagay,
paghahangad ng bago (thrill), at tila nakasanay na. Mayroon namang naging positibo ang
negatibong naidulot ang pakikiuso na ibinase sa kanilang karanasan. Ang ilan sa positibong
naidulot nito ay ang pagkatutong makibagay, pagkakaroon ng bilib o tiwala sa sarili,
pagkakaroon ng mga kaibigan, ito ay nakakabata, at natutugunan ang pangangailangan. Ang ilan
naman sa negatibong naidulot nito ay ang pagkakaroon ng siraan, magastos, pagkalimot sa
kinalakihang kultura at pagbalewala sa sariling kagustuhan. Sa pananaw ng mga kabataan,
mayroong positibo at negatibong mga pahayag ang nabuo. Sa materyal na bagay at positibo, ito
raw ay hindi masama dahil parte ng ito ng buhay at nangyayari ng dahil sa inobasyon, ito rin daw
ay nangyayari sa bawat henerasyon at mayroong ding benepisyo nakukuha dito. Sa negatibo
naman, sinasabing ito raw ay magastos at tila nagpapakita na tayong mga pilipino ay mahilig
tumanggap ng tumanggap na kung minsan ay hindi tayo nakapaninindigan sa ating sariling
kagustuhan. Sa pag-uugali naman at positibo, sa pananaw ng mga kabataan, hindi din ito
masama dahil ito raw namuo na sa pang araw-araw na buhay at nakasanayan na rin ngunit higit
nilang pinahahalagahan ang limitasyon nito. Mas maganda raw kung titignan ang pakikiuso sa
pag-uugali sa positibong aspeto nito. Sa negatibo naman, tingin nila na ito kawalang respeto at
pagkalimot sa sariling kagustuhan. Bagamat nakikiuso sa ilang aspeto, higit pa rin nilang
pinapahalagahan ang hindi makasakit ng ibang tao. Ang mga resultang nakalap sa pananaliksik
na ito ay mayroong pagkakatulad sa mga banyagang literaturang nakalap ng mananaliksik at
masasabing ang ilan dito ay mayroong katugmaan sa resulta ng ginamitan ito ng mananaliksik ng
makapa-Pilipinong metodo. Bagamat may pagkakatulad, nakita rin ng mananaliksik na
mayroong umusbong sa resulta sa pag-aaral na hindi nakita sa ilang banyagan literatura at
tumugma sa konspetong kapwa ng sikolohiyang pilipino.
Mairerekomenda ng mananaliksik sa mga susunod na pag-aaral na kunin naman ang
perspektibo ng kabataan sa sentrong lungsod kung saan higit na pinapairal ang pakikiuso at mas
mayroong modernong pamumuhay. Maaaring maikumpara ang magiging resulta nito sa
gagawing pag-aaral na bago at maaring makita kung mayroong pagkakahalintulad at pagkakaiba
sa pagitan ng dalawang klase ng mga kalahok. Mairerekomenda ng mananaliksik na mainam na
gamitin pa rin ang maka-Pilipinong metodo sa pag-aaral na iyon upang higit ding magkaroon ng
maka-Pilipinong datos.
Sanggunian:
Campbell-Meiklejohn, D., Bach, D., Roepstorff, A., Dolan, R., & Frith, C. (2010). How the
Opinion of Others Affects Our Valuation of Objects. Current Biology 20, 11651170.
Dyer, J. R., Ioannou, C. C., Morrell, L. J., Croft, D. P., Couzin, I. D., Waters, D. A., &
Krause, J. (2007). Consensus decision making in human crowds. Elsevier, 461-470.
Klucharev, V. (2009). Brain mechanisms of social conformity. Neuron, retrieved 19 January
2014 from http://phys.org/news/2009-01-brain-mechanism-social-conformity.html
Le Bon, G. (1985). The crowd: A study of the popular mind. Project Gutenberg.
Merriam, S. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. San Francisco,
CA: Jossey-Bass
Tolentino, R. (2004). Kulturang Popular: Kulturang Mall. Volume 1. Anvil.
Torney, C. J., Lorenzi, T., Couzin, I. D., & Levin, S. A. (2014). Social information use and the
evolution of unresponsiveness in collective systems. The Royal Society Publishing, 1-9.
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The Experiences of Tattooing Among Selected

Filipino Young Adults
Ocampo, Karen Mae
Castronuevo, Eva
ABSTRACT
The study describes the experiences of tattoo enthusiasts who go through tattooing for the first
time or multiple times. It also describes the experiences of tattoo enthusiasts in dealing with
public perception on tattoos as well as the activities and behaviour of tattoo enthusiasts who
grouped together. Descriptive qualitative type of research design was used and employed
through in-depth interviews. Five people with two or more visible tattoos in civilian attire had
been part of the study. For the respondents, tattooing is a way for them to communicate their
thoughts and feelings and the love of it appears to be social. Changes on how the respondents
see themselves after tattooing were discussed as well as the importance of pain during the
procedure. The respondents do experience discrimination from the public in general especially
at the workplace. Delinquent acts such as drinking, being involved in brawls and drug usage
were common activities of the group but they are also inclined in productive activities like
sports.
Keywords: Tattooing, Changes, Struggles, Experiences, Downsides, Friendship
Historically, Filipinos were first called pintados or the painted ones by the Spaniards
in 1521 because most of their entire bodies were covered with tattoos leaving only their hands
and feet bare. Tattooing during the early times is believed to be a proof of rank (Oll, 2012).
Contemporary practice of tattooing is popular. In fact, there is an event called Dutdutan
in the country. It is known to be the nations biggest and grandest annual tattoo exposition which
started in 2000. Tribal Gear Philippines organized the event Dutdutan to revive interest in the
Filipino tradition. According to Torero (2015), Dutdutans president and main organizer, an
estimated number of about 15,000-16,000 tattoo enthusiasts attended yearly from 2000-2014.
There are over 200 tattoo shops participating in Dutdutan and what makes Torero more proud is
that it includes foreign tattoo shops. According to him, there are other different sponsors yearly
ranging from 20-30 companies or establishments including our very own newspaper The
Philippine Star and also foreign sponsors like Pepsi. Dutdutan is managed by 10 people
including himself and five of which are in charge of the events international affairs. Bands,
models and artists are common sights during the event and according to Mr. Torero, it is only the
similarity in passion that unites these different kinds of people from different parts of the world
(Torero, 2015).
Tattoo Acquisition
Tattoo and its acquisition appear to be vague for some people. People began wondering
about its definition and history. A study made by Wymann (2010) claimed that tattoo is
conceived as a medium of communication. Supporting this conclusion, Doss & Hubbard (2009)
concluded that tattoos were viewed as somewhat communicative. Lane (2014) claimed that
tattooing is highly complex and social behavior. It was concluded that tattoos are the outcome
cultural production to the social processes and conditions under which they are produced. It was
suggested that culture and society portray a big role in tattooing. It was strengthened by Kosut
(2006) stating that tattooing is a result of imitating like how people imitate actors, models,
musicians and idolized athletes.
Tattooing as people all know is often associated with pain. A study concluded that
tattooed individuals find pain as an important factor to the practice of tattooing (Siorat, 2006).
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This pain that appears to be something like a necessity in the said practice, only led into
forgetting more important things especially health. The attribution of pain as mentioned in the
first study is well-known to tattoo enthusiasts but another study contradicts that medical issues
involved, although under the awareness of the pain, is sometimes not afforded to individuals
acquiring tattoos or those who already have it (Vanston & Scott, 2008). The pain and the danger
are nothing if the drive is strong especially if it is for something that you really want and if you
feel it could change you. Same with tattooing, a study proposed that possession of a tattoo has
led into a different view of oneself. Mun, Janigo and Johnson (2012) confirmed that the act of
obtaining tattoos resulted in a change on how participants viewed themselves and their behavior.
Impact of Tattoo Acquisition on the General Public
Although a fad, tattoo acquisition gathered too many critics that led to social
stereotyping. One area of this social stereotyping is at the workplace. Seiter and Hatch (2005)
concluded that credibility ratings were generally lower when wearing a tattoo than when not
wearing one. Supporting this conclusion, a study made in 2014 revealed a predominantly
negative effect on selection, but the extent of employer prejudice is mitigated by: where the
tattoo is located on the body; proximity of the role to customers; and the genre of the tattoo
(Timming, 2014). Because of tattoos negative impact in the workplace, parental consent is
something that tattooed individuals often neglect or intentionally bypass. A study conducted in
2006 concluded that only 58% of tattooed individuals reported parental knowledge before the
procedure (Benjamins, Risser, Cromwell, Feldmann, Bortot, Eissa & Nguyen, 2006).
It is not only in the workplace tattooed individuals are seen differently from non-tattooed
ones. A study in 2008 gathered results showing that participants with tattoos were significantly
seen more negative than people without tattoos. It was concluded that there are possible impacts
of tattoos on person perception (Resenhoeft, Villa & Wiseman, 2008). Strengthening this
conclusion, a study concluded that compared to non-tattooed male individuals, tattooed males are
seen more dominant and more aggressive by other people (Wohlrab, Fink & Kappeler, 2009).
Factors Associated with Tattooing and the Desire for Acceptance
According to previous studies conducted, there are many factors concerned with tattoo
acquisition. Yen, Hsiao, Yen, Yeh, Wang, Lin & Ko (2011) aims to discover what might trigger
the acquisition of tattoos; their study concluded that tattooing was found to be associated with
delinquency such as physical violence, weekly alcohol consumption, drug abuse, dropping out of
school and may portray ideas of suicide. Moreover, a study involving both tattooed and nontattooed participants concluded that tattooed respondents reported the lowest school attitudes and
educational aspirations, and the most weapons possession, substance use, and delinquent
behaviors (Dukes & Stein, 2014).
Because of the rampant stereotyping and comparison of tattooed and non-tattooed
individuals, it is inevitable for some to have the urge of wanting to know how these people live
their lives. The evident and never-ending comparison of tattooed individuals and their
counterparts only made it possible for them to create their own little space wherein they can find
people who understand them. Silversides (2013) concluded that tattoo shops are environments
that can be interpreted as new third places. It suggests that tattoo parlors have become a new
home for these individuals. A study also concluded that heavily tattooed people who define
themselves as members of the tattoo subculture generally feel an immediate social bond to other
people with tattoos (Kjeldgaard & Bengtsson, 2005).
Synthesis
Most of the studies reviewed claim that tattooing is often associated with delinquency.
These studies suggested that people who are in deep dilemma are more likely to acquire a tattoo.
Because of this, tattoo acquisition has led into social stereotyping. It was concluded that there are
possible impacts of tattoos on person perception (Resenhoeft, Villa & Wiseman, 2008). A study
also claims that credibility ratings were generally lower because of tattoo (Seiter & Hatch, 2005).
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We are also well aware that tattooing is a painful but still, this pain is an important aspect of
tattooing for the enthusiasts (Siorat, 2006). The practice of tattooing has claimed that a person
may see changes in himself and his behaviour after the procedure (Mun, Janigo & Johnson,
2012). Because of this fad, tattoo shops have become a big industry patronized by many. It was
even considered a new third place or rather a new home (Silversides, 2013).
It was claimed that tattooing is often associated with delinquency and the said practice is
a painful one. It was also stated in the studies that tattooing may lead into social stereotyping but
why do people still pursue this and how do they handle this stereotyping. They tend to sacrifice
almost a lot of opportunities from obtaining a tattoo but still, they do it. Previous studies have
also failed to elaborate the changes happening after obtaining a tattoo. Moreover, the researcher
was not able to find enough studies about the experiences of tattooing here in the Philippines.
Studies about tattooing can be found mostly in Western countries and only few in Asian
countries.
The current study attempts to explore the experiences behind Filipino young adults
engagement in tattooing. This study attempts to describe the experiences of tattoo enthusiasts
who go through tattooing for the first time or multiple times. In addition, the study also aspires
to describe the experiences of tattoo enthusiasts in dealing with public perception on tattoos.
Lastly, the current study attempts to describe the activities and behaviour of tattoo enthusiasts
who grouped together. The importance of the study is to give the public first-hand information of
the things they are unaware of in terms of the experiences of tattooed individuals. Through this
study, the public may be enlightened in one way or another. Another significance of the study is
that it appears to be one of the few studies in the Philippines exploring the experiences of
tattooing among Filipino young adults.
Method
Research Design
The researcher used a descriptive qualitative type of research design to express better the
thoughts and information gathered from tattoo enthusiasts. Qualitative approach was employed
through the use of in-depth interviews.
The researcher interviewed five tattoo enthusiasts aged 21 to 30 who have two or more
visible tattoos in civilian attire. These people had been the target population of the researcher
because it was claimed that young adulthood in the age bracket of 20-39 years old show changes
in social activities, roles and beliefs (Bachman, O'Malley, Schulenberg, Johntson, Bryant &
Merlin, 2012). Purposive sampling was used. The researcher interviewed willing young adults
having two or more visible tattoos in their arms, torsos, neck and legs. With the help of the
researchers brother who is also a part of the said group, the researcher was able to get the
respondents approval for being part of the study.
Instruments
In order to attain the information needed, the researcher used a self-made questionnaire
which served as a guide throughout the interview. These questions are open-ended and were
followed by other questions related to the previous answer. It consists of twenty items excluding
follow-up questions during the course of the interview; some were: When did you first discover
your liking for tattoos?, What or who influenced you to resort to tattooing? Data from the
interview was recorded using a voice recorder.
Procedures
Respondents signed a consent form prior to participating in the study. The form contains
the researchers assurance for the confidentiality of every information she may get from the
respondents and their right to drop out of the study anytime they wish to.
After all forms have been signed and all instructions given, the researcher established
rapport with the respondents in the first session. When a comfortable rapport had been
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established, the researcher went on with the interview on their second meeting. The researcher
interviewed the respondents by group. Accompanied by her sibling and parents, the researcher
visited the respondents four times: for rapport-building, the second meeting was for the interview
and the third and fourth meetings were for follow-up questions and lastly, after the interview, the
researcher then expressed her gratitude by way of giving a simple token of appreciation to the
respondents.
Data Analysis
After collecting all pertinent information and inputs from the respondents, the researcher
categorized every answer according to its theme in order to distinguish similarities and
differences. The researcher also highlighted common and repeated answers of the respondents.
Having all answers for every question categorized and segregated, the researcher gave her views
and opinion to answer better the research questions of the subject matter.
The study focused on the three main research questions which are intended to be
answered. These are: (1) What are the experiences of tattoo enthusiasts who go through tattooing
for the first time or multiple times? (2) What are the experiences of tattoo enthusiasts in dealing
with public perception on tattoos? and (3) What are the activities and behaviour of tattoo
enthusiasts who grouped together? All data and information gathered were segregated in a
thematic way so that it will be a lot easier to distinguish the similarities, differences as well as
the answers that stood out among the rest.
The Participants
Five tattoo enthusiasts who belong in the same circle of friends participated in the study.
All were boys and each of them has two or more tattoos visible in civilian attire.
Respondent A is a 21 year old HRM graduate who is currently unemployed. He belongs
in an average family where his needs are always met and for some luck, as well as his wants.
Respondent B never met his father. He was two years old when his father died. His mother is in
Japan. He is 30 years old now, still single and has his own business and seldom worries
financially. Respondent C is a family-oriented person. He is currently employed and had a
background of work experience in call centers. He is 26 years old. Respondent D is 25 years old
and has a girlfriend and will soon become a father. His line of work is also in call centers but is
currently unemployed. Respondent E is 26 years old and is self-employed. He owns three cars
which are available for rental and that is how he provides for his family. Though the respondents
might have different familial backgrounds and character uniqueness, they are all the same when
it comes to being enthusiasts of tattoos.
Experiences of tattoo enthusiasts who go through tattooing for the first time or multiple
times
The experiences of tattoo enthusiasts who go through tattooing for the first time or
multiple times were segregated on tattoo enthusiasts perceptions on tattoos as well as their
discovery for the love of it. Experiences before and after were found as well as the downsides
while obtaining one.
Tattoo enthusiasts perceptions on tattoos
Before asking their experiences of tattooing, respondents were asked to share how they
define a tattoo.Syempre art naman talaga siya eh. Dun talaga siya nagsimula eh. Tsaka parang
sa iba alahas ganun, samin tattoo, parang ganun, - Respondent C. In agreement to his answer,
Respondent D said, Para sakin, ang tattoo is yun art, body art. Tapos para rin yung mga gusto
mong klaseng art imbis nakikita mo lang nasa bahay mo pinipainting, so sa katawan mo na lang
ilalagay. Yung iba meaningful iba iba naman kasi eh. For the respondents, tattooing is one of
the many ways on how they communicate their thoughts and feelings. It is their own way of
showing and telling people about the colorful ink branded on their skins. For them, tattoos have
their own meanings just like any other art. Leo Tolstoy, a great philosopher defined art as the
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infectious communication of feelings. Having said that, two studies support the researchers
findings. Wymann and Doss & Hubbard claimed that tattooing is a medium of communication
and that tattoos appear to be communicative (Wymann, 2010; Doss & Hubbard, 2009).
Discovery of Love for Tattoos
When it comes to the discovery of the love for tattoos, respondents shared different
instances and experiences but there is one thing that appeared to be common among all the
answers. The respondents discovered their love for tattoos through the people they interact with
as well as the people they idolize. Last year ko lang siya natuklasan na gusto ko
magpatattoo...Actually wala naman talagang nag-influence sakin magpatattoo. Kung baga nacurious lang ako kasi lahat ng kaibigan ko may tattoo...Hanggang sa yun nagpatattoo ako
nahiligan ko na rin siya at natutunan ko na kung ano talaga ibig sabihin ng tattoo, Respondent A. While others discovered it when they were still kids and one of them is
Respondent B, Bata pa ko. Kasi, hindi may isip na pala ko! Kasi sa mga banda, yun...Actually
mga idol ko na banda. Mga nakikita ko. Supporting the findings, a study made by Lane stated
that tattooing is a social behaviour (Lane, 2014). Moreover, tattooing is a result of imitating like
how people imitate actors, models, musicians and idolized athletes (Kosut, 2006).
Experiences Before and After Tattooing
Respondents were able to describe themselves before they had their tattoos and this time,
they now shared their feelings and thoughts before the actual procedure of their first tattoo.
Respondent A shared,Syempre kabado! Syempre naririnig ko na nga masakit daw e kaya
kasama na yung kaba dun tasExcited rin kasi ako syempre first time sabi ko nga kung kaya
nila edi ako din. Fear and excitement were the consistent feelings of the respondents before
acquiring their first tattoo.
Changes were reported after their first tattoo. Respondent B said, Parang medyo naging
maangas eh. Pero hindi naman maangas parang naging confident na ewan. Whereas
Respondent C claimed, When I had my first tattoo, I felt proud of course because that was my
first. My friends also say na Uy may tattoo ka na...Astig pero syempre proud ako kasi gusto ko
talaga yun eh.
Now that the thoughts and feelings of the respondents before their first tattoo were
shared, questions shifted to their experiences during repeated procedures of the rest of their
tattoos. Respondent B said Ganun pa rin kinakabahan pa rin ako seryoso...Gusto ko na makita
yun resulta agad kung maganda ba...Yung sakit di magbabago e masakit lagi. After obtaining
multiple tattoos, the respondents reported more on the changes on how they evaluate their
physical appearance. Respondent A said, Kasi parang yun nga mas pogi kang tignan mas
attractive. Totoo naman kasi e may mga babaeng mas naattract sila pag may tattoo ka.
It appeared that fear and excitement are always present before the procedure and it does
not matter whether it is your first time or not. As for their self-appraisal, changes were reported
for both first time and multiple times of acquiring a tattoo which appears to be consistent with
Muns work claiming that the act of obtaining tattoos resulted in a change in how participants
viewed themselves and their behavior (Mun et al 2012). For both experiences during the first
time of obtaining tattoo and multiple tattoos, there were no regrets for the respondents.
Downsides while Obtaining a Tattoo
The pain of tattooing is usually something non-tattooed people wanted to know. All
respondents do admit that they really went under pain because of tattooing. Respondent B said
...Sobrang naiiyak na ko sa sobrang sakit nagdudugo na yung dito ko. Now that it has become
clear that tattooing is indeed a painful procedure, that is why they were asked why they still
continue doing it. Respondent C said Masakitworth it yung pain kasi after mo makita yung
tattoo mo dun mo marerealize na oy kahit ang sakit pero ang ganda pala nung kinalabasan so
worth it siya. Relative to the researchers findings, a study in 2006 claimed that tattooed
individuals find pain as an important factor to the practice of tattooing (Siorat, 2006). Now, it has
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become clear through the respondents answers that the pains importance is because of the
beautiful results of their tattoos. For them, pain is what makes tattooing worth it.
Next to pain experienced because of tattooing is the procedures safety. Only Respondent
C claimed that it is not safe, Hindi siya safe kung magpapatattoo ka sa artist na hindi naman
kilala tsaka yung sa mga tropa tropa lang na tattoo hindi siya safe...pero kung sa artist talaga na
may bayad yun kasi yung natutunan ko eh wag ka manghihinayang sa ibabayad mo pagdating sa
tattoo kasi permanent to eh. The rest of the respondents said that it is indeed safe.The
respondents may have different answers regarding the safety of tattooing but the source of their
knowledge about the matter appears to be the same. It appears that the respondents knowledge
about the safety of tattooing is from their own experiences and their own discretion. Consistent
with the researchers findings, Vanston and Scott (2008) claimed that medical issues involved,
although under the awareness of the pain, is sometimes not afforded to individuals acquiring
tattoos or those who already have it.
Experiences of tattoo enthusiasts in dealing with public perception on tattoos
The experiences of tattoo enthusiasts in dealing with public perception on tattoos came
up with three issues mainly the familial issues, community related struggles of having a tattoo
and work related struggles of having a tattoo.
Familial Issues
Respondent A said, Di ko sinabi sa magulang ko kumbaga nung nakita na lang nila
wala na rin silang magagawa syempre nakatattoo na. Most of the respondents had a hard time
asking for their parents approval about tattooing. The researchers findings appear to be
consistent with a study in 2006 claiming that only a few tattooed people consulted their parents
before the procedure (Benjamin et al, 2006). The current study however, found the reason why.
When asked why they think their parents would not agree about their decision on getting a tattoo,
Respondent A said, Kasi pag kinonsult ko alam ko mag aaway lang kayo. Magtatalo. The
respondents have different answers but everything boils down into the same explanation that
tattooed people find parental consent very hard because they do believe that for their parents,
tattooing is not good for anyones image. It has also become clear that a tattoos definition may
not be the same like how the respondents of the study see it as an art. Only Respondent C
consulted his parents but only for the sole purpose of respect,respeto pa rin pero kahit di sila
pumayag magpapatattoo pa rin ako.
Community Related Struggles of having a Tattoo
All the respondents were asked how they think people see them now that they have
multiple tattoos. Respondent C stated ...iba iba naman yung tao e iba iba sila ng gusto yung iba
nagugustuhan nila nagagandahan sila yung iba naman hindi. The respondents shared their
experiences about how people see them and results show that there are different perceptions and
feelings of other people towards them. Supporting the researchers findings, there are possible
impacts of tattoos on person perception (Resenhoeft et al, 2008). Furthermore, respondents have
experienced being looked at as criminals. Respondent D shared Para sakin yung iba ang tingin
nila nakakatakot ka na parang iniisip nila galing kang preso. Consistent with the claims of the
respondents, a study concluded that compared to non tattooed male individuals, tattooed males
are seen more dominant and more aggressive by other people (Wohlrab et al, 2009).
Work Related Struggles of having a Tattoo
Aside from being seen as different from their non-tattooed counterparts, these tattooed
individuals shared another struggle of having a tattoo when it comes to looking for a job.
Respondent A said Kasi syempre bawal ka sa mga simpleng trabaho bawal ka magcrew sa mga
restaurants yung may mga tattoo pwede katulad nga niyan sa mga American companies lang din
siya tinatanggap...sa other country kahit may tattoo ka sa mukha kahit anong itsura mo basta
kaya mo yung trabaho mo kahit may tattoo ka pwede ka parang ganun. Respondent D took it
further by sharing how Filipinos discriminate people like him, Marami lalo na sa mga yan
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kumpanya pag may tattoo ka minsan bawal na hindi nila tinitignan yung skills. Dito sa Pilipinas
ah...Dito, tinitignan nila yung pisikal mong itsura bago yung skills mo kaya yun yung
nakakadiscriminate sa mga company dito sa Pilipinas. A study appears to be consistent with
the researchers findings claiming that credibility ratings were generally lower when wearing a
tattoo than when not wearing one (Seiter & Hatch, 2005). All the respondents except Respondent
C experienced having a hard time looking for jobs. He said that looking for a job was never a
problem because being a call center agent is what he wants anyway. The nature of his job is to
answer calls where clients cannot see him at all. These findings are supported by a study
claiming that the extent of employer prejudice is mitigated by the proximity of the role to
customers (Timming, 2014).
Activities and behaviour of tattoo enthusiasts who grouped together
The studys last objective is to describe the behaviour and activities of these people who
grouped together and answers from the participants were very striking.
Describing the Group
According to the respondents, their group contributes to their development as an
individual. For them it is not always about joy and hanging out. Respondent A said ...sa bawat
kaibigan mo may natututunan ka syempre may kanya kanya kayong experience. Respondent C
also mentioned how they help one another stating that, Nabu-boost nila ko lalo. Nagtutulungan
naman kami eh kumbaga oy pre apply tayo dito. Halimbawa yung isang tropa namin walang
work, nagtutulungan kami pre dito papasok kita mga ganyan. From the feelings and thoughts
they have shared, it also shows that they learn new things and go through different experiences
because of the group. They have also experienced seeking for help from the members and in
return, accept the help without second thoughts. The group understands them more than anybody
else and consistent with a study, tattooed individuals feel an immediate social bond to other
people with tattoos (Kjeldgaard & Bengtsson, 2005).
Performance and Behavior in School
Respondents were asked to share how they performed as students. Respondent A said
ako masasabi ko di naman sobrang galing. Obvious ba? Pero di naman din ako b*bo. Minsan
di naman naiiwasan may babagsak ka pero nababawi naman din parang ganun lang. Pero di
ako nagrepeater. Respondent C had a different experience. He should have been a repeater
because of family matters but his father did something that made him pass the subject, Results
show that the respondents did not aspire to excel in school. They are content with just-passinggrades and are more focused on finishing school the sooner rather than finish it with flying
colours. Findings are consistent with Dukes & Steins in 2014 claiming that tattooed respondents
reported the lowest school attitudes and educational aspirations (Dukes & Stein, 2014). Aside
from their academic performance, the respondents conducts in school were also shared. During
their school days, most of the respondents were involved in brawls. Respondent A said Di
naman ata maiiwasan yun...Tsaka away bata lang. nung lumaki nako di nako masyado pero
palaban ako alam naman nila yun. Walang kakanti kay (name) the warrior.
Activities of the Group
After sharing their experiences in school, the respondents were asked to share if they are
still involved in brawls today. All of the respondents except Respondents 2 and 5 claimed that
they had been. Respondent A said, Pag nasa mga bar ganyan may kasama kayo
babaetitignan lalapitan babastusin ng iba syempre diba nakakabastos kasama namin yun e.
The respondents also shared something about drug usage. All respondents except Respondent E
claimed that they have tried marijuana. They said that it is far different from real drugs.
Respondent A said, Drugs ba chongki? Ako oo chongki inaamin ko pero di naman ata drugs
yun iba naman yun herbal nga e Their drug usage according to them is far different from other
drugs like shabu thats why they prefer this kind of substance.
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They also admit that their group is fond of drinking most of the time. Respondent E said
Kasi dun namin mas naano yung sarili namin sa pag-inom namin. Tapos siguro yun sa pag
COC (Clash of Clans). The researchers findings regarding the activities of the group were
consistent with Yens study in 2011 claiming that tattooing was found to be associated with
delinquency such as physical violence, weekly alcohol consumption, and drug abuse (Yen et al,
2011). Though most of the activities of the group appear to be delinquent, they have also shared
something positive and productive. The group decided to quit smoking and use vape instead.
They are also inclined in physical activities like basketball and lifting weights.
Describing Tattoo Parlors
Respondents were asked to define tattoo parlors and their experiences form it.
Respondent C said Scary. Depende kung sosyal yung pupuntahan mong shop. From the
answers, what is common is the chance to meet new people from the said place. According to
them you can share your insights regarding tattoos from the designs and its meanings. You also
get to have more friends who understands your passion and interest. The researchers findings
came out consistent with a study in 2013 claiming that tattoo parlors have become a new home
for tattoo enthusiasts (Silversides, 2013). Home is where you feel most welcome and accepted.
They have experienced discrimination and different kinds of perceptions from other people but
tattoo parlors for them are the only place where they need not to worry about who they are.
It is, therefore, concluded that tattoo enthusiasts believe that if some arts are hung and
painted, they would rather have it on their skins much like jewelries. It is their own way of selfexpression and it is a way for them to communicate their thoughts and feelings. As for the
thoughts and feelings for the first time they acquired a tattoo and the multiple times they
obtained it, fear and excitement were always present. Before tattooing, these tattoo enthusiasts
see themselves as normal people; more innocent and more clean. But after tattooing, it brought
changes within themselves specifically the feeling of being proud for the first time of obtaining a
tattoo. For the multiple times, changes on how the participants evaluate their physical appearance
were present. They said they felt more attractive and more handsome. The study also concludes
that pain is important for tattoo enthusiasts during the procedure because that is what makes
tattooing and its beauty worth it. The study has also found that medical issues are not afforded to
tattoo enthusiasts. Its safety is in their own discretion and observation. Tattoo enthusiasts have
experienced discrimination from the public and would often be looked at as criminals and
fearsome individuals. Moreover, the study concludes that tattooed people do experience a tough
time looking for jobs they like and would rather prefer being call center agents where tattoos are
not an issue. They also pushed through in managing their own businesses instead. However,
there were no regrets for the respondents with regard to their tattoo acquisition. As for the
groups activities and behavior, the study concludes that tattooed people have tendencies not to
perform well in school. They did not aspire to excel as students and finish their studies with
flying colors. They are also involved in delinquent activities like being involved in brawls, too
much alcohol consumption and usage of an illegal drug called marijuana. However, it is found
that there are also productive activities that the group share together like being inclined to
various sports as well as vaping which is a healthier alternative to smoking. The study has found
that people who grouped together because of their common liking for multiple tattoos did as such
because they share the same passion.
With the use of the current study, the inner thoughts and feelings of tattoo enthusiasts
were shared in a manner that readers or the public in general may find as an eye opener. The
study may serve as a tool which can be used by the community and the public in general to find
ways in reaching out to tattoo enthusiasts and make an effort to understand them more.
For future researchers, it is highly recommended to interview various groups of tattooed
people because a single group does not necessarily represent all groups. Future studies also have
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to take into consideration the generation where the participants grew up in because answers may
vary in the future depending on the nature of their environment. It is also recommended for
future studies to get opinion from the public including both men and women to justify if the
claims of tattoo enthusiasts were accurate. Doing so, tattoo enthusiasts may also be
knowledgeable whether their claims are true or not regarding public perception on them.
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Experiences, Perceptions, and Discrimination among Bisexuals

Ocampo, Kristel Anne
ABSTRACT
This study explored the experiences of bisexuals regarding their lives as a bisexual, the concept
of their gender identity on how they see themselves, and discrimination experiences.
Qualitative design was used. Using purposive sampling, ten participants (five male bisexuals
and five female bisexuals) were interviewed using a self-made questionnaire. Experiences were
thematically analyzed and divided into two groups which are the positive side that refers to the
acceptance from their family and friends and the negative side which is the judgments towards
them. These experiences urged them to cope up easily, become open-minded, and understanding
of the judgments from our society. Despite of being different from others in terms of gender,
relationship, characteristics, and such, they still feel normal and act normal similar to the
straight people. For the discrimination experiences, half of the respondents said that they
received insults from their friends and were not accepted because of the belief of their family.
Respondents insights imply that these experiences did not make them weak, nor of getting
stressed, instead, they took it as a challenge to be a better person with a positive outlook.
Keywords: Bisexuals, Experiences, Perceptions, Discrimination, Acceptance, Family,
Friends
Bisexual is someone who is sexually attracted to people of the both gendersopposite
and same sex, (Harris & Emberley, 2011). However, bisexuals blend into the straight cultures
and may be fit into different categories of LGBT such as Gay and Lesbian. Bisexuality is a
temporary stage of denial or transition, a stable "3rd type" of sexual orientation. (Diamond,
2008).
The lesbian, gay, bisexuals and transgender (LGBT) community in the Philippines have
always make a stand for the equality and respect from our society. The 2011 Philippine National
LGBT Conference official statement said that despite the growing tolerance towards LGBT
people, acceptance is still yet to be achieved. LGBT persons in the Philippines still face violence
and discrimination from the family, from civil society organizations, from medical and health
institutions, in schools, in employment and from the government. According to (Ochs, 2005)
studies have shown that bisexuals lead a life in which they sometimes suffer from social isolation
and their lifestyle is affected. They lack any specific community accepting them, even lesbian
and gay communities have their pattern of life and socially accepted communities. This is
because today, cultural forces generally acknowledge a person as homosexual or heterosexual
and bisexuals do not fit in either category. However, besides their bisexual feelings, they
generally strive to live a normal life with similar lifestyles of a heterosexual, gay, or lesbian.
Bisexuality raises the issue regarding validity of sexual categories and encourages acceptance of
the diversified range of sexuality. Bisexual people believe and focus on initiating and developing
a relationship with both man and a woman.
Along with the problems arising from being labeled as "gay, bisexual people need to
find the recognition that they are neither gay nor straight. It's this middle ground between
heterosexuality and homosexuality that is difficult for bisexuals to reach and for the nonbisexuals to comprehend and acknowledge. "Development of a bisexual identity involves the
need to come to terms with, and accept, both the heterosexual and homosexual aspects of one's
feelings, attractions, and desires. Further, it requires the ability to integrate homosexually and
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heterosexually oriented aspects of self into a cohesive sexual orientation, which can then be
experienced as a congruent, affirmative aspect of one's self-concept.
The main purpose of this study is to explore the experiences, perceptions and
discrimination of the respondents. To attain the said main purpose of this research, the study
would like to answer the following questions (1) what are the experiences of the respondents in
terms of: a.) Coming out, b.) Judgment from their family or friends, c.) Feelings regarding with
sexual preference (2) what is their perception about oneself? and (3) what are their
discrimination experiences?
Bisexuals
Franke & Leary (2004) focused on the individual's self-acceptance of bisexuals sexual
orientation, in openness than the degree to which they accepted their own sexuality. Previous
research has indicated that social support and social networks are a major factor in determining
whether or not a bisexual individual has accepted their identity. Moreover, according to (Bronn,
2004) bisexual self-identity and behavior images reflect change and variation within the bisexual
orientation. Other research has indicated bisexuals are in a constant state of confusion concerning
their identity. In addition, the way in which bisexual individuals manage and deal with the
stigma they receive from the greater outside community and society as a whole is explored
(Knous, 2006). Coming out is marked as one of the crucial steps in developing a healthy sexual
identity. In these discourses, coming out is positioned as `good' as it enables the healthy
development of sexual identity, while non-disclosure is positioned as `bad (Mclean, 2007).
Study about cultural attitudes to bisexuality that have made an impact on their identity
development; self-reliance, openness and enrichment were enhanced for these bisexuals
conducted by (Bradford, 2008). Bisexuals have experiences that make them unique as a group.
Thus, it would seem reasonable to have a model of identity development for this group (Brown,
2008). A study was made about Bisexual women who were perceived less different by
heterosexual women from themselves than to their lesbian friends. Thus, comparison with
lesbian-heterosexual friendships gave them understanding how bisexual friendship is unique
(Galupo, Sailer, & John, 2008). Research by (Stotzer, 2009) has focused on the development of
positive attitudes toward the LGB community amongst heterosexuals despite evidence
demonstrating increasing levels of acceptance for sexual orientation minorities results showed
experiences of empathy based on an LGB peers struggles and successes, or resistance to hatred
expressed by those with negative attitudes. Lastly, Bisexuals who were less open with their
sexual orientation experienced less minority stress; bisexuals who were more open with their
sexual orientation experienced more conflict that led to stress (Robin, Valerian, Debra, Suzanna,
& James, 2009).
Family
The role of family acceptance as a protective factor for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender (LGBT) adolescents and young adults has not been established. Findings suggests
that family acceptance predicts greater self-esteem, social support, and general health status; it
also protects against depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideation and behaviors (Ryan,
2010). A study about the main effect of family support/acceptance of gay identity is related to
the process of disclosure, and that both general family support and family acceptance of samegender orientation play a significant role in the psychological adjustment of gay men (Elizur &
Ziv, 2004). The same social psychological variables appear to underlie both males and females
attitudes toward both gay men and lesbians: religiosity, adherence to traditional ideologies of
family and gender, perception of friends agreement with one's own attitudes, and past
interactions with lesbians and gay men (Herek, 2011). A study were made about conservatives
were defending heterosexual family values and attacking homosexuals as the major threat to
traditional family values; most often reduced to the issue of defending or attacking the
normality of homosexuals, and failed to address the diversity of sexual and gender minorities,
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their specific human rights, and their need of protection as vulnerable and discriminated
minorities (Piki, Aleksandra, Jugovi and Bokan, 2006).
Discrimination
Discrimination and victimization standpoints among LGBT pride was approximately
reported almost 60% of the respondents experienced insults or threats. (Jimena, 2010).
Moreover, men reported experiencing anti-gay verbal harassment and discrimination in the
previous 6 months Findings suggest that absent policies preventing anti-gay mistreatment,
empowerment and community-building programs are needed for young gay/bisexual men to both
create safe social settings and help them cope with the psychological effects of these events
(Huebner, 2004). Although the pervasiveness of heterosexism in the lives of gay and bisexual
youth is well established, little is known about the strategies these youth use to cope with stigma
and discrimination based on their sexual minority status. The narratives from the current study
suggest that the emotion regulation paradigm is well suited to understanding the functions of
strategies for coping with heterosexism and similar types of stigma (Mcdavitt, 2008). A study of
(Willoughby, Doty, & Malik, 2010) was about the victimization and family rejection of sexual
orientation that are said to be the two salient stressors facing gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB)
young people.
Synthesis
Previous research relating to the experiences of bisexuals stated that Bisexuals have
experiences that make them unique as a group (Brown, 2008). Moreover, according to Mclean
(2007) coming out is positioned good as it enables the healthy development of sexuality. Other
research includes the impact of the attitudes of their family or friends regarding with their selfacceptance. An author suggests that some of the discriminations experienced by LGBT people
were insults or threats (Jimena, 2010). These kind of situations experienced by LGBT people led
for having a poor mental health compared to the heterosexual individuals. On a positive side,
studies suggest that stronger self-esteem is predicted by having greater sense of social support
and less internal conflict over ones sexual orientation (Ryan, 2010). Family support plays a
significant role of an LGBT individual for concerning equality and acceptance (Elizur & Ziv,
2004).
The purpose of this study is to determine the experiences of bisexuals regarding their
sexuality, perception about oneself and their experiences in discrimination. Moreover, this study
aims to know the standing of the bisexuals in our community today and their perception of their
situation being associated with the third sex. Also, all the studies that was made focused on a
group, this time the researcher will only be focusing on individuals, which is on the bisexuals
itself.
Furthermore, the research explores these following questions; (1) what are their
experiences being a bisexual? (2) how do bisexual people perceive their situation regarding with
their sexuality and how are they dealing with it? (3) does bisexuals today ever experience
discrimination? And if so, what kind of discrimination and how does it affect them?
Method
Research Design
Qualitative research design was used; a systematic subjective approach used to describe
life experiences and give them meaning; for the researcher to be able to gain insights, explore the
depth and richness for the given topic (Burns & Grove, 2003). It is useful for obtaining insight
into situations and problems concerning which one may have knowledge. This method is
commonly used for providing beliefs and knowledge related to sexuality, or for exploring the
opinions of respondents about particular issues.
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A total of ten college students, 5 females and 5 males from different universities, 18-22
years old, and have experienced relationship on both sex are qualified as bisexuals. The selfidentified bisexuals are selected by purposive sampling in which decisions concerning the
individuals to be included in the sample are taken by the researcher, based upon a variety of
criteria which may include knowledge of the research issue, or capacity and willingness to
participate in the research.
Instruments
The instrument used in this study was a semi-structured interview that consists of 10
items with the opportunity for the researcher to explore particular themes or responses further.
The interview allows the researcher to identify potential source information in a manner that
will bring out relevant information from its respondent. In addition to that, the researcher
prepared a self-made questionnaire and follow-up questions that may be brought up during the
interview where the participants are free to answer any response. The researcher used a recorder
for the gathering of data.
Procedure
The researcher started the interview on the second week of June 2015. The researcher
contacted and met each of the participants for the interview. The researcher established first its
legitimacy by showing some identification, moreover, the researcher gained the participants
cooperation and then proceeded to the importance of the research. The interview consisted of a
self-made questionnaire, having questions formulated based on the objectives of this research.
The interview had gathered data about their experiences as a bisexual, perception about their
sexuality and discrimination experiences. The researcher then used recorder for the gathering of
information. The researcher interviewed the participants individually and thank them afterwards.
The gathered data were kept confidential and organized.
Data Analysis
Thematic analysis was used, as a means to gain insight and knowledge from the gathered
data (Howitt & Cramer, 2007), after all the data was gathered the researchers grouped the results
as a theme. A theme captures something important about the data in relation to the research
question and represents some level of patterned response or meaning within the data set (Braun
& Clarke, 2006).
The results of this study were thematically analyzed and focused on the respondents
experiences regarding their sexuality, their perception about oneself or on how they see
themselves, and their discrimination experiences in todays generation. The objectives of this
study in relating to the research questions are; to know their experiences in terms of their coming
out, judgment from their family or friends and physical changes, to know their thoughts,
concepts about oneself, to know their feelings being bisexual, and to know their discrimination
experiences if there's any. 10 bisexual students were interviewed.
The Respondents
The researcher interviewed 10 bisexuals college students from different universities.
Participant 1 is 21 years old, lives in Sampaloc, Manila, discovered himself as a bisexual when
he was in second year high school. Participant 2 is 19 years old, lives in Tondo, Manila,
discovered herself as a bisexual 2 years ago. Participant 3 is 19 years old, lives in Putatan,
Muntinlupa City, discovered himself as a bisexual when he entered college. Participant 4 is 19
years old, lives in Putatan, Muntinlupa City, discovered himself as a bisexual when he was in
third year high school. Participant 5 is 19 years old, lives in Paraaque, discovered herself as a
bisexual since first year. Participant 6 is 20 years old, lives in Ayala, Alabang, discovered herself
as a bisexual since grade. Participant 7 is 18 years old, lives in Bacoor, Cavite, discovered
himself as a bisexual when he was in third year high school. Participant 8 is 19 years old, lives in
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Poblacion, Muntinlupa, discovered herself as a bisexual as she entered college. Participant 9 is

22 years old, lives in San Pedro, Laguna, and was not discriminated. Participant 10 is 18 years
old, lives in Muntinlupa City, discovered himself as a bisexual last two years ago.
What are their experiences as a Bisexual?
The participants mentioned their experiences on their life as a bisexual including their
good and bad experiences.
Positive Experiences
Life as a bisexual wasnt that easy to find true friends wholl accept and support you of
what youve chosen to be, however, based on their responses. Some of them stated that being
bisexuals gave them more friends and met new people same as their sexuality. In support to that,
Nung naging BI ako diba nasali ako sa group na BI din tas nagkaroon ako ng mga kaibigan
don parang para sakin mas masaya sila kasama kaysa dun sa mga natural lang kasi ano eh
madami akong nashi-share sakanila madami din silang nashi-share sakin, - Participant 2. As
related to the research of Stotzer (2009) that has focused on the development of positive attitudes
toward the LGB community amongst heterosexuals, despite evidence demonstrating increasing
levels of acceptance for sexual orientation minorities results showed experiences of empathy
based on an LGB peers struggles and successes, or resistance to hatred expressed by those with
negative attitudes.
Coping skills
There could also have a good effects of being true to yourself and who you wanted to be
as Participant 5 said that she can handle things and understand better than her usual self, ...Perks
of being bisexual is that you can handle things and understand way better than your usual self.
Participant 6 said that it would be good to discover who you really are , ...It would have to be
discovering yourself in all aspects. Finding out if its a phase or thats what you really are.
Loving two genders is a good thing for Participant 7, One good thing about being a bisexual is
being able to love more people. Being able to love two genders which is not common to
everyone. Coming out is marked as one of the crucial steps in developing a healthy sexual
identity. In these discourses, coming out is positioned as `good' as it enables the healthy
development of sexual identity, while non-disclosure is positioned as `bad (Mclean, 2007).
Furthermore, being open minded is the willingness to accept or receive any thoughts or
opinions about a particular facet. Participants 3, 4, and 8 mentioned that they begin to become
more open minded into having a relationship with same gender and a better understanding of the
Bisexuals life. Participant 4 explained further, Good side parang mas naging malawak yung
pag iisip ko parang nagkaroon ako ng different perspective parang yun kung baga parang mas
na ano ko na parang mas naging malawak yung pag iisip ko, pananaw ko, pagunawa ko sa lahat
ng uri ng tao ayun. In relation to the study about cultural attitudes to bisexuality that have made
an impact on their identity development, self-reliance, openness and enrichment were enhanced
for these bisexuals conducted, (Bradford, 2008).
Confused
Being confused is hard especially when it comes to distinguishing your true self like
Participant 5s experience. She shared that it makes her confused and hurt by also being
discriminated. The bad side about it is that it makes you confused and it hurts you when you are
being discriminated. It is related to the study of Knous (2006) other research has indicated that
bisexuals are in a constant state of confusion concerning their identity.
Societys Judgment
Societys judgment is one of the many reasons of some people expect you to be, such as
the responses mentioned by the participants. Participant 1 said that you cannot avoid some
people talk about you, Pag uusapan ka talaga depende kung ano ka ba, kung anong katayuan
mo sa buhay, at kung anong itsura mo, kung either pangit ka paguusapan ka kasi pangit ka, kung
95
gwapo ka ikakahiya ka. Participant 4 said that he must limit his actions because not everyone is
gonna accept him. You cant tell the world about you parang ganun and sometimes yun nga
nadi-discriminate ka you feel different and parang may limit ka lagi sa galaw mo hindi parang
required pero kasi alam mo sa sarili mo na not everyone are gonna accept you. Participant 7
mentioned that society wont fully understand their situation. The bad side of it is, society will
not fully understand what you're going through. That what you are right now is not your
choice. Lastly Participant 8 said that it is also cannot be avoided to be judge by her choice of
who she wanted to be. Sa bad naman ano parang nag iba yung tingin sakin ng mga friends ko
hindi naman sa di nila ko accepted pero feeling ko lang nagiba ganon and sa society syempre di
maiwasang ijudge ka, pero all in all masaya naman ako for what I chose to be. A study suggest
that the emotion regulation paradigm is well suited to understanding the functions of strategies
for coping with heterosexism and similar types of stigma, these youth use strategies to cope with
stigma and discrimination based on their sexual minority status (Mcdavitt, 2008).
Familys reaction
Family consists of people who accepts and support your decisions no matter what, but
sometimes they cannot be avoided to be hindrance of your some decisions like Participant 2 said
that at first her family thought that they didnt raised their child right because of her choice, but
eventually they accept her because thats what she really wanted to be, Nung unang nalaman
nila parang hindi ano marami pa sila nasasabi sakin na masama na yung pagpapalaki daw ba
nila nagkamali daw ba sila sa pag papaalala sakin tas daw bakit daw ako parang naging
abnormal ganon ganon pero nung pagdating din naman nung mas tumatagal wala na rin
sakanila ayun lang yung ano nun yung minsang iniyak ko non nung una talaga. While for
Participant 6, My family is against my relationship with a girl. Related to the research made by
Ryan, C. (2010) that family acceptance has truly not yet been established among LGBT
community that could be their great protector against depression and such impacts of
discrimination. And a study made about conservatives were defending heterosexual family
values and attacking homosexuals as the major threat to traditional family values; most often
reduced to the issue of defending or attacking the normality of homosexuals, and failed to
address the diversity of sexual and gender minorities, their specific human rights, and their need
of protection as vulnerable and discriminated minorities (Piki, Aleksandra, Jugovi and Bokan,
2006).
Feeling Different
Having a unique identity could be one of the reasons why some people feel isolated into a
group or society just like some of the participants. They shared that they feel different because of
knowing that they have their own world. They believe that they cannot fit into our society for
being a Bisexual. Participant 3 said, Feeling ko iba ako dun when dealing with some straight
guys kasi di ko minsan malabas kung ano talaga ko kung ano yung dapat kong ikilos, igalaw
para sakanila feeling ko minsan di ako belong sakanila kasi may mga topic sila na parang
masyado ng parang di na ko maka-relate sa pinag uusapan nila minsan ganon. In relation to
the study of Brown (2008), bisexuals have experiences that make them unique as a group. Thus,
it would seem reasonable to have a model of identity development for this group.
Self-Acceptance
Acceptance is one of the key for being true to yourself and to others such as Participant 7
who said that he just accepted who he is and that we just have to deal with each other. I just
accepted the fact na ganito na ako. It's not a crime tho. Just coexist with each other. (Franke &
Leary, 2004) focused on the individual's self-acceptance of bisexuals sexual orientation, in
openness than the degree to which they accepted their own sexuality.
96
Rejection
Rejection is one of the worst feeling you might experience in your life especially when it
comes to the choices you have chosen of who you want to be. Like Participant 4 said that
sometimes he feel that his family wont accept him because of their bad perceptions towards
Bisexuals that made feel rejected and insulted. ...kunyari may mga napapanood na mga BI
related shows or ganyan ano parang minsan feel ko di nila ko tanggap kasi yung mga comments
na naririnig ko from them na though hindi naman para sakin para dun sa ibang BI yun na
parang feeling ko ano hindi nila tanggap parang ang sama ng image pag ganun ka for them
kaya parang minsan naiinsulto ko. According to Willoughby, Doty, & Malik (2010),
victimization and family rejection of sexual orientation are two salient stressors facing gay,
lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) young people.
Feeling Indifferent
Some of the participants did not feel different at all because of their friends who also
happen to be specified as third sex and act along as well as socialize in a normal way. Participant
4 shared, Normal lang normal na kung pano ko makisama sa BI ganun din ako makisama sa
straight people. and Participant 9, Ganun pa din naman. Kung pano ako nung straight ako,
ganun padin ako ngayon. No, I dont feel different at all. I feel normal lang just like before. In
the perspective of Bradford (2008) cultural attitudes toward bisexuality affects their sexual
identity development; also, their openness affects their self-concept in forming and maintaining
their bisexual identity.
Discreet
Participant 3 & 10 mentioned that they see themselves as discreet and acts in a straight
way to other people. They are not likely to act or show themselves towards other people the way
they wanted to. Participant 3 said, Kapag kasama ko mga closest friends ko dun lumalabas ako
yung the real me pero pag sa iba I act ng straight the way na lalaki ganon kung alam kong dun
sila makaka-relate ng pagkilos ko pag galaw ko. and for Participant 10, discreet and formal
one. In relation to the study about bisexuals who were less open with their sexual orientation
experienced less minority stress; bisexuals who were more open with their sexual orientation
experienced more conflict that led to stress (Robin, Valerian, Debra, Suzanna, & James, 2009).
What is their perception about oneself?
Perceptions Of Bisexual
Participants had the same sexual preference but have different perceptions in being a
bisexual. Participant 1 answered that in his deepest darkest side he asked God on why he got to
be like that but eventually he accepted himself and had no regrets and by just being happy with
it, ...Minsan I tell God why me bakit ako pa sa dinami namang pwedeng maging bisexual bakit
ako why Im one of them pero its okay wala naman ako I have no regrets with that and Im
happy with it. Most of the participants see themselves as a normal person and its only the way
they are attracted to male and female that has changed. Participant 2 shared, Feeling ko naman
walang pinagkaiba sakin nung hindi pa ko BI sa nung BI ako eh normal pa rin lahat sa lahat
pati pananamit siguro dun lang sa na-feel ko nung meron akong nakilala ganun lang,
Participant 3 answered that being flexible helps him to easily communicate and socialize to both
sex., Bilang isang bisexual nakaka-adapt ako sa society being flexible the way na makikipagcommunicate ako sa girls, sa mga straight guys pakikipag socialize sakanila. Participant 5 was
way more comfortable around girls, When I started realizing that I like girls and I'm comfier
around girls, while Participant 7 said he sees himself as normal given that hes not showy,
Paminta overload (jokes) Basta normal, hindi naman ako showy. In relevance of the study
made by Galupo, Sailer, & John (2008) states the understanding of how bisexual friendship is
unique and were perceived by heterosexual friends less different from other sexes.
97
What are their discrimination experiences?

Discrimination Experiences
Five answered they were discriminated. Participant 1 was discriminated by being insulted
the first time he came out and was asked to not be gay by his parents, Ive actually experienced
discriminations since the very first time na asarin ako...my mom and dad asked...and parang sabi
wag daw akong magiging bakla ganyan. Participant 4 and 6 were verbally discriminated and
did not feel accepted by their families because of their traditions and the belief of being gay is a
sin. Participant 4 said, ...kunwari sasabihin nila na ayaw nila ng ganto ganyan kasi kunyari sa
mga lolo, lola ganyan pag narinig or pag sinabi ay nako yung mga bakla na yan mga tomboy na
yan mga kasalanan yan sa Diyos. And for Partcipant 6, First would be inside the house. My
family is traditional, conservative, and religious. Being in a relationship with a girl had some
drastic effect on me since my parents would disapprove. Lastly, some were discriminated by
being compared to straight people and being insulted or teased. Parang nung medyo naiinsulto
or naaasar lang ako pag medyo nako-compare ako sa straight people or pag pinag uusapan na
yung tungkol sa sexuality ko. - Participant 8. It is related to the study made by Jimena (2010)
that suggests that LGBT were most likely to experience insults or threats in neighborhood,
schools, or religion.
Based on the result of the study, the respondents agreed that going through the phase of
being confused to bisexual was hard for them at first and yet as they accept themselves and from
the people around them they became comfortable of whom they are. But discrimination cannot
be prevented in their life as a bisexual such as insults or getting teased. In addition, the
respondents became more open minded and got more friends same as their sexuality for being a
bisexual. However, being different from others did not stop them from showing their true selves
for there are people who would still accept and love them for who they are.
Furthermore, for future studies, the researcher would like to recommend to explore more
the world of bisexuals to increase the understanding of heterosexuals towards them; struggles of
bisexuals of coming out and the factors that influenced them, also, their strength to live as a
bisexual suchlike who motivates them and its impact to the life of bisexuals. Also, the researcher
would like to recommend a higher self-esteem of a bisexual individual for them to know their
worth, enough confidence so that theyll be able achieve what they believe, and lastly, the most
important of all is their self-acceptance for them to be aware of their weaknesses and strengths
and self-understanding to attain their happiness.
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Brown, T. (2008). A proposed model of bisexual identity development that elaborates on
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Kapit-galit: Pagpapahayag ng "galit" ng mga Bikolano sa kapitbahay

Pasatiempo, Weana
Castronuevo, Eva
ABSTRAK
Layunin ng pag-aaral na ito na mailarawan ang pananaw ng mga mamamayan ng bayan ng
Labo Camarines Norte sa "galit" sa kanilang kapitbahay kasama ang relasyong namamagitan
sa mga ito. Sa pamamagitan ng katutubong metodo na pagtatanung-tanong at
pakikipagkwentuhan sa labing-tatlo na mamamayan ng Barangay Talobatib sa bayan ng Labo,
napag-alamang oragon at walang pagtatangi ang galit ng mga Bikolano. Ang matibay at
matalik na relasyong pangkapitbahay ay nagsilbing malaking salik sa galit sa kapitbahay na
nahahati sa pagpapahayag na pasalita, kung saan nangunguna ang pagmamalasakit sa kapwa,
at pagpapahayag na pakilos na umiiral kapag may kalabisan na sa mga elemento ng galit (1)
ang pinagmulan galit at (2) hinahayagan ng galit. Rekomendasyon ng mananaliksik na
isagawa ang pag-aaral sa mas malalim na bahagi ng Bikol at ibang rehiyon sa Pilipinas na may
ibang kultura at kaugalian.
Mga Susing Salita: galit , kapit-galit, kapitbahay, Bikolano, oragon, relasyong
pangkapitbahay, pagtatanung-tanong, pakikipagkwentuhan
Ang emosyon ay isang karaniwang estado ng kaisipan na kasa-kasama ng bawat
indibidwal sa pang-araw araw na engkwentro sa buhay, gaya ng "galit." Hindi mabilang ang mga
naging pag-aaral sa paksang ito at ito ay naging malawak dahil sa mga lumabas na salik na
nagbibigay daan sa pagtukoy ng pagkakaiba nito, partikular sa kros-kultural na mga pag-aaral.
Ang mga Pilipino ay may tatak ng pagiging emosyonal (Petras, 2013) at isa sa mga pinakaemosyonal na bansa (Clifton, 2015). Ang pangangailangan sa masusing pag-aaral tungkol sa
emosyon ng mga Pilipino ay laganap sa pag-aaral ng Sikolohiyang Pilipino partikular sa mga
konsepto na naangkop sa kultura at pamumuhay. Sa Pilipinas, hindi lang ang likas na yaman ang
namumukod-tangi sa iba pang mga bansa at kinaiinggitan, maging ang kulturang "Pinoy" na may
napakaraming sangay mula sa ginagamit na wika hanggang sa kaugalian.
Isa na rito ang emosyon na "galit" na kung ikukumpara sa ibang salin na wika ay hindi
tumpak sa kahulugan at gamit nito sa Filipino. Sa tulong ng Natural Semantic Metalanguage
(NSM), nasuri ng mabuti ang mga emosyon na konsepto gamit ang mga linggwistikong
ebidensya gaya ng mga panayam, dayalogo at panitikan, at nakita na ang mga salitang ito ay
nararanasan at naipapahayag sa ibat ibang paraan. Ang galit ay physiological based primary
emotion at unibersal na makikita sa lahat ng kultura (Lorenzana, 2006). Ang pagkakaiba ay
matatagpuan sa mga elemento ng emosyon na tinutukoy sa paraan ito naisasagawa at
naipapahayag. Nakahimlay ang gamit at interpretasyon nito sa pinanggalingan at tagatanggap
emosyon, kung kinabibilangan ng grupo o hindi, sa paraan ng pagpapahayag, respeto na
ibibigay, ang mga di-pasalita na pagpapahayag at reaksyon para bigyan ng hindi magandang
tugon sa kinagagalitan. Kasama rito na inilarawan na ang galit ng mga Filipino ay passive
aggressive na mapagtiis at tumatagal ngunit may tiyak na hangganan.
Mapapansin sa mga urban na komunidad ang malaking impluwensya ng mga dayuhan
gamit ang social media at modernong teknolohiya kasama na rin ang mataas na pamantayan ng
pamumuhay o standard of living. Ang mga pelikula, mga artista, at ang mga nakapaskil sa mga
social networking sites ay bahagi na ng buhay sa lungsod gaya ng Maynila o ang mga nabibilang
sa National Capital Region. Kasama na dito ang kaibahan paraan ng pamumuhay ng mga tagaurban sa mga taga-rural (Yang & Zhong, 2007). May mabilis at kaniya kaniyang pamumuhay
ang mga taga-urban kayat nagtataglay sila ng mas maliit at mahinang relasyon patungo sa iba na
bahagi ng pamayanan. Samantala sa mga rural na pamayanan naman, maaaring simple ang
pamumuhay ngunit nagtataglay ang mga mamamayan nito ng mas malalim na relasyon sa kapwa
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kasapi ng komunidad o kapitbahay. Isang malaking dahilan nito ang pagiging magkakasama sa
trabaho, magkakasama sa isang eskwelahan, kapwa parokyano at negosyante, at
magkakapamilya.
Emosyon ng mga Pilipino
Ayon kay Petras(2013) na mayroong pangangailangan ng contextualized na pag-aaral
tungkol sa damdamin gamit ang pagsasakatutubo mula sa loob o kultural na pagtitibay na isasaalang alang ang Natural Semantic Metalanguage (NSM) at ang partikular na aspeto ng looblabas na dimension at Filipino-kultural na paggamit ng wika. Gamit ang pag-aaral na nabanggit,
maitatangi ang kaibahan ng mga salitang pandamdamin sa Filipino.
Ang isang simpleg termino ng emosyon ay maaaring hindi simple na termino sa ibang
wika. Ang konsepto ng galit ay katangi-tangi at maaaring may pagkakapareho sa iba pang salita
ngunit ang mga salitang iyo ay kailanman ay hindi magiging eksaktong parehas (Lorenzana,
2006). Ang pinka importanteng element ng galit ay ang pinagmulan at pahahayagan ng galit.
May pagkakaiba rin kung pinapahayag ang galit ng miyembro ng grupo at kapag hindi bahagi ng
grupo. Salik din ang social acceptance ng mga Pilipino sa pagpapahayag ng galit lalo na ang
takot na mawala ang SIR o ang Smooth Interpersonal Relation kaya gumagawa ng ibang paraan
ang mga Pilipino para ipahayag ito. Karagdagan, ang pagpapahayag ng galit ay minsan ay
nagiging bastos o kawalan ng respeto sa kapwa ngunit karamihan isinasaalang-alang pa rin ang
kapayapaan at iba naman ay hinahayaan nalang na hindi masabi at maipahayag ang emosyon o
kaya namay idinadaan na lang sa hindi berbal na paraan. Kinalaunan, napag-alaman na ang
Pilipino na galit ay passive aggressive. Ang galit ng mga Pilipino ay mapagpasensya at
napapatagalan depende sa hangganan.
Kapitbahay at ang Komunidad
Sa rural na komunidad o pamayanan, ang relasyon ng bawat mamamayan ay talagang
higit na maunlad at umuunlad na kasalungat ng mga naninirahan sa urban. Sa isang sarbey na
isinagawa sa pag-aaral nina Yang at Zhong (2007), natagpuan ang mga kadahilanan ng mahinang
relasyon ng komunidad sa urban na mga lugar. Sinasabing ang mga mayoryang kadahilanan nito
ay dahil ang mga urban na mamamayan may bumibilis na ritmo ng buhay, may tumataas na
populasyon, may kakulangan sa pampublikong komunikasyong plataporma, may modernong
komunikasyon, sa oras na walang ginagawa at libangan. Samantala, Inusisa sa isang pananaliksik
ang relasyon ng mga katangian ng magkakapitbahay (kasama ang physical boundary at
homogenous populations) at personal na well-being napinagitnaan ng sense of community at
neighboring behavior. Nalaman na ang sense of community ay talagang namagitan sa relasyon ng
neighborhood stability at ang well-being ng mga residente (Farell et al., 2004). Kasama pa dito
ang neighboring behavior ay hindi direktang prediktibo sa sense of community ng mga residente.
Binibigyang diin ng mga mananaliksik ang kahalagahan ng pagbubuo ng sense of community ng
mga residente sa magkakalapit-bahay.
Sa kabilang banda, sa pagtatangka nina Mannarini at Fedi (2009) na ilinaw ang relasyon
ng sense of community at ang pangmamamayan at pulitikal na pakikilahok kasama ang
paglilinaw sa kahulugan ng komunidad at sense of community, napag-alaman na ang karanasan
sa komunidad ay hindi iba sa akademikong kahulugan ng komunidad at ang paraan ng pagtingin
ng mga tao sa komunidad ay parehas na naka-ugnay sa sense of komunidad at pangmamamayan
at pulitikal na pakikilahok. Sa tulong ng 47 na aktibong miyembro ng pulitikal na mga partido,
magkakapit-bahay , pulitikal na grupo at mga boluntaryo sa pagtulong sa mga may kapansanan.
Pagbubuo
Ang emosyon na salita sa isang wika ay maaaring kakaiba at higit na marami ang
hinahantungan sa iba pang wika kayat ang pag-aaral sa emosyon na "galit" ay isang malaking
hakbang patungo sa mas mayaman na kaalaman sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino. Maraming salik na
dapat pa na tukuyin para sa kawastuhan ng paggamit ng salitang galit. Sa rural na komunidad
napili ng mananalisksik magsagawa ng pag-aaral sapagkat mas laganap at napapanatili ang
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relasyong magkakapit-bahay kumpara sa urban na komunidad. Ang relasyon ng mga mamayan

sa kapwa sa komunidad o kapitbahay ay napag-alamang maymabuting maidudulot mula sa sarili
(personal well-being, sense of community) hanggang sa paligid (sibiko at pulitikal na
partisipasyon, at kapaki-pakinabang na gawain).
Ang papel na ito ay naglalayong mailarawan ang pananaw ng mga Bikolano sa bayan ng
Labo Camarines Norte sa pagpapahayag ng emosyon na "galit" sa kanilang kapitbahay.
Mahalagang maitalakay ang kanilang paraan ng pagpapahayag ng "galit" sa kanilang kapitbahay
kasama ang mga karaniwang kadahilanan kung bakit nagagalit ang mga mamamayang Bikolano
sa kanilang mga kapitbahay. At huli, layuning mailarawan ang relasyon sa pagitan ng
magkakapitbahay sa barangay Talobatib sa bayan ng Labo.
Metodolohiya
Ang disenyo na ginamit sa pag-aaral na ito ay kwalitatibo dahil ang pananaliksik na ito
ay naglalayong mailarawan ang pagpapahayag ng emosyon na "galit" ng mga Bikolano. Upang
matamo ang perspektibo at pananaw ng mga kalahok tungkol sa paksa, kailangan ng mas
malalim na pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga kalahok. Sa pagtamo ng tunay na diwang Pilipino, ang
makapilipinong pag-aaral ang kinakailangan dahil sa kaangkupan nito sa kamalayang Pilipino
(Yabut, 2013). Katutubong Pananaliksik angkop sa hinahangad na kwalidad na datos. Ang
ginamit na katutubong pamamaraan ay pagtatanong-tanong kung saan nagkaroon ng
unstructured at impormal na pagtatanungan sa pagitan ng mananaliksik. Sa metodo na ito nakuha
ang mga pakay na impormasyon gaya ng edad, tagal ng paninirahan, kalagayan ng pamayanan at
kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan upang mailarawan ang pinag-aaralang kalahok (Zafra, 2012) .
Kasama ang pakikipagkwentuhan na metodo, malayang nagkaroon ng palitan ng kwento sa
panig ng mananaliksik at kalahok.
Mga Kalahok at Sampling
Ang mga kalahok na ginamit sa pag-aaral na ito ay labingtatlo na mamamayan,
kasalukuyang namumuhay at matagal nang naninirahan sa Labo, Camarines Norte na hindi
bababa sa limang taon. Ang bawat isa ay nasa hustong gulang o bahagi ng adult (nagsisimula sa
18 taong gulang) dahil sa edad na ito, ang isang indibidwal ay nakakaunawa na at nakakaranas
ng pagpapasya sa mga malalaking desisyon sa buhay. Ang kasarian ay maaaring babae o lalaki at
hindi hinihiling ng mananaliksik na dapat ay mayroong hanapbuhay upang maging kabilang sa
pag-aaral. Ang mga kasapi ng mga kalahok ay kailangang may galit na naitanim noon o
kasulukuyang emosyon sa kapitbahay o mga kapitbahay.
Mga Instrumento
Sa pangangalap ng datos sa mga kalahok, gumamit ng mga panimulang tanong ang
mananaliksik upang makuha ang mga pangunahing impormasyon mula sa mga kalahok gaya ng
pagtatanong sa kanilang pangalan, edad, tagal ng paninirahan, pamumuhay at
pinagkakaabalahan. Ito ay naging paraan upang magkakilala ang mananaliksik at mga kalahok at
nagsilbing daan na upang maitatag ang mas malalim na relasyon. Pakikipagpalagayang-loob ang
ginamit ng mananaliksik bilang iskala ng pagtutunguhan ng mananaliksik at kalahok na
sumusukat sa relasyon o ugnayan ng dalawang panig. Upang makuha ang kumpletong datos
mula sa mga kalahok na walang hadlang sa kanilang pagbabahagi ng tunay na saloobin at
pananaw, gumamit ang mananaliksik ng rekorder habang isinasagawa ang pakikipag-usap.
Pamamaraan
Ang pananaliksik na ito ay nakatutok sa "galit" sa kapitbahay na taglay ang maselang
katangian kaya nangangailangan ito ng isang pamamaraan na hindi pangahas o hindi kasuklamsuklam sa kalahok at angkop sa kinakailangang impormasyon. Ang bayan ng Labo, Camarines
Norte ay isang rural na pamayanan na hindi gawi o sanay sa mga sarbey at ang mga datos na
hinihingi ng pag-aaral ay nangangailangan ng malalim na ugnayan mula sa mananaliksik at
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kalahok. Dahil dito, pinili ng mananaliksik na gumamit ng katutubong pamamaraan na

umaangkop sa mga gawi at interes ng mga kalahok upang matarok ang diwang Pilipino sa
pamamagitan nila.
Ang mananaliksik ay manggagaling sa ibang lalawigan at hindi tubong Bikol kayat
kailangan niyang manirahan ng ilang linggo sa pook napili upang magkaroon ng mas malalim na
ugnayan ng mananaliksik at kalahok. Ipinaabot ng mananaliksik sa pakikipagpalagayang-loob
ang pagtutunguhan upang makuha ang tunay na saloobin ng kalahok.
Una, nakibagay ang mananaliksik sa mga mamamayan sa bayan ng Labo upang maging
bahagi sa lugar at maging hindi iba sa grupo na maaaring maging hadlang sa pagkakaroon ng
mas malalim na relasyon sa mga kalahok. Sa pamamagitan ng pagsuot ng simpleng damit at
simpleng tsinelas lamang na ayon sa kanilang antas ng pamumuhay at nakisama rin sa paraan ng
pamumuhay na hindi karaniwan sa kinagisanang lugar ng mananaliksik gaya ng pagsakay sa
bubong ng traysikel at pag-iigib ng tubig.
Ang pagiging ibang tao sa lugar ay maaaring maging isang balakid sa mananaliksik
upang makamit ang antas na pakikipagpalagayang-loob na pagtutunguhan upang makuha ang
tunay na saloobin ng mga kalahok. Kasama na rin dito ang pag-aral sa paraan ng pagbibigkas ng
mga Bikolano sa ng bayan ng Labo, Camarines Norte. Ang mga taga-Labo ay hindi gumagamit
ng purong Bikolnon o dayalekto ng Bikolano. Sila ay gumagamit ng Tagalog na may halong
Bikolano na may matigas na pagbigkas ng mga salita.
Pangalawa, ang mananaliksik ay may mga kamag-anak sa bayan ng Labo. Ang
mananaliksik ay ipinakikala bilang pamangkin sa mga kalahok kayat naging madali ang
pakikipagpalagayang-loob ng mananaliksik at mga kalahok. Sa pamamagitan nito naging madali
sa mananaliksik ang pakikipagkwentuhan, bilang isang katutubong metodo sa pangangalap ng
kwalidad na datos.
Pangatlo, nag-abang ng pagkakataon ang mananaliksik upang makipagkwentuhan sa mga
tao sa pamamagitan ng pagmamasid at pakikiramdam na kasangkapan ng pagtatanung-tanong.
Marapat lang na tukuyin ng mananaliksik kung sino ang maaaring isama sa kwentuhan dahil may
ilan na hindi dapat abalahin sa kanilang mahalagang gawain. Pinili ng mananaliksik ang mga
taong nagpapahinga at nagpapalipas-oras lamang. Nagkaroon din ng malaking pagkakataon ang
mananaliksik na makadalo sa buwanang pagpupulong ng kanilang asosasyon sa purok na NASA
o Neighborhood Assistance for Shelter Association. Ito ay naging malaking pagkakataon para sa
mananaliksik upang makangalap ng mas maraming datos at upang makapagtatag ng mas malalim
na relasyon sa mga kalahok.
Pang-apat, sinimulan ng mananaliksik ang kwentuhan sa pagpapakilala sa sarili at
kamustahan upang magkaroon ng tulay sa pagitan ng mananaliksik at mga kalahok. Hindi naging
pormal ang pananalita dahil maaari itong maging balakid sa pagkuha ng tunay na saloobin. Sa
malaking tulong na ini-ambag ng kamag-anak ng mananaliksik, naging madali ang pagtatag ng
relasyon ng mananaliksik at mga kalahok sa pamamagitan ng pagsali sa kwentuhan at
pagpapakilala sa mananaliksik bilang pamangkin. Dahil sa kilalang mga mamamayan ng
barangay Talobatib ang kamaganak at pagsali ng mananaliksik sa pambayang paligsahan sa
pagkanta, naging panatag ang mga kalahok at naging mas maraming napagkwentuhan ang
dalawang panig. Kabilang na rin dito ang pagbabahagi ng pakay ng mananaliksik at ang
pagpapaalam sa kalahok kung maaaring gumamit ng rekorder upang itala ang mga
impormasyong malilikom mula sa kwentuhan.
Panglima, gumamit ang mananaliksik ng mga panimulang tanong upang gabayan ang
kwentuhan ayon sa hinahangad na datos na. Naging maganda ang interaskyon na naganap sa
pagitan ng mananaliksik at mga kalahok dahil sa ugnayan ng dalawa na mayroong pantay na
pagpapalit-palit ng pahayag.
Lugar
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Sa barangay Talobatib sa bayan ng Labo ng Camarines Norte na pinangyarihan ng pagaaral, tunay na makikita ang dikit na relasyon ng magkakapitbahay ang kapansin-pansin na
simpleng pamumuhay. Ang barangay Talobatib ay nahahati sa mga purok at ang mananaliksik ay
nanuluyan sa purok 4. Ang mga bahay ay magkakatabi at ang bawat isa ay talagang
magkakakilala. Bihira ang mga magagarbong bahay at ang mga bahay na may ikalawang palapag
at higit pa. Ang lugar ay may katabing palayan at malaking bahagi ng kalupaan ay pagmamayari ng gobyerno na binibigay sa mga mamayan bilang proyekto. May mga karinderiyang at sarisari store ang nakahanay sa tabi ng national road kasama na rin ang mga binibilad na mga palay
na makikita rin sa tapat ng mga kabahayan. Sa damuhan, mapapansin rin ang mga kalabaw, mga
baka at mga kambing na nagpapahinga at naglalakad sa daanan. Dahil sa mga ito, makikita rito
ang mga pangunahing kabuhayan ng bawat pamilya na pagtatanim o pagbubukid o
pagkokopra, pagtitinda at pagtatayo ng eatery or karihan, at pagmimina. Ang pangunahing
pinagkukunan naman ng tubig ng lugar ay poso. Isang beses lamang sa isang linggo nakakakuha
ang lugar ng tubig mula sa trak na umiikot sa bayan na nanggaling sa gobyerno kayat karamihan
ay nakaasa lamang sa poso at doon na naliligo, naghuhgas ng mga pinggan at naglilinis ng bigas
na kanilang pinangsasaing.
Tao
Ang mga mamayan ay likas na magalakin at palabati sa kapwa. Nabanggit na halos lahat
ay magkakakilala na kaya ang relasyon ng mga magkakapitbahay ay talagang dikit. Sila ay
aktibong sumasali sa mga pagpupulong at mga seminar ng gobyerno tulad ng 4 Ps o Pantawid
Pamiliyang Pilipino Program at Kalahi-CIDSS na community-driven development program ng
Department of Social Welfare and Development para sa mga lokal na munisipiyo sa mga ilang
probinsiya na tumutulong sa pagbaba ng kahirapan ng bansa. Sila ay maaagap sa pagkilos sa
umaga at sa hapon naman ay nasa kani-kanilang bahay upang magsiesta, manood ng teleserye sa
telebisyon at makipagkwentuhan sa kapitbahay. Ang iba namay nananahi at nagagantsilyo na
lamang sa bahay upang malibang.
Presentasyon at Diskusyon
Dahil sa mga katutubong metodo na ginamit at impormasyong kinailangan, hindi
maaaring isukat o ikategorya ang nakalap na datos. Labingtatlong mamamayan ang naisama
bilang kalahok dahil hindi lahat ng nakakwentuhan ng mananaliksik ay tubong Labo at lubos na
nakilahok sa kwentuhan at nagsilbing mga tagapakinig lang. Sa pamamagitan ng maingat na
pakikipagrelasyon, pakikinig at pag-aanalisa sa mga nakuhang impormasyon, nabigyan ng
kabuluhan ang pananaliksik na isinagawa. Sa pagtatangi ng mga tema na isinalaysay,
masasagutan ang mga tanong ng pananaliksik na: (1) Ano ang pananaw ng mga Bikolano
tungkol sa "galit" ng mga Bikolano, (2) ano ang relasyon pangkapitbahay ng mga taga-Labo
Camarines Norte at (3) ano ang pamamaraan ng pagpapahayag ng "galit" ng mga taga-Labo
Camarines Norte sa kanilang mga kapitbahay. Gamit ang mga siniping pahayag ng mga kalahok
patungkol sa "galit" at relasyong pangkapitbahay bilang patibay sa paglatag ng resulta ng pagaaral.
Pananaw sa Galit ng Bikolano
Sa mga nalikom pahayag ng mga nakakwentuhang Bikolano, mas higit ang mga kalahok
na nagbahagi na ang "galit" ay hindi nakadepende sa pagiging Bikolano ngunit nakasalalay sa
taong hinahayaang ng "galit" at sa sitwasyon na hinaharap ng isang indibidwal. Sa kabilang
banda, tatlo sa kanila ang nagsasabing oragon ang mga Bikolano na nagbibigay
pagkakakilanlan sa kanilang "galit". Marami ang sumang-ayon sa hindi pagkakahalintulad ng
Bikolanong galit ngunit makikita pa rin na makabuluhang salik ang pamayanan o kultura na
kinabibilangan. Ang mga sumusunod ay ilan sa mga pahayag na sinipi mula sa
pakikipagkwentuhan sa mga kalahok.
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Hindi magkakatulad ng katangian

Ang galit ng mga Bikolano ay sinasabing walang pagtatangi, na karaniwan na ito sa
kanilang kapwa Bikolano. Ang mga salik at ilang kadahilanan ng pananaw na ito ay makikita sa
sumusunod na pahayag na sinipi ng mananaliksik.
Karamihan sa pananaw ng mga kalahok taga-Labo sa salitang galit ay isang karaniwan na
pakikitungo sa mga taong may pagkakamali sa kanila. Depende yan sa klase, depende sa
problema...Wala naman, parang may disiplina din.. napipigilan din ang pananaw ni Carol.
Sinasabi na ang kanilang galit ay nakasalalay sa kamalian o problema, antas nito na gagaling sa
nakakagalitan at sa kinagagalitan mismo na tao. Kinatigan naman ito ni Luz na ang galit sa
kapwa ay hindi magkakahalintulad. Ipinakita na may mga kinakailangang isa-alang alang sa
pagtatangi sa galit na nararamdaman ng bawat isa sa kanilang mga Bikolano. Sinusuportahan
ito ng pag-aaral ni Lorenzana (2006) na sa galit, ang pahahayagan ng mga nito na nagsasabing
may mga mahalagang elemento na dapat isaalang-alang. Sinasabi na ang galit ng mga Bikolano
ay may pagkakahalintulad lang sa iba ngunit nakasalalay pa rin sa tao at kalalaan ng
pagkakamali ng kinagagalitan. Sa pagiging mayaman ng mga Pilipino sa kultura, nararapat lang
bigyang pansin ang pag-aaral sa kaibahan ng mga salitang damdamin sa wikang Filipino gaya na
lang ng galit (Petras, 2013). Sabi nga ni Punggay, Natural lang ang galit ng Bikolano kasi yan
naman ay, ang nakuha naman naming ugali ay ugaling Tagalog.Ang galit ng mga Bikolano
bilang natural o nasa karaniwan na antas gaya ng ugaling tagalog dahil ito ang nakuha nila. Ang
Camarines Norte ay katabi ng Katagalugan. Malapit ang bayan ng Labo sa bayan ng Calauag na
sakop ng probinsiya ng Quezon di tulad ng Camarines Sur at iba pang probinsiya na kalapit na
ng Kabisayaan.
Bikolano bilang mga "Oragon"
Ang mga Bikolano ay tinatakang mga oragon, na magaling sa Tagalog at astig
naman sa balbal na salita. Ang mga sumusunod ay ang mga siniping pahayag mula sa
pakikpagkwentuhan ng mananaliksik ilang mga kalahok na sumang-ayon na ang mga Bikolano
ay oragon kung magalit.
Ang mga Bikolano ay sinasabing oragon o ang kolokyal na salitang astig na isang
taong hindi natatakot, napakagaling at palaban sa kanino man na magiging katunggali. Ayon sa
panitikang pag-aral sa dyalektong bikolnon, ginamit ang ugat salitang orag bilang kahusayan o
kagalingan at sa salitang Ingles naman ay excellence ayon sa historicist na si Danilo Gerona
(Santos, 2004). Sinasabing ang orag o oragon ay Bicol aesthetic na ginagamit sa mga
literatura at maging sa kultura ng mga Bikolano bilang positibong pang-uri. Kapag sinabi
kasing Bikolano, yung orihinal na ano niyan kataga dati diyan.. Oragon, kumbaga sa Maynila
astig. Yung kapag nagagalit kasi ang Bikolano, walang karakuwan yun ay hindi iniisip kung
dayo siya o hindi, kapag nagalit siya, galit. Kaya yung pagkakilala sa Bikolano yung original
ano niya parang.. anong tawag dun? Basta ayun orgaon. ang pagkakalarawan ni Siga.
Inilarawan na walang kinakatakutan ang mga oragon kapag sila ay nagalit na sinang-ayunan
naman nina Amparo at Doming sa kanilang pahayag. Sa tugon nina Amparo at Carol,
isinasaalang-alang pa rin ng mga Bikolano ang pagmamahal sa kapwa sa pagpipigil nila sa sarili
sa kabila ng sitwasyon ngunit may kalimitahan na nakasalalay sa pagkakasala ng kinakagalitan.
Ika nga ni Doming, Parehas lang.. Kapag nasosobrahan.. Depende sa tao. Ay kuwan naman..
parang ganun nalang..ang mga Bikolano daw ay hanggang tanghali lang ang bait. Ganun baga
ang mga sabi, salawikain. Mga salita-salita lang yun. Bikolano naman ay oragon. Oragon
bagat mahilig kumain ng sili. Sinasabi na ang kabaitan at pagtitimpi ng mga Bikolano sa
kanilang kinagagalitan ay tasado o may hangganganan lamang.Halimbawa, kung ang isang
Bikolano ay nagalit sa kaniyang kapitbahay dahil sa lakas ng pagpapatugtog at pagkanta sa
videoke nang walang okasyon, pupuntahan niya lang ang kapitbahay at kakausapin ang may-ari
tungkol sa problema ngunit kung ito ay lumala at hindi pa humupa, siya ay magbabato na ng
kung anuman sa bubong upang makakuha ang atensyon at matigil na ang pag-iingay. Ang mga
105
Bikolano ay mababait sa una lamang at hindi sa lahat ng oras ay mapang-unawa dahil sumisiklab
din ang kanilang "galit" kapag pumang-abot sa kanilang limitasyon.
Relasyong pangkapitbahay sa bayan ng Labo
Sa usapang relasyon sa kapitbahay, halos lahat ay nagpahayag ng positibong
paglalarawan sa komunidad at sa pakikitungo ng kapwa. Sa kabila ng mga nagiging problema ng
mga kalahok sa kanilang mga kapitbahay, sa pangkalahatan ay nakikita pa rin nila ang kanilang
samahan na matibay at ang kanilang pamayanan na ligtas. Sa mga naging saloobin ng mga
nakakwentuhan, talagang mapagkukumpara sa ang relasyon na mayroon sa rural na pamayanan
at urban na pamayanan.
Matibay at matalik na relasyong pangkapitbahay sa Labo
Ang lahat ng kalahok ay sumang-ayon sa magandang relasyong pangkapitbahay na
mayroon sila at sa payapang komunidad na kinabibilangan. Ipinakita rin sa mga sumusunod ang
ilang siniping pahayag ang mga na naglalarawan sa relasyon na namamagitan sa mga
magkakapitbahay sa lugar na ginanapan ng pag-aaral.
Ang relasyong ng magkakapitbahay sa barangay Talobatib ng Labo ay talagang malapit
at talagang malaki ang kaibahan sa mga urban na lugar na alinsunod sa pag-aaral nila Yang at
Zhong (2007) tungkol sa higit na magandang relasyong pangkomunidad sa rural na pamayanan.
Lahat ng mga naging kalahok na nakakwentuhan ng mananaliksik ay naghayag ng mga
positibong saloobin sa kanilang komunidad.Okey naman ang samahan dito. Yung
nagtutulungan, pag ka yung may ano tulong tulong. Maganda naman samahan dito, walang
problema dito, ang pagkakalarawan nga ni Punggay.Ang kwento nga ni Lina, Mabuti naman
ang mga kapitbahay. Yung mga mag-aasawa lang ang magulo at maraming chismis. Mga
kapitbahay namin ay mga kamag-anak din. Sa pangkalahatan nakikita ng mga kalahok na
maganda at payapa ang komunidad na kinabibilangan nila sa kabila ng mga ilang kaguluhan at
alitan na hindi maiiwasan gaya ng tsismisan at pag-aaway ng mga mag-aasawa.
Mula naman sa obserbasyon ng mananaliksik at sa mga impormasyong nakuha sa
pakikipagkwentuhan sa mga mamamayan ng Labo, napag-alaman ang lumilitaw na magandang
pakikitungo ng mga magkakapitbahay sa isat isa. Di tulad sa urban na lugar, ang
magkakapitbahay ay maaaring magkakakilala lang sa pangalan at mukha ngunit sa rural na lugar,
mayroong malalim na antas ng relasyon. Ayon kay Sec, Minsan naman ang kapitbahay minsan,
kamustahan lang kayo ano? Tanguan lang kayo.. Dito talaga nagkakakwentuhan...ganiyan
kapag malalaking bahay, minsan nga tatanungin moay! di ko kilala yan pero kapitbahay
mo Alinsunod sa paghahambing ni Sec sa lugar ng mananaliksik at sa kanilang lugar, ang
mga magkakapitbahay sa kanilang lugar ay hindi lang nagbabatian at nagtatanguan, sila talaga ay
nakikipagkwentuhan at nagkakamustahan.
Para bagang iisang bituka, magkakakapitbahay.. ika nga ni Ara sa kanilang
magkakapitbahay. Sa pagkakaroon nila ng pagkakapareho sa pinagkakakitaan, pagkakapareho sa
paaralang kinabibilangan ng mga anak, pagkakapareho ng pamumuhay at pati na rin ang
pagkakapareho ng hinaharap na mga pagsubok sa buhay. Ang pagiging iba sa komunidad ay
nagdudulot ng mailap na pakikitungo at mababaw na relasyon mula sa mga kapitbahay gaya
nalang ng ibinahagi ni Sec tungkol sa pamilyang may malaking bahay sa kanilang lugar na hindi
niya kilala.
Kasama rin na salik ang pagpapalaki ng pamilya ng magkakasama sa iisang komunidad.
Ayon sa kwento ni Carol at Lina, magkakapitbahay din ang mga magkakamag-anak sa kanilang
lugar at isa na sila sa mga iyon. Kapag ang isang pamilya ay nagtatayo isang bahay, sunod nang
nagtatayo ng bahay ang mga anak ng kani-kanilang bahay sa tabi nito. Sa paraan ng pamumuhay
tulad nito makikita ang kaugalian ng mga pamilyang Pilipino na patuloy pa rin na gawi sa
Pilipinas bagamat ang bansa ay patuloy din na binabago ng kanluraning impluwensiya.
106
Binanggit din ng mga kalahok na tila isang pamilya na silang magkakapurok. Halos lahat
ng residente ng kanilang lugar ay kakilala na nila at karamihan sa mga residente ay tunay na
magkakamag-anak kaya ang relasyong pangkapitbahay ay talagang mas pinagtibay. Ang
pakikisama at tiwala sa kanilang kapitbahay ay talagang laganap gaya ng pag-iiwan ng susi ng
bahay sa kapitbahay at pagkuha ng mga sinampay ng kapitbahay kapag umuulan na ayon sa
kwento ni Rosalina. Ang bawat isa ay panatag na naghahabilin sa kanilang mga kapitbahay at
nagtutulungan sa mga oras ng pangangailangan. Ang pagtutulungan ay kasama sa samahan ng
mga tao sa kanilang lugar ayon kay Punggay. Kaniyang inihambing ang kaniyang karanasan
nang siya ay nanirahan sa Cavite kung saan ang kaniyang mga naging kapitbahay ay mga walang
pakialam at mga suspek pa ng nakawan sa lugar.
Pagpapahayag ng galit ng mga Bikolano
Sa paraan naman ng mga kalahok sa pagpapahayag ng galit tungo kapitbahay ay lamang
ang pasalita. Iilan ang nakapagbahagi na nakapang-abot ng pisikal na paraan dahil sa kalalaan ng
problema sa kapitbahay. Karamihan ay nagsabing dinadaan na lang sa pangangaral at paliwanag
ang galit na dinaramdam ngunit nakasalalay pa rin sa sitwasyong kinahaharap.
Pasalita na pagpapahayag ng galit
Karamihan sa mga nakasalitan ng kwento ng mananaliksik ay umayon sa hindi gaanong
marahas na paraan ng pagpapahayag ng galit. Pasalita na paraan ang kalimitang ginagawa ng
mga taga-Labo at ang mga sumusunod ay ang ilan sa kanilang mga pahayag sa sumusuporta rito.
Dahil sa magandang relasyon ng magkakapitbahay sa barangay Talobatib, iilan lang ang
nagbahagi ng paraang ng pagpapahayag ng "galit" na mayroong kasamang di pasalita o pakilos.
Ang sabi nga ni Lina pinagsasabihan lang.. Kapag ako galit? Ay di ako magpapairitindi .
kakausapin ko kapag ayaw di wag. Kahit anong sabi mo kung hindi naman nakikinig edi bayaan
mo siya. Bahala na ang iba ang mag-ano sa kaniya,manghusga kung ano. Syempre halimbawa
hindi lang naman ang ako ang magagalit dun. Karamihan ay dinadaan muna sa pag-uusap ang
pagkukulang ng kapwa sa kanila gaya nina Siga, Luz, Ara, Rosalina, at Lina at kung minsan ay
hinahayaan na lang at nagbibigay na lamang ng payo. Ayon kay Punggay, mabilis lang lumipas
ang galit sa kapit bahay at walang nang pagtatanim ng galit. Isa pang dahilan na binaggit ni Lina
kung bakit hinahayaan nalang niya ang "galit" dahil naniniwala siyang marami pang ibang
magagalit sa taong kinagagalitan niya. Samantala ang ilan naman ay hindi na nakikialam at
nauubusan ng pasensya matapos mangaral sa kaaway o kinagagalitan gaya ni Luz, Lina at
Rosalina. Para sa ilan namay kung magkaalitan man sa ay hindi rin nagtatagal ang hindi
magandang saloobin. Sabi nga ni Sec, Kapag magkarasamaan ng loob, ganoon? Ay wag na
lang. Pagkatapos nun tapos na (tumawa).. Kung halimbawa naman na magsama ang loob ko ay
doon sa basura. Iyon nasasabihan ko lang na, ayun po kung pwede naman, kung pwede ganito.
Ayun lang, pero hindi naman yung nakakasira kapag nakikita ko siya binabati ko pa.
Sila ay nangangaral muna bilang kapatid at hindi agad nagiging agresibo gaya nalang ng
binanggit na salawikain ni Doming tungkol sa mga Bikolano na hanggang hapon lang ang
kanilang bait. Buhat na rin ng matibay na relasyon sa pagitan ng magkakapitbahay kung saan
nagkakaroon ng boluntaryong pagtulong sa kapwa alinsunod sa pag-aaral nina Mannarini at Fedi
(2009). Nangunguna ang pagmamalasakitan sa kapwa bago ang maghayag ng hindi kaaya-ayang
mga salita gaya nalang ng ng pagmumura. Gaya nalang ng pahayag ni Doming, Depende sa tao.
Kapag ako ay natutulog na ay ako ginagaralitan ko. Mga demonyo kayo!
Pakilos na pagpapahayag ng "galit"
Ang paggamit ng pisikal na pagpapahayag ng galit ay hindi kalimitang pinang-aabutan ng
nararamdamang galit ng nakakarami kayat iilan lang ang nagpahayag na gumagamit nito. Ang
sumusunod ay ang mga binanggit ng mga iilang kalahok na nasa panig ng paraang ito.
Ukol sa pag-aaral ni Lorenzana (2006), kailangang isaalang-alang ang mga
mahahalagang elemento ng galit: ang pinagmulan ng galit at tatanggap ng galit. Lubos itong
107
sinang-ayunan ng mga kalahok. Tumugma dito ang karanasan ni Cielo kung saan ang galit ay
lubusang bumigat at lumaki dahil sa paulit-ulit na pagkakasala ng kinagagalitan.
Tugon nga ni Cielo, Yang galit sa akin, kapag galit yan ay pakialam ko sainyo .. pero ako yung
di naman gay-un, ikaw, bahala kayo dyan, ako dito. Ako ay hindi humihingi sainyo. Sawid ang
buhay. Bahala man kayo..Kaya nga ako ay nagkasakit at ganito, dahil sa basura na iyan. Siguro
anya ay kinulam ka (tumawa) sabi sa akin.. Ay hindi na. Grabe na kakagalit ko. Talagang
ginagaralitan ko. Minsan nga ni ay kinakaralat ko na diyan yung basura.. ay nung una
binabayaan ko, ay minsan naman.. ay hindi na. Grabe na kakagalit ko. Talagang ginagaralitan
ko .. Minsan nga ni ay kinakaralat ko na diyan yung basura..Iyang mga nakasako? Binubuka ko
yan at kinakalat ko sa tapat nila." Dumating sa punto umabot sa sukdulan ang pasensiya ni Cielo
at gumanti na sa pagkakalat ng basura ng kaniyang kapitbahay. Isa lang ito sa mga kalimitang
problemang nakakaharap ng mga mamayan ng Barangay Talobatib sa kanilang mga kapitbahay
kasama na rin ang pag-iingay o ang malakas na pagpapatugtog ang kinagagalitan ng mga
katabing bahay. Tuwing may okasyon, ang pagpapatugtog ay naiintindihan naman ng mga
kapitbahay ayon kay Ara ngunit kung wala namang okasyon na ipinagdiriwang, may mga taong
nagbabato sa bahay kung saan ang mga may mahihinang bubong ay lubos na napeperwisyo.
Sa resulta na ipinakita, may hindi magkakatulad at natataging pagkakakilanlan ang galit
ng mga Bikolano. Ang tugon ng mga kalahok ay nahahati sa dalawa. Marami ang sumang-ayon
na ang galit ng mga Bikolano ay walang pagtatangi at ang ilan naman ay nagsasabi na ang
Bikolano ay oragon kapag nagagalit. Ibinahagi ng mga kalahok ang kanilang pananaw na hindi
magiging parehas ang galit na kanilang maiihahayag dahil kailangang isaalang-alang ang naging
problema at ang taong hinahayagan ng galit. Para sa ilan naman, ang galit ng mga Bikolano ay
oragon na walang kinakatakutan o astig o ang agiging magaling , na nakatatak na sa mga
mamamayan sa rehiyong Bikol at kultura bilang isa sa kanilang pagkakakilanlan. Ang
pagkakaroon ng mga seminar gaya ng mga pagbibigay kaalaman sa pangkabuhayan, edukasyon
at pagpaplano sa pamilya, mas lalong mapagtitibay ang pagkakakilanlan ng mga mamamayan ng
sa bayan ng Labo. Kasama pa rito ang paglulunsad ng mas maraming team building activities
gaya ng mga palaro at paligsahan upang mas makilala nila ang bawat isa at mas mapagtibay ang
relasyong mayroon sila. Ang relasyong pangkapitbahay at ang kahulugan ng komunidad sa lugar
ay nagsilbing malaking salik sa galit dahil ang relasyon na mayroon sila ay matibay at matalik.
Nang dahil dito, sila ay panatag sa komunidad na kinabibilangan nila at may malaking tiwala
para sa isat isa na tila parang isang pamilya. Halos lahat ng mga kalahok ay tumugon dito,
gayunpaman, hindi maiiwasan ang mga ilang problema sa pagitan ng mga magkakapitbahay. Sa
pamamagitan ng mga proyektong pantawid pamilya ng gobyerno at mga aktibong gawain sa
organisasyong binubuo sa lugar at may pakikilahok ng mga mamamayan upang mas mapagtibay
ang matibay na relasyon ng mga taga-Labo. Ang pagkakaroon ng regular na pagpupulong ay
lubos na makakatulong upang maihayag ang mga hinaing, reklamo at mga namumuong
problema sa komunidad. Para naman sa kanilang pagpapahayag ng galit, nahahati sa pasalita at
pakilos ang kanilang paraan. Sa kapitbahay, nangunguna pa rin ang pagmamalasakit sa kapwa sa
paghahayag ng galit sa payapang paraan tulad ng pangangaral at malumanay na pag-uusap
ngunit nakasalalay pa rin ang mga mahahalagang elemento ng galit na pinagmulan ng galit at
pagtutuunan ng galit. Gumagamit lamang ng pisikal sa pagpapahayag ng galit kapag ang
problema sa pagitan ng mga magkakapitbahay ay may malubha na. Bagaman malayong mas
tahimik at ligtas ang lugar na Brgy. Talobatib sa mga barangay ng Maynila, mainam pa rin na
maiwasan ang mga problema at hindi pagkakaunawaan sa pamayanan. Isang solusyon ang
pagpapatibay sa pamunuang barangay ng lugar. Kasama na rin ang pagtatatag ng mga
karagdagan na patakaran sa barangay at mga asosasyon sa lugar na maghihigpit at magbibigay
ng mas payapang proseso sa bawat problema o kaso.
108
Iminumungkahi ng mananaliksik na gawing mas malalim ang pag-aaral at paglilikom pa

ng mga salik na makakapagpatibay sa nakuhang impormasyon sa konsepto ng "galit" na umiiral
sa mga Bikolano. Sa paraan ng pagsasagawa ng mga case study upang matamo ang mas malalim
na pag-aaral at mga kwantitibong pag-aaral naman upang makakuha ng pangkalahatang datos
para sa napiling paksa. Ang pagdadagdag din ng mga baryante sa pag-aaral at pagpopokus sa
mga dahilan ng galit sa kapitbahay tulad ng chismis, pangangalunya, pag-aaway ng pamilya
at kalinisan sa komunidad. Bukod dito, inirerekomenda rin ng mananaliksik na pag-aaral ay
gawin ang pag-aaral sa mga bahagi ng Bikol kung saan ang mga Bikolano ay gumagamit ng
purong Bikolnon o Bikolanong dayalekto, o kaya naman sa ibang rehiyon o etnisidad kung saan
ang relasyong pangkapitbahay ay matatag gaya ng mayroon sa mga taga bayan ng Labo .
Sanggunian:
Farell, S., Aubry, T. & Coulombe, D. (2004). Neighborhoods and neighbors: Do They
Contribute to Personal Well-being?, Journal of Community Psychology, 32(1), 9-25
Harris, C. L., Aycicegi, A., & Gleason, J. (2003). Taboo words and reprimands elicit greatest
autonomic reactivity in a first language than in a second language. Applied
Psycholinguistics Vol 24 Issue 4, 561-579.
Lorenzana, A . (2006). Galit: The Filipino Emotion Word for Anger'.Retrieved from
http://www.sil.org/asia/Philippines/ical/papers.html
Mannarini, T. & Fedi, A. (2009). Multiple senses of community: The Experience and meaning of
community. Journal of Community Psychology, 37(2), 211-227.
Petras, J. D. (2013). Ang Pagsasakatutubo mula sa Loob/Kultural na Pagpapatibay ng mga
Salitang Pandamdaming Tumutukoy sa Say: Isang Semantikal na Elaborasyon ng
Wikang Filipino sa Larangan ng Sikolohiya. Humanities Diliman.
Santos, P.V.(2004). Orag as Bikol Aesthetic (A Theorizing in Progress). Pilipinas: A Journal of
Philippine Studies. Retrieved from
http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=762350367206354;res=IELHSS
Yabut, H. (2013). Isang Paglilinaw sa mga Paniniwala at Pagkakahulugan sa Ispiritwalidad at
Relihiyon ng mga Pilipino. Diwa E-journal, 1(1). Retrieved from
http://www.pssp.org.ph/diwa/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/10-Artikulo-Yabut.pdf
Yang, G. & Zhong, A. (2007). To improve the relationship of good-neighborliness and to rebuild
the network of Neighbor: the Survey and Analysis of the Community Relationship
of Neighborhood in Xiamen City. Journal of Fujian School of Administration and Fujian
Institute of Economics and Management. Retrieved from
http://en.cnki.com.cn/Article_en/CJFDTOTAL-FZFZ200705016.htm
Zafra, R. B.(2012). Edukasyong Di Pormal ng mga Katutubong Agta sa General Nakar, Quezon
Gamit ang Swot Analisi. Dalumat Ejournal, 3(1). Retrieved from
http://ejournals.ph/index.php?journal=DALUMAT&page=article&op=view&path%5B%
5D=5718&path%5B%5D=671
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Common Mental Health Problems and Treatments experienced by

College Students in Metro Manila
Pineda, Miko Alberto
ABSTRACT
This reviews the mental health problems of college students and the treatments being
implemented by psychiatrists and relevant specialists in the field. The study attempts to provide
a baseline for future papers to expand upon the matter by compiling data from medical
professionals. Most college students do not actively seek aid for mental issuess and that most feel
that the treatments are inadequate varying on where they were treated. The study gathered data
from doctors, and listed psychiatrists. The results show that schizophrenia, bipolarism and
intellectual disability are the most common. Students do not seek aid due to stigma and that the
current treatments are in fact adequate for the problems they treat. This implies that the root of
the lack of help-seeking in the Philippines stems from social stigma not from inadequate methods
and that that is the problem that must be focused upon for future papers.
Keywords: Mental Health Problems, Archival Study, Metro Manila, Schizophrenia,
Bipolarism, Hospital Psychologists
The aim of this paper is to pioneer the topic in the Philippines due to having only one
previous article ever published to date. That article is a study conducted by Hunt & Eisenberg
(2010) which focused on the correlation of help-seeking behaviours depending on the mental
health problem the student may possess. This thesis involves the same idea however expounds
on this by studying the corresponding treatments given to those students, its effectivity, and
possible alternatives within the Philippines. By providing a baseline for this previously non
existent data, this paper would serve as a guide for current professionals handling college
students with problems by standardizing the treatments implemented while also act as a
foundation for future theses to improve upon in the future.
There is a limited amount of studies conducted about mental health or similar to it,
therefore the related literature shall focus instead on the different aspects of the paper. The
following shall consist of studies or articles about certain mental illnesses and their
corresponding treatments as well as statistics or surveys done in the past.
The Cause of Illnesses
Hwang, Wei-Chin, Goto, and Sharon (2009) examined the possible causes of mental
illnesses stemming from their childhood up to the present. It focuses mainly on bullying during
the childs formative years from either their parents, in the form of abuse or neglect, or their
peers, outcasting them for differences especially stereotypes. In the study they have found that
most children with racial differences tend to adopt anti socialistic or avoidant behaviours leading
to depression or sociopathy in extreme cases. With regards to physical or emotional abuse by
parents, all children have an equal chance of negative development as long at least one person in
their family has a strong yet adverse impact upon them. Blanco, Okuda, Wright, Hasin, Grant,
Liu, and Olfson (2008) stated that Almost half of college-aged individuals had a psychiatric
disorder in the past year. The overall rate of psychiatric disorders was not different between
college-attending individuals and their noncollege-attending peers. The unadjusted risk of
alcohol use disorders was significantly greater for college students than for their noncollegeattending peers. College students were significantly less likely to have a diagnosis of drug use
disorder or nicotine dependence or to have used tobacco than their noncollege-attending peers.
Bipolar disorder was less common. College students were significantly less likely to receive
past-year treatment than non-college attending students. This study entails that the common age
group of college students, from 15-20 years of age, have an even chance of developing some
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form of illness regardless of the social strata where they belong to. The only difference is the
type of disorder they tend to develop due to the circumstances and environment surrounding
them. Kadison, DiGeronimo, (2004) stated that it is due to stress towards any and all that provide
anxiety to which a college student has many. The paper also contains a compilation of interviews
and shared stories of participants during their time in college. More than 50 percent have
reported being depressed during that time due to the workload and the various measures they
undertook to be able to cope which led to sleep disorders, substance abuse, anxiety disorders,
eating disorders, impulsive behaviors, and suicide all of which weighed heavily in their
conscience which in turn furthered their stress to new heights.
Treatment: Barriers
According to Eisenberg, Downs, Golberstein, Zivin (2009), Mental illness stigma has
been identified by national policy makers as an important barrier to help seeking for mental
health. There were three main findings: (a) Perceived public stigma was considerably higher; (b)
personal stigma was higher among students typically discriminated against; and (c) personal
stigma was significantly and negatively associated with measures of help seeking. These findings
can help inform efforts to reduce the role of stigma as a barrier to help seeking. The paper
stresses that even if there are methods that could help individuals throughout the age spectrum as
well as willing people to help aid the troubled, most do not take this course of action for the
negative impact it may bring towards themselves, their families, or the people close to them.
Corrigan (2008) stated that many people who would benefit from mental health services opt not
to pursue them. One of the reasons is stigma; namely, to avoid the label of mental illness and the
harm it brings. The bottom line highlights the vicious circle which aggravates a budding illness
and provides the foundation of another. Mental health problems in the college population appear
to be increasing in number and severity. The paper goes on by discussing which specific ailments
of the mind the students experience, namely Depression, Social Anxiety, and Personality
Disorders. Other illnesses were only skimmed upon and the focus was tend shifted towards the
treatments that medical personnel often employed with the formerly stated disorders. The study
showed that most of them only led to a deterioration in the severity of their illness and in some
cases a limited form of control yet only a few are treated/cured with the help of medication and
routines, which depends heavily on what type of disability/ies the patient have, (Cook, 2007).
Effectivity
Elkin, Shea, Watkins, Fiester, Dorcherty, Glass, Parloff, (2006) stated that comparing
each of the psychotherapies with the control, there was limited evidence of the specific
effectiveness. While psychotherapy here is shown to be effective it is also inconsistent due to the
uniqueness of the patient being treated and the severity of their illness. Higher severity equated
to higher chance of being helped by psychotherapy and, the opposite is true as well, lower
severity often were not impacted by it. Bernal and Scharr-del-Ro (2004) examined the EST
project's contribution to knowledge of effective treatments for ethnic minorities by considering
both how knowledge was constructed and the limits of the previous research/s. This shows that
even if they have been standardized, most if not all treatments must be integrated with the culture
of the target people to ascertain which would have an actual impact while also maximizing its
effectiveness.
Synthesis
Most studies conducted on the mental health of students from preschool till college or
anywhere in between them are dominantly western. The three major aspects of the proposed
topic have been discussed upon by numerous students, researchers, and scientists. Most focus on
the different facets of mental health namely suicide and depression and the proper treatment or
interaction with the afflicted like the work of Elkin, et al. (2004) although some focus on the
meaning of mental health and its effects on the students performance like the work of Blanco,
and others. The last of the topics included is non-existent due to the previously given reason of
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the lack of any studies from a non-western perspective but more importantly the Asian countries
like the Philippines. But nonetheless it would border on the topic of the effects of the culture in
the propagation or worsening of their health and its hindrance towards the treatment. How this
corresponds to the present situation is simple.
As a student, one sees and hears stories about others which may or may not be true
concerning others about their lives. It begets the question of how extensively the students of
today are being managed, handled, and safeguarded from themselves or their environments.The
study explores the following research questions: 1) What are the common mental illnesses
experienced by college students? 2) What are the available programs/ interventions provided to
college students? 3) What are the remedies/ interventions that are availed by college students?
and 4) What are the alternatives that are used by psychiatrists for similar/exact problems
Method
Research Design
The archival design is utilized to gathers past information and/or facts and integrating
them with modern times. The study utilized archival method via the compiled records from the
past three years by doctors found in Metro Manila. The study also interviewed the doctors in
relation to their client records.
Participants
The participants (N=10) were certified psychologists and/or psychiatrists who work
at/with mental institutions/clinics in the Metro Manila Area in the Philippines. The hospitals
where the data of the study came from are located in Mandaluyong, Makati and Manila all with a
classification of Level 2 regarding the rules and regulations on governing the new classification
of hospitals and other health facilities in the Philippines (Effective: August 18, 2012).
Administrative Order No. 2012-0012
Instruments
The materials needed are all information gathered from the records of the doctors and an
interview questionnaire which focuses upon the patients and their environment and their
treatments. Such questions may include: What are the activities given to patients with the same
disorders?, What are the types of medicine given to patients with (Illness Name) disorder?,
and What are the standard procedures implemented when a patient has a harmful/violent
outburst? One may also include questions that shall clarify information shown within the
records if permitted to see their contents. Questions here may be: What does (Acronym) mean?
and etc.
Procedure
After finding your participants, gather all information necessary for the study. Interviews
must also be utilized for further knowledge that may or may not be within the notes that the
doctor/s or the hospital has. It must also be used to clarify any information since most files are
catered specifically for the presiding medical professional. Segregate only the necessary
information after compiling then use the resulting data for the study.
Data Analysis
Given the archival nature of the study, the primary data for analysis are patient records
and additional information from interview with the doctors. Descriptive statistics (frequency,
percentage) were used in tabulating the records of the participating doctors.
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Illness
Frequency Percentage
Schizophrenia
26
52%
Bipolarism
16%
Intellectual Disability 5
10%
Substance Abuse
10%
Depression
8%
Hypochondria
4%
Out of 50 patient records gathered from 10 doctors, the following cases are categorized
from highest to lowest number of patients and are as follow:
Schizophrenia cases are the highest. Distinguished by type of schizophrenia, there are
more cases of the paranoid type followed by undifferentiated and residual. Focusing on the
persons with paranoid type which are the most prominent of them all, they are those who are
suspicion of all people and items. Extreme cases often have a feeling that they are targets for
assassination by others and often will not handle anything they themselves did not handle or at
least have witnessed the object being handled. The type of medication they received mostly antianxiety and anti-psychosis since they have the greatest tendency of running amok if their moods
are not controlled. The side effects make the patients lethargic and dull which are then given
medication for as well. This group if the most common illness and is often juggled by multiple
institutions depending on their needs. Persons with bipolar disorder are the second largest group.
Their medication focuses greatly on mood stabilizers to counteract the rapid and erratic changes
of their disorder. Others include preventive medicine like anti-anxiety and anti-psychotics.
However, these cause dehydration the most which requires them large amount of liquids and
potassium. This disorder has been described by the doctors as the easiest to control which allows
most of their patients to lead a normal life. However, they must constantly take their medicine
because many who were released often go back willingly due to the severity of relapsing.
Persons with intellectual disorders are next. They consist of patients who have a learning
disability and the prodiginous types which are evenly distributed. According to the interviewed
doctors, their only medicines are anti-psychotics mostly and sometimes anti-depressants when it
is required. These also drain them of their excess energy which leads to sleepiness. These types
of patients were said to be only sent to get some help only when their case is severe and/or the
parent/s could not handle them anymore.
The abusers are basically anyone who has an addiction to anything. Often time they are
only sent to hospitals for rehabilitation purposes only but there are a select few who suffer brain
damage due to the drug/s abused. Medicine is mainly mood stabilizers but may turn to heavier
medication if needs be. They have been noted to have the highest return to the institution and are
notoriously resistant to any form of treatment.
The depressed are only a handful and those that are found in mental hospitals/clinics are
in the advanced/extreme stages already. Medicine is anti-depressants which often makes the
patient restless yet still dehydrates them. The reason gathered by doctors of the lateness of
admission was that not all Filipinos are accepting of the fact the depression is an illness. And
those families that do accept it are always fought against by the afflicted.
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Persons with hypochondriasis is a special case that was newly referred to the
aforementioned hospital from another institution. The patient exhibits no external wounds
anywhere on his person yet feels great pain nonetheless which stems from an imagined source
only with no basis on reality. The medicine given is anti-psychosis to be able to simultaneously
relieve the patient from his ailment and sedate him in a sense to prevent violent outbursts.
Cases similar to this are often labelled as hopeless and are often abandoned by their own
families.
Activities are institution wide and therefore occur at the same time. Common
psychotherapies implemented by the hospital are music and art therapies designed for
communication for patients who have trouble talking, talking sessions especially for the bipolar,
depression and substance abuse patients, sports for both exercise and social interaction and a
retreat to the province to build upon all facets at once.
What are the common mental illnesses experienced by college students?
With regards to the data, the most common are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and
intellectual disability in its different forms whether from birth or a late blooming retardation.
These have the highest number of patients who are admitted to hospitals and institutions in
Metro Manila. This contradicts the studies of Eisenberg et al (2010;2009) which states that
depression is the highest. However it is also important to remember that the data represents
students who seek help from doctors. Most depressed adolescents, also stated in the study, do not
seek help from anyone because of the perceived negative view it generates towards the afflicted
which fosters more depressing thoughts which accumulates into life-threatening problems.
Intellectual disability here represents those who attained psychological disorders during the
course of their lives. It has been compounded as one according to the notes of the doctors who do
not differentiate them as individual illnesses.
Some problems include, but are not limited to, those that stem from trauma induced by
intense and prolonged stress like panic anxiety, abuse by sexual, physical, or neglect which leads
to social anxiety, or overall trauma. This has been highlighted in the study of Hwang (2009)
which enumerates and discusses the potential situations where most psychological disorders may
develop from. Based on the answers gotten and contrasted with the related literature, the most
common illnesses found in Metro Manila lean more on the genetical or inherent illnesses
constituting two thirds of the top rather than those learned or nurtured by their environment.
However, it is also presented that due to incorrect handling or total neglect for medical assistance
at the early stages or early years of the disorders worsening almost always occurs and only when
it is unmanageable are they sent for intensive care, only to be somewhat abandoned shown in the
studies in the United States regarding social stigma.
Also to be inferred is the culture of the Philippines which centers around hospitality and
the familial unit, is the sense of bringing a sort of dishonor and disappointment to the family or
to their peers thereby greatly straining the number of students actually seeking help. This
emphasis on the service of others also leads would be patients to foster the early symptoms of the
former disorders that only through a great shock or stress is required to fully throw the psyche of
the person completely out of balance found in studies made in the west and the east regarding
heavy stressors in the persons environment.
What are the available programs/ interventions provided to college students?
Although it depends were they sought help since it is up to the discretion of the presiding
psychiatrist, it mostly focuses on social skills from non-verbal to verbal which proves to be a
great preventive method for some illnesses and aids in the treatment of over more severe cases.
And high activity events like sports to distract the mind and tone the body which has been stated
that a healthy body helps in the alleviation of the mind. Non verbal activities focus on the mind
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of the patient determining their abilities and capabilities especially for those who can not express
themselves properly like those with schizophrenia. It is to gauge the mental capacity of the
person as well as foster the social interaction by allowing the patient to express themselves
and/or give an outlet to those with violent tendencies.
All forms of art can be employed focusing on colors which most people can identify with
even with disabilities. From painting to costumes, as long as it entertains the patient, it ensures
their interest as aids with the goals of the professionals. Verbal activities are not as used as nonverbal ones because some patients can not express themselves orally however this is used to train
those who can and teach those who can not. It is used to encourage those with social deficiencies
like depression or bipolarism to help them interact with other people. It is used to teach those
with learning problems caused by their disabilities. Most of these come in the form of counseling
rather than teaching, focusing on one persons needs at a time and slowly improving them over a
period of time; mostly years for severe cases.
What are the remedies/ interventions that were availed by the college students?
Focusing on those who have the clarity to choose their actions with intellect, limited or
not, those who does not have the capacity to choose by default avail all treatments given to them
regardless of their awareness of it. Those who could that did not live by a pattern, present in most
persons with schizophrenia, opted in activity based wellness programs rather than medications.
Speculated by doctors, aside from the frequently horrible taste of some of the patients
medicines, many believe that it was in some way, shape, or form of an instrument of torture or
something that will do them harm. For example , the loss of their imaginary friends or realities
for persons with schizophrenia and persons with intellectual disorders. The dulling effects of
medicine are potent that they are viewed as robots or zombies which makes some of the
institutionalized fearful against drugs.
By having something to occupy their minds through activities, the patients can cope
better by the reform that they are going through within the hospitals. It allows expression and
relaxes their minds towards any problems that they think to have. It also soothes them by
interacting with the people they have grown accustomed to whether they be other patients or the
nursing staff. By placing a real persons face on something the patients have to do offsets the fear
and mistrust they will have without it.
What are the alternatives that are used by psychiatrists for similar/exact problem?
Even though people go through the same problems it does not follow that the solution of
one is applicable towards all of the problems presented. The same is still true with mental health
problems. It is then up to the attending medical professions on how to best approach a patient
given the conditions present in that situation. Aside from the previously stated answers of
medication and activities, other methods are still viable if the situation demands for it. By
catering to the needs of the patient, the chance of successfully solving a conflict becomes higher.
If the patient suffers from trauma induced disorders like the death of their family, activities
which concerns their family like visitations or roleplaying must not be used for fear of recurrence
or worsening. This would not be viable though for someone with trauma induced emotional
problems which requires social interaction for the scarring to be able to heal by letting the person
experience the company of other in a controlled environment.
Persons with bipolar disorder often must be kept in a neutral environment to keep their
emotions in balance which requires interactions that will never produce extreme results like
ignoring the patient. This does not hold for all because some have to be placed in those exact
situations because of how they react to them. The first would rapidly change if agitated while
some keep their emotions in check if extreme situations are placed upon them.
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The common mental health problems in Metro Manila are schizophrenia, Bipolarism and
persons with intellectual disorders, those who acquired illnesses through experiences in life.
Some of the afflicted undergo treatment mostly because the family could not handle the
problematic relative anymore due to their special needs and force them to undergo procedures
because the patients are in general unwilling to go due to stigma brought by the society they
lived in, pressure from their families or a negative view towards institutions and personnel. Most
who sought help or were forced to undergo a strict regimen of medication, activities or both in
order to control or at least suppress the extreme behaviour of the patients. Those who are
committed in institutions have adjusted well enough that they may be released but majority tend
to have a permanent residence there if they do not worsen and are transferred to another as a
result.
For future researchers on the same topic or a similar one, increase the number of
participants if able. Due to confidentiality, participants will be severely limited. However, even
an increase of one will be more comprehensive of the topic therefore will be more accurate to the
actual situation.
References:
Bernal, G., & Scharro-Del-Rio, M. R. (2001). Are empirically supported treatments valid for
ethnic minorities? Toward an alternative approach for treatment research. Cultural
Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, 7(4), 328-342. doi:10.1037//1099-9809.7.4.328
Blanco, C., Okuda, M., Wright, C., Hasin, D. S., Grant, B. F., Liu, S., & Olfson, M. (2008, 12).
Mental Health of College Students and Their NonCollege-Attending Peers. Arch Gen
Psychiatry Archives of General Psychiatry, 65(12), 1429.
doi:10.1001/archpsyc.65.12.1429
Corrigan, P. W., & Wassel, A. (2008, 01). Understanding and Influencing the Stigma of Mental
Illness. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental
Health Services, 46(1), 42-48. doi:10.3928/02793695-20080101-04
Eisenberg, D., Downs, M. F., Golberstein, E., & Zivin, K. (2009, 05). Stigma and Help Seeking
for Mental Health Among College Students. Medical Care Research and Review, 66(5),
522-541. doi:10.1177/1077558709335173
Hwang, W., & Goto, S. (2009). The impact of perceived racial discrimination on the mental
health of Asian American and Latino college students. Asian American Journal of
Psychology, S(1), 15-28. doi:10.1037/1948-1985.s.1.15
Teter, C. J. (2005, 05). College of the Overwhelmed: The Campus Mental Health Crisis and
What to Do About It: By Richard Kadison MD and Theresa Foy DiGeronimo MEd.
Published by Jossey-Bass, A Wiley Imprint, San Francisco, CA, 2004. ISBN 0-7879-74676. Clothbound, vi 296 pp. (23.5 x 16 cm), $24.95. www.josseybass.com. Annals of
Pharmacotherapy, 39(7), 1376-1376. doi:10.1345/aph.1g058
Zivin, K., Eisenberg, D., Gollust, S. E., & Golberstein, E. (2009, 10). Persistence of mental
health problems and needs in a college student population. Journal of Affective Disorders,
117(3), 180-185. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2009.01.001
.
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The Disney Princess Charming: The Insights of Young Women on Empowerment

Purisima, Catherine Marie Beatrice
ABSTRACT
This study focuses on the insights of young women on the influences of old and new Disney
Movies on women empowerment. Qualitative Research Design was used and
descriptive/comparative approach was taken as the participants had been the sole provider of
all opinions and answers to the questions this study poses which resulted the researcher to both
describe as well as compare the output given in order to draw a conclusion to the study. A total
of 20 young adults from ages 18 to 25 were taken as participants for the study. They were asked
questions ranging from their favorite movies as a child, to the influences they see on themselves
and women in society. Results show that subjects have agreed they have experienced various
degrees of influence from Disney movies, and have agreed that these movies have in general
society made an impact on how women are viewed in society. Finally it has been found in
results that New Disney does have a positive influence on the roles of women in todays society
keeping them at par with men and strengthening their character to keep up with the
independence of the modern woman.
Keywords: Disney Movies, Influence, Women Empowerment
For years, women have been portrayed in Disney films as weak and in need of a saviour,
often seen as the weaker sex both in fairytales and in real life and we still have a long way to go
before we overcome this societal stereotype as being secondary to men in many aspects of
society where men are the favored gender. The title damsel in distress often being brought up
where women have a role in stories, and now evolutionary measures have been taken by none
other than the home of the fairytales itself. For many years as well we have seen a significant
connection between the movies we watch and how they manifest into our lives. As we further
delve into this research we can see how Old Disney movies that center around damsels in
distress affect womens perception of true love and a Womans role as opposed to the new
Route disney takes in recent movies such as Brave, Maleficent and Frozen.
The Walt Disney Company has been a leading fundamental exposure children have had
about relationships. They create fairy tales and love stories that young girls see as role models,
this incorporates them with most of their ideas about love, some of those ideas being that true
love always has to be romantic as well as that every princess needs a prince. Caperello (2011),
pointed out womens strong beliefs of happily ever afters Galloway (2011), supported the
claims with his findings of womens beliefs on fate and destiny, especially the motto that Love
always finds a way. NSCB said that in the year 2000, less than half of the country's population
(45.7%) were married. Back in the 80s, he said 50.6% of Filipinos have exchanged "I do's."In
2008, only 50.7% of women aged 15 to 49 were married, down from 54.4% in 1993. In 2008, 11
out of 100 Filipino women aged 15 to 49 years old were living in with their partners from only 5
out of 100 back in 1993. Is this an example of how women tend to break free of how disney
depicted fairy tales to end or is this the breaking of the common belief that women always need
to have a man in their lives to be happy.
Movies and Relationships
Movies have one of the highest influences over a womans relationship and her ideas of
how it should be, as well as being one of the driving influences for women to enter relationships
as they often are exposed to movies that have romantic elements in them. Holmes (2010),
specifically states in his study that indulgence in romantic movies brings forth the ideas that an
.
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individuals ideal partner must be able to read their mind and also leads to the concept of
soulmates. Hefner (2013), also pointed movies as a learning step into romantic ideas, this is
basically where most people get their notions of what an ideal love should be like. we see that
our actions are often preceded by what we consider admirable in a relationship as seen on the
things we are often exposed to, sometimes they are rational yet sometimes they simply are
unrealistic.
Disney and Modeling Behavior
Disney Fairytales are one of the primary exposures little girls have to the concept of love
and as told by Griffin (2014), young women will most likely idolize and dream to have similar
relationships as that of Disney Fairytales. The researcher does believe that Fairy Tales in general
create an unrealistically perfect world that at a very young and inexperienced age, girls tend to
think is possible, that said women often carry around unrealistic expectations of how men should
act in a relationship and ultimately could end up being a major barrier in building sturdy
relationships in real life. Young women may also be influenced by the roles of submissiveness
and weakness portrayed by female characters in classic disney which reflects upon the roles of
women in the household from 1821 onwards until women fought to be equals of men. This may
be a setback for modern day feminists should young children make the connection of how
Classic Disney depicts women to be defined by her prince charming.
Disney Evolution and Impact
Recent Disney movies spotlighting intelligent female characters who work hard and do
not define themselves in terms of men illustrate a major change from the formulaic fairy tales
portraying female inferiority and dependence. (Justice, 2014). We can see that in recent Disney
movies we are met with practical realistic women that do not base their entire lives on men. We
are met with Maleficent who has shown us the darker side of love, where manipulations and
selfishness comes into play, we are met with Elsa of frozen that refuses to entertain the notion
of marrying someone you just met and Merida of Brave. Although we see that most Classic
Fairy Tales are set within the era (1821 onwards) believing women to be weak and were meant
to be at home with the kids, we need to take into consideration how this affects modern children
and what values they could pick up from this that can be either good or bad to their concepts of
the place and capabilities of women.
Gender Roles and Disney
We can see here that through the years England, Descartes, & Collier-Meek (2011) have
noticed an imbalance when it comes to how old disney represents its characters in movies giving
male leads more flexibility and dominance in their roles as compared to female leads. The
Prince and Princess characters differ in their portrayal of traditionally masculine and feminine
characteristics, their gender role portrayals are complex, and trends towards egalitarian gender
roles are not linear over time All of the movies portray some stereotypical representation of
gender Although both male and female roles have changed overtime in the Disney Princess
line, the male characters exhibit more androgyny throughout and less change in their gender role
portrayals (England et al, 2011).
Synthesis
This study has focused on the influences that Disney Movies have on young women.
Majority of young women have been exposed to Disney movies as children, this is where they
pick up most of their initial beliefs about life and social norms, it is where they see themselves
through characters they are able to relate to as young girls and how they pick up the way in
which they are expected to act in society. This research focused specifically on the influences it
has on young women who have had an extensive exposure to Disney films. Films have a large
influence on the thoughts, actions and beliefs of women. The researcher believes that it is
important to see if Disney still has the same impact now that its changed its course on the
morals it teaches its audience. The independence from patriarchal protection and absence of
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dependence on a male counterpart are some of the main focuses on recent films by the company
and it does not only influence young children that watch it but also those young at heart Disney
fans that still enjoy watching their work. It teaches many valuable lessons such as appreciation of
families and friendship and not dedicating ones life to simply finding prince charming or a
saviour of the day. This is something the researcher believes would spark a positive change in
the mindset of young girls and women alike, teaching young girls awareness that there is more to
life than finding a prince charming which is something the researcher believes is very essential in
this day and age.
The researcher would like to know which Disney Movies the participants enjoyed
watching as they were growing up, what are the experiences of the participants with regard to
their relationship as well as their experience with Disney movies? What are the positive and
negative experiences of participants with Disney Movies and characters? What are the insights of
the participants on how young women see the influences of Disney on womens roles in reality?
What are the insights of the participants on Old Disney leading ladies vs. New Disney leading
ladies? What are the participants insights on Women being portrayed as Damsels in distress?
how does exposure to Disney affect the participants views in their roles as women? What
significant changes do participants see in the morals taught by the new movies that Disney is
releasing? What do the participants think of the differences between old Disney and new Disney?
Method
Research Design
A Qualitative Research Design was used by the researcher in gathering the data needed
from the participants of the study. A descriptive/comparative approach was taken as the
participants had been the sole provider of all opinions and answers to the questions this study
poses which resulted the researcher to both describe as well as compare the output given in order
to draw a conclusion to the study through the description of experiences, beliefs and opinions
gathered systematically and specifically from the participants involved in the study and a
comparison of these variables in order to see an agreement between the two groups of Disneyinclined individuals.
Research Participants
In order to achieve what the researcher needed to know, 20 young women ages 18 to 25
were needed. This age is chosen as it is the stage commonly referred to as Intimacy vs
Isolation or Early Adulthood in Erik Eriksons Stages of Psychosocial Development a
turning point in which a young adult chooses whether he or she is in need of a life companion
and under what reasons this is needed. The respondents were a mixture of those who ranged
from being classic Disney lovers and those who were modern Disney lovers. The researcher has
selected 10 of each to be classified under the two categories to ensure a more accurate conclusion
drawn at the end of the study. The participants in the category of being classic Disney lovers
have at least watched Disney movies three times a week during during their youth as well as
know the classic Fairy Tales in detail. Those who are modern Disney lovers also have a
substantial fondness as well as proper knowledge of the modern Disney Fairytales.
Purposive Sampling was used in order to gather the participants as they were all females
as well as under an age bracket and had the common experience of growing up with disney.
Instruments
In order to attain the information needed the researcher used an interview guide
constructed to fit the situation, with questions that ranged from asking about their insights of
Disney e.g Which Disney movies did you enjoy as you were growing up? Were you able to
identify with the lead character of these movies?, their insights to the role of women As a
young woman, what are your insights on what Disney teaches its audience? to their insights of
their relationship/roles e.g What do you think an ideal relationship is like? What are your
expectations from a relationship partner? and how the two subjects merge in their lives and the
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experiences theyve gotten from it Do you think these expectations result from what youve
watched in your childhood favorites?. A total of 15 questions had been used in order to be time
efficient. The data was recorded with the use of actual online chats as to be accurate in stating
the answers to the interview questions.
In order to confirm the validity and reliability of the instrument used, the researcher
focused on formulating questions that highly related to the objectives of the study and were
limited to that alone. Keen observations and highly adaptive communication skills were highly
important in the achievement of the answers to the questions this study had answered.
Procedure
Prior to the interview the researcher had establish rapport by making the participant feel
safe and comfortable as well as secure in what they were about to do, the researcher waited until
the participant was fully ready and comfortable to be interviewed. The interviewer made small
interactions with the participant 2 weeks prior to the interview in order to conduct familiarity
with the participant as well.
The participants were interviewed one by one in a constructive manner using a structured
online interview in order to truly understand what they have to say about the subject, they were
given their time in order to fully express themselves and give their best answers to the questions
provided by the researcher. Each interview was estimated to last between half an hour to one
hour maximum given the number of questions as well as the participants.
Finally, the participants were asked if they were fully pleased with what they have said or
if they desired to either add or eliminate some of the things that have been said in the interview
in order to fully acknowledge the data gathered as accurate to what the participant wants to
convey.
Data Analysis
The data gathered from the participants were presented in a thematic way. This was used
to segregate the results into themes to organize the results in a manner that clearly conveys the
description of thoughts and experiences that are specifically relevant to the research questions
the study poses.
Results and Discussion:
During the last week of May 2015, the researcher conducted the interview process and
has been in touch with the participants in a span of 2 weeks prior to the interviews to be
conducted regarding the topic and has briefly explained the study that the researcher intends to
do as well as the role the participants play in the study.
The Participants
Females aged between 18 to 25 years old, the youngest participants being five 18 years
old and the eldest being 25 years old. The participants all had a similarity of growing up with
Disney Movies, 17 of the participants were very fond of Disney Fairytales whereas the
remaining 3 were more inclined to Disney Movies such as The Lion King, Tarzan, Peter Pan and
Alice in Wonderland although still being fond of Classic Princess Fairytales. The participants are
a mixture of women who prefer Old Disney Fairytales which center around damsels in distress as
well as women who prefer newer feminist Disney Movies such as Brave, Frozen and Tangled.
The researcher has also collected some information regarding the thoughts of the participants on
the subject matter as well as some general opinions they have about Disney movies that have
helped the researcher see if they are fit for the study. Each Participant chosen was exposed to
Disney at the very least once a week as they were growing up and still remain avid Disney fans.
The Participants were specifically chosen and divided into two categories namely those who still
love Classic Disney Fairytales and those who have outgrown Classic Disney and prefer the
modern take on how a Disney Heroine should be according to the 21st Century.
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Experiences with Disney Movies

The participants have answered the questions posed by the study, the results show that
when asked about the subjects experience with Disney, the common top 5 favorites of all 20
participants according to the frequency of answers were Mulan being the most frequently
mentioned, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella and The Little Mermaid have the same frequency of
answers and lastly The Lion King. The most answered movie as noticed has a strong female lead
and is not a traditional Disney Fairy tale that favors a prince saving the day rather sees the heroin
saving the leading man in the end.
When the participants were asked if they were able to identify with their favorite Disney
Characters most of the participants said yes while only 2 said no. The answers ranged from a
straight yes to answers like As a child, I never thought about identifying myself with the lead
character(s) as one participant had word her thoughts. Although most of them answered that
their expectations were not directly influenced by their childhood favorite movies I dont think
that the above expectations result from what Ive watched as a child. I do think that what I
watched as a child affect what I want in a relationship though., These expectations were based
from my own personal values taught by God and my mother, No, these came from my own
observations. I know Real Love takes more than just finding a girls lost glass slipper or having
the same interests. When asked about their habits or experiences that may have stemmed from
Disney, answers ranged from My love of reading stemmed from feeling a connection with Belle.
I saw how much she loved to read and I felt the same so I guess I read more to The ability to
be strong during hard times is a constant attribute that appears in these Disney films, and it's
something I, too, also appreciate seeing. Majority of the answers were very empowering for
women, were leaning on independence as well as strength and less likely to be related to
romance.
As for being asked about their experiences regarding their ability to identify with the lead
characters of their favorite films, most of the participants had said they could relate and identify
with the lead characters of their favorite films, yet the most of them said that their childhood
favorites had not directly impacted what they expect from their romantic partners in a
relationship although these movies did give them an idea as well as initial exposure as to what
romantic relationships were like. The participants also commonly expected simply loyalty,
respect, a mutual connection and trust from their partners in a relationship. This therefore
contradicts, in this situation, what Holmes had said in his 2010 study that women who are fond
of romantic movies have unrealistic expectations from their romantic partners as a result of
wanting an ideal relationship often depicted in movies (Holmes, 2010). As seen in the result, the
rational things such as respect, honesty and loyalty were valued more than the ability to read a
partners mind and do grand romantic gestures.
Insights on the Impact of Disney on Women
When asked about their thoughts on how Disney has impacted them as women, the
participants responded with I saw the Disney princesses as role models growing up. I think that
they have had an influence on my feminist attitude through watching strong women growing up.
Disney princesses showed me that as a women you have to stand up for what you believe in and
never stop following your dream because other people say When asked now about how Disney
had impacted women in society however they had said, I think some of the older movies could
give a bad perception as all the women eventually marry and that seems to be all they do in their
lives. But the newer Disney movies show that a woman can be as powerful as the male
characters and can do anything if they have the right mindset., I feel that the newer Disney
movies have made women want to be more independent. Some newer Disney movies teach
women to be strong...that they can take matters into their own hands. Some also teach women to
be who they want to be. As we can see the participants have chosen to see the woman
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empowering influences of Disney and how these play an important role in shaping better, more
independent women.
When asked about how the participants thought Disney has impacted them as women,
answers ranged from seeing the lead characters as role models to these movies teaching them
how to be strong and fight for what they believe in. Although when asked about how they see
Disney impacting the roles of women in society, the participants answers ranged from Old
Disney being a bad perception of how women should act especially in modern times, other
participants answered that Disney directly replicates the current status of how women are viewed
in society, a simple analogy would be that of snow white which was released in 1937 which
commemorates a time wherein women had lesser rights than men and were often seen as
vulnerable and in need of protection most of the time as compared to the recent heroines who
have evolved with society and are more self reliant than the early Disney heroines. Most feel
relieved that the damsel in distress figure Disney often put their characters in was finally put to
rest in recent films therefore creating stronger characters that would be appropriate for todays
youth.
This supports the recent claims that recent Disney movies spotlighting intelligent female
characters who work hard and do not define themselves in terms of men illustrate a major change
from the formulaic fairy tales portraying female inferiority and dependence, (Justice, 2014).
Which is a positive impact on Feministic views as female leads gain more respect and strength of
character as compared to previous female leads which as described by the study of England et al
(2011), that the princesses and princes of Disney differ in their portrayal of traditionally
masculine and feminine characteristics, their gender role portrayals are complex, and trends
towards egalitarian gender roles are not linear over time All of the movies portray some
stereotypical representation of gender Although both male and female roles have changed
overtime in the Disney Princess line, the male characters exhibit more androgyny throughout and
less change in their gender role portrayals (England et al, 2011) which simply means that the
female characters directly evolve with society on how they view female roles although male
roles will always have an androgynous state meaning they will be more flexible in terms of
characteristics which will be both masculine and feminine as their audiences are female children
in majority.
Insights on Morals of Disney Fairy Tales
When asked about their opinions and insights on the morals Disney had been teaching
young girls such as how Disney had previously exhausted the concept of Damsels-in-Distress,
the participants had varying opinions on the matter; one participant said I think that its true to
an extent. However, Disney princesses I feel demonstrate what it takes to be a strong and
independent woman through their characteristics., another participant had said I feel it
describes how being a female used to be in the times these movies came out. Other participants
however were less thrilled and accepting of the concept. As one participant put it Women before
were thought of as weak and useless, and that men are essential for us to survive. It made me feel
quite sad that women are given that kind of judgment, without even realizing their full potential
(maybe that's why I liked Mulan before she's unlike the other disney princesses) So as you can
see although some of the participants understand that at a point in time this is how women were
viewed, the majority of the participants were more than happy about the independence Disney
had been giving the newer characters as compared to previous movies. As for the recent changes
made regarding this concept participants had said Im so glad that Disney are leading the way
for female empowerment and teaching young girls that they can be their own hero. They dont
need a man or love to be happy. There are other options for women now., I'm secretly thanking
them for going back to reality every once in a while There were also participants who still
appreciate the romance in being saved saying, Its okay but nothing beats the cheesy classics
and I like that Disney is applying new concepts of feminism and empowerment but it will never
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be the same as the old Disney. Although the majority of participants were happy with the
change. When asked about their insights about what Disney teaches its viewers, the participants
said I feel Disney teaches young women how to be true to who they are regardless of what those
around them say. Id say Disney teaches the universal language which is Love. Although
these were all woman positive observations, one participant did point out the flaws of these
movies by saying I feel that Disney portrays good messages to their audience. I think that most
of their lessons are positive, and that they can be applied to everyday life. Although some of their
movies may stereotype a certain group, I believe that this still has a positive impact as nowadays
many females are showing independence..
When asked about how they thought about Disney portraying their lead characters as
Damsels in Distress most of the time, the participants had various reactions to this such as how
Disney was merely replicating how society viewed women at the time to plain being dismayed at
how weak this portrayal made women look and how it wasnt a very good message to be sent to
young girls who looked up to these characters. Most of the participants however were thrilled
with the recent changes Disney has applied to their movies making their lead characters much
more deserving role models for todays youth, although some still appreciate the romance of a
prince saving a princess, majority of the participants agreed that this was a positive change in the
movement towards empowering the roles of women even in childrens movies.
Young girls will most likely model their behavior and beliefs after their favorite disney
Fairy tales (Griffin, 2014), which is seen in the responses of the participant on how they are
dismayed by the lack of independence of women in classic fairy tales as compared to modern
fairy tales, the morals of todays stories are much more fitting for the generation of children they
are being made for as compared to classic disney movies which are not the most accurate
example of how a woman should be in the modern age. This further supports the claims of
Justice (2014) that modern Disney is taking a revolutionary step in letting females have more
power over their stories.
Old Disney vs. New Disney
When asked about their opinions regarding both the old and new versions of Disney, they
said this about the differences in the female leads roles I feel like new Disney princesses have
lost the desire to find true love and that by finding true love it will make them happy. Now
Disney princesses are finding love and happiness in different ways. In the older Disney
movies, princesses were being dependent on princes to save them. Nowadays, Disney movies
are focusing on the princesses, making them take the leading role, and portraying them as the
hero. As for being asked if they thought the newer movies of Disney would have a better impact
on young girls, they answered The newer Disney movies tell a better message of independence
and not following the social convention of falling in love and getting married. With the
increasing amount of too-much-finding-your-true-love scheme happening today, seeing
something that's not about romantic couples is kind of refreshing. I mean, there's so much more
to life than just falling in love. Participants had this to say about the overall changes that Disney
has made, Its great that female characters are not relying on the help of a man or that finding
true love is not their only goal in life. However, I would love to see women fighting the social
stigma that surrounds them that I feel was portrayed better in the older films i.e. Mulan,
Jasmine, and Bellewhich I feel has been missing from the recent films I wouldnt dare
change a thing. If I will scrap the whole old disney movies then what will I compare it with? It
doesnt necessarily mean the old ones are bad or the new one are better. Movies are movies.
Different plots evoke different emotions from us. They teach us different lessons. So again, I
wouldnt dare change a thing. Theyve changed in a way that the new and upcoming Disney
movies no longer perceive the concept of love shared by lovers but love being shown in other
ways. For example, Frozen showed that love with your siblings is greater than any love a guy
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could give you which in a way empowers women that we can be independent and do not need
any man for happiness.
Although most are quite fond of classic fairytales due to the fact that this is what the
participants had grown up with and these movies were a massive part of the participants
childhood, the participants felt that New Disney movies were much more pleasing in terms of
values as well as behavior that should be idolized when it comes to children idolizing the
characters shown, although some still appreciate the touch of romance the classics have that
seem to have been lost in modern Disney movies. The participants ultimately agreed that both
Old and New Disney movies were pleasing to them as both contain significant lessons that
young girls can benefit from such as believing in your dreams and fighting social norms.
Both findings of Griffin (2014) and Justice (2014) are very much relevant to the debate of
Old vs. New Disney although the factor being that the participants have fond memories with Old
Disney growing up as well as there being some positive aspects and lessons from the stories
though New Disney is much more favorable in terms of what it teaches young girls. As Griffin
(2014) has said young girls are very impressionable as to what they watch and see daily and
Justice has supported the idea that the modern take of Disney on their fairy tales, leaves much
more inspiration and improvement for females in society
It is concluded that the old Disney fanatics were quite influenced by watching Disney
movies while they were growing up. The new Disney fans despite being exposed to old Disney
growing up as well found a better fit for them in New Disney films where the female leads were
more independent. Results show that New Disney inclined participants had the higher rate of
answering that Disney Princesses have not really influenced how they handle their relationships,
although both types of participants were in agreement that New Disneys take on princesses was
a positive change and would encourage a better moral among the youth of today as opposed to
Old Disney. A few from the Old Disney group had pointed out that the traits about Old Disney
were true to an extent for them and that New Disney has somewhat lost the essence of romantic
love being the center focus of the story, although the same participants were dismayed that as
much as old Disney was magical and almost too perfect, it was also a negative message for
female empowerment. The participants were in agreement that labeling the lead female as a
damsel in distress created unwanted inequality for women and did not send a very positive
message to young girls since they modeled after their favorite characters, although results
showed that favorites among old Disney lead females leaned more on the strong ones such as
Belle and Ariel, and although these females still somewhat succumbed into the misogynist ways
of Disney, they were the beginning of stronger and bolder women. Results show that though they
prefer different versions of the story, both groups agree that Disney has taken a revolutionary
positive step in nurturing the future generation and teaching them equality in genders.
The researcher recommends further research on other factors that may influence
relationship views of young adult women such as schooling, religious beliefs and family
backgrounds as to have a more detailed grasp on the subject of movies and relationships. The
researcher also recommends further research on the topic as time evolves and if possible, should
suggest a case study on a female child fond of Disney movies one of each for both New Disney
as well as Old Disney to see the differences in thinking and impact of these movies.
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References:
Caperello, N., & Migliacco, T. (2011). Women's Interactions with Romantic Comedies and the
Impact on their Relationships Happily Ever After. Studies in Symbolic Interaction. Vol.
37.
England, D., Descartes, L,. & Collier-Meek, L. (2011). Gender Role Portrayal and the Disney
Princesses. Sex Roles: A Journal of Research. Vol. 64, Issue 7-8, pp 555-567
Galloway, L. (2013). "Does Movie Viewing Cultivate Unrealistic Expectations about Love and
Marriage?" (2013). UNLV Theses/Dissertations/Professional Papers/Capstones. 1827.
Griffin, R. (2014). A Disney Romance for the Ages: Idealistic Beliefs of Romantic Relation
ships Held by Youth vtechworks.lib.vt.edu VTechWorks Home/ETDs: Virginia Tech/
Electronic Theses and Dissertations/Masters' Theses
Hefner, V. & Wilson, B., (2013). From Love at First Sight to Soul Mate: The Influence of
Romantic Ideals in Popular Films on Young People's Beliefs about Relationships.
Communication Monographs. Vol. 80, Issue 2.
Holmes, B. (2007). In Search of My One-and-Only Romance Related Media and Beliefs in
Romantic Relationship Destiny. The Electronic Journal of Communication. Vol. 17,
Numbers 3&4.
Justice, B. (2014). Maleficent Reborn: Disneys Fairytale View of Gender Reaches Puberty.
National Council of Social Studies. Social Education 78(4), pp.194-198.
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Kulay ng balat: Katutubong Pananaw ukol sa kagandahan ng balat ng mga taga El Nido
Palawan
Remigio, Jan Aina
ABSTRAK
Ang pag-aaral na ito ay pinagtuunan ang pananaw ukol sa katutubong pananaw sa
kagandahan ayon sa kulay ng balat ng mga taga Palawan. Ang pag-aaral na ito ay gumamit ng
katutubong kaparaanan sa pag kuha ng mga datos sa mga kalahok. Ang tagapaniliksik ay
kumuha ng opinion ng sampu (10) katao para sa pag-aaral na ito, limang (5) lalake at limang
(5) babae, na nasa edad na 15-20, na kahit kailan ay hindi pa nakapanood ng telebisyon,
nakarinig ng radyo, at nakagamit ng kompyuter at cellphone. Ang karanasan ay nabuo sa
pananatili ng mananaliksik sa pook at sa pagkakaroon ng mga kamag-anak sa pook. Ang pagaaral ay nagpakita ng resulta na ang pananaw sa kagandahan ng mga tao sa pook na iyon ay
nagsasabi na magaganda ang mga taong may mapuputing kulay ng balat at ang mga tao ay
nakaranas na gumamit ng mga produktong pampaputi upang mapaputi ang kulay ng kanilang
mga balat.
Mga susing salita: binukot, pagpapaputi, pagtatanong-tanong
Ang kulay ng balat ay nakikita na isang malaking parte ng panlabas na kagandahan ng
isang tao. Madaming indibidwal ay naiisip na ang mas maputing kulay ng balat ay
nakakapagpataas ng kanilang kagandahan at iba pang aspeto sa buhay kagaya ng paghanap ng
pag-ibig at pag hanap ng disenteng trabaho. Marahil naging perspektibo na ng mga Pilipino iyon
simula nang masakop tayo ng mga Espanyol ng 333 taon, tumatak na sa ating isipan na mas
maganda ang mga taong may maputi o matingkad na kulay na balat. Hindi man ang mga Pilipino
ang nag nais ng mas maputi na kulay ng balat, ngunit mas nais nilang maging kahalintulad sa
mga tao na nasa altasosyalidad, ang mga mestizo.
Ngunit bago pa man dumating ang mga kastila mayroon na tayong tradisyon kung saan
ang mga kababaihan ay itinago para maprotektahan. Ang Binukot ay grupo ng mga kababaihan
nakatago, kahit sa mga kalalakihan sa lugar na iyon, kung kayat ang mga tao ay itinatago rin ito
sa mga dayuhan. Ngunit, may iilang mga nakakita na ng mga ito, ilang mga sulat ng mga prayle
ay nag-sasaad sa mga ito. Ang pag hahanap sa mga kababaihang ito ay maari lamang mahanap sa
mga pasalitang mga kasabihan. Hindi din masasabi na ang binukot ay ginagawa ng lahat ng mga
katutubo ngunit hindi din masasabi na hindi nila ito isinasagawa. Ang mga binukot ay may
kaputian at makinis na balat dahil sa kanilang pamumuhay. At dahil sa kanilang kakaibang itsura
sila ang mas napipili upang gawing asawa ng mga datu, kung kayat ang naging persepsyon ng
kagandahan para kanila ay ang maganda at ang makinis na balat. (Abrera, 2009)
Ang mga palabas na ipinapakita ng lokal na telebisyon ay nagpapakita ng hindi patas na
pagtingin sa taong hindi maputi ang kulay ng kanilang balat. Sa industriya ng entertainment, ang
mga aktor sa pelikula and mga sikat na singer ay kadalasang may maputing kulay ng balat at
mga bilugang mga mata. Isang magazine cover na nagpapakita ng mga maiitim na modelo
kasama ang isang maputing artista ay nag papahiwatig ng mensaheng Isang magazine cover na
nagpapakita ng mga maiitim na modelo kasama ang isang maputing artista ay nag papahiwatig
ng mensaheng stepping out of the shadows" Pinapakita nito na mas maganda ang mga taong
may maputing balat keysa sa maiitim (Norwood, 2014). Malakihang media campaigns ay
malakawang ginagamit upang magbigay ng mga impormasyon sa maraming tao, sa pag gamit ng
telebisyon, radyo, pahayagan at ang internet. Ang pagiging mulat sa ganitong pamumuhay at
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nagbigay ng ibang perspekitibo sa pamumuhay. Ang media ay nakapagbigay ng isang malaking

impluwensya sa merkado, at pamumuhay ng isang tao. (Wakefield, Loken, & Hornik, 2010).
Kung kayat dito sa Pilipinas maraming tao ang tumatangkilik ng mga produkto na
nagpapaputi ng kulay ng kanilang balata at ang iba ay sumasailalim pa sa skin bleaching
upang makamit ang mas maputi na kulay ng balat. Ang Synovate ay nagpakita ng mga resulta ng
kanilang pag-aaral na nagsasad na ang Pilipinas ang malakihang kumukonsumo ng mga
produktong ito pagitan sa mga kasamang mga bansa nito sa pag-aaral na naganap, kung saan
nagsasaad na ang 1 sa 2 Pilipina ang gumagamit ng mga produktong pampaputi, kasunod ng
Pilipinas ay ang Hongkong sa 45%, Malaysia sa 41% at Taiwan sa 37%. (Arceo - Dumlao,
2008). Ngunit ang mga taong hindi namulat sa isang buhay na hindi malaki ang impluwensya ng
media sa kanilang buhay ay nagbago rin ba ang kanilang perspektibo sa kagandahan ng isang
indibidwal pagdating sa kanilang kulay ng balat.
Katutubong pananaw ukol sa kagandahan
Bago pa man dumating ang mga kastila mayroon na tayong tradisyon kung saan ang mga
kababaihan ay itinago upang maprotektahan. Ang Binukot ay grupo ng mga kababaihan
nakatago, kahit sa mga kalalakihan sa lugar na iyon, kung kayat ang mga tao ay itinatago rin ito
sa mga dayuhan. Ngunit, may iilang mga nakakita na ng mga ito, ilang mga sulat ng mga prayle
ay nag-sasaad sa mga ito. Ang pag hahanap sa mga kababaihang ito ay maari lamang mahanap sa
mga pasalitang mga kasabihan. Hindi din masasabi na ang binukot ay ginagawa ng lahat ng mga
katutubo ngunit hindi din masasabi na hindi nila ito isinasagawa. Ang mga binukot ay may
kaputian at makinis na balat dahil sa kanilang pamumuhay. At dahil sa kanilang kakaibang itsura
sila ang mas napipili upang gawing asawa ng mga datu, kung kayat ang naging persepsyon ng
kagandahan para kanila ay ang maganda at ang makinis na balat. (Abrera, 2009)
Kagandahan para sa mga kababaihan kaugnay ang kulay ng balat
Sa isang pag-aaral na Hussein (2010), kultura at media portrayals ang nagpapakita na isa
sa malaking paktor sa pag-aasam sa kagandahan upang maging perpekto at kung ano ang
paunang kinakailangan para sa magandang buhay ay makamit sa mga rehiyon. Upang siyasatin
ang kasanayan si Hussein ay nakapagsimula isang Foucauldian talaangkanan ng kasanayan sa
rehiyon. Sinimulan niya sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral ng kaugnayan ng pagkaputi ng kulay balat
sa kagandahan at pag-unlad. Sa pamamagitan ng pagtataguyod ng siyentipikong kapootang
panlahi at imperyal na diin sa mga pagbubukod batay sa racist na ideolohiya na ito trend ng paguugnay ng kaputian ng balat sa kagandahan at pag-unlad ay nag-aral sa kolonyal Indya.
Pagkatapos ang mga symbolic ng kaputian ng balat ay nagsiwalat sa pamamagitan ng isang
bokabularyong tone ng balat sa rehiyon, na kumakatawan sa mga micro-uriin antas ng racist na
idelohiya mula sa kolonyal na doktrina macro-level. ng pag-aaral na ito ang mga resulta na
mayroon South Asian isang batayan sa kulay ng balat sa paghusga sa balat ng tungkol sa mga
nakamit sa buhay ng indibidwal.
Ang mga babaeng may maitim na kulay ng balat ay mas apektado sa karaniwang
pamantayan sa kagandahan, dahil ang mga pamantayang ito ay malaki ang pagtingin sa kulay ng
balat at sa uri ng buhok na meron sila at hindi kasama dun ang maiitim na babae. Sa pag gamit
ng mga sosyal na mga paktor kagaya ng pamilya, kaibigan, medya at ang sosayidad. Napapaloob ditto ang paningin nila sa sarili nila, kanilang pag-aasawa at malusog na mentalidad. Ang
pag-aaral na naganap na nag sasabi na madaming kababaihan ang umaayaw sa sarili nila dahil sa
kanilang kulay ng balat. Eto ang epekto ng European na pamantayan ng kagandahan. (Bryant,
2013)
Epekto ng medya sa persepsyon sa kagandahan ng isang tao kaugnay sa kulay ng balat
Karagdagan sa pamantayan ng kagandahan, ang medya ay isa sa mga nagbibigay ng
signipikong pagganap sa pagpapalawak ng mga pamantayang ito. Ang mga maiitim na bata ay
ang naapektohan ng todo ng medya dahil sa pag taas ng pag-gamit ng medya ng mga tao. Sa
muwestra ng 176 na batang babae na may maitim na kulay ng balat na nag-iidad sa 13 hanggang
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17, si Gordon ay nag saliksik ukol sa pagkakakonekta ng medya at ang pagkonsumo ng mga
babae na may maitim na kulay ng balat lalong lalo na sa medya na naglalaman ng sensual na
mga imahe at ang pokus sa kagandahan at itsura. Natagpuan ni Gordon na ang mga babaeng
may maiitim na kulay na balat na mahilig sa mga musika na rap at mga palabas na ang itsura ng
buhok, kulay ng balat a yang sentro ng mga babae sa mga palabas na naipapakita. Ang pag-aaral
na ito ay nag-sasabi na ang pagkakalantad nito at ang identipikasyon sa mga pagpapakita na ang
mga babae na ito ay gamit lamang para sa seks, at patuloy ito na nag papakita ng lugar ng mga
babae na may hindi kaputiang kulay ng balat base sa kanilang kulay ng balat ang takbo ng
kanilang buhay. (Gordon, 2008)
Iba pang pag-aaral ukol sa kagandahan ayon sa kulay ng balat at pagpapaputi
Isinulat ni Arceo-Dumlao (2008) na ang mga lokal na mga kumpanya sa Asia ay isa sa
mga naglagay ng whitening segment of the skin care sa pamilihan noong kahulihan ng 1980s at
simula ng 1990s. Ngunit multinational na mga kumpanya ay agarang sumali noong nakita nila
ang mahigit sa doble ng taas ng benta na pinakikinabangan ng mga kumpanyang nauna sa kanila.
2 sa 5 babae sa Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines at Taiwan nararamdaman na mas
maganda sila pag mayroon silang maputi na kulay ng balat. Ang Synovate ay nagpakita ng mga
resulta ng kanilang pag-aaral na nagsasad na ang Pilipinas ang malakihang kumukonsumo ng
mga produktong ito pagitan sa mga kasamang mga bansa nito sa pag-aaral na naganap, kung
saan nagsasaad na ang 1 sa 2 Pilipina ang gumagamit ng mga produktong pampaputi, kasunod ng
Pilipinas ay ang Hongkong sa 45%, Malaysia sa 41% at Taiwan sa 37%. Sa Pilipinas, ang mga
produktong tinatangkilik ng mga tao ay gumagamit na ng sachet.
Pagbubuo
Sa madaling salita, ang ilang mga tao, lalo na mga babae, ang mas malakihang
naapektuhan ng kulay ng kanilang balat at ikinukumpara ang kanilang mga sarili sa iba pang
mga tao na bahagi ng kanilang parehong pangkat na panlahi. Naiugnay rito ang pagpapalit ng
kulay ng balat ng karamihan sa mga ito, dahil malaki na rin ang impluwensya ng medya sa
pagnanais nito. Ang mga literaturang nabanggit sa pag-aaral na ito ay nagmula sa wikang ingles
at isinalin laman sa wikang Pilipino. Ninanais ng pag-aaral na ito makuha ang datos na
nagmumula sa perspektibong Pilipino at kunin ito gamit ang metodong sikolohiyang pilipino o
pangkatutubong metodo.
Karamihan sa mga pananaliksik at pag-aaral na ginawa sa mga nakaraang taon ay ginawa
na sa America, Europe at Timog-Silangang Asya. Karamihan ng mga sample ng kalahok babae
at ilang lalaki kalahok. Ang pinaka-naapektuhan ng presepsyon ng kagandahan pagdating sa
kulay ng balat ay ang mga babae, mga lalaki sa pangkalahatan ay mas minsan lamang na
magdusa sa kulay na diskriminasyon, ngunit hindi ito nangangahulugan na hindi sila nagdusa sa
lahat. Diskriminasyon ng kalalakihan ukol sa kulay ng balat. Tulad ng pag-aaral nila Wigerfelt,
Wigerfelt, & Kiiskinen (2014) na nagsaad na ang mga tao na may maitim na balat ay ang mga
kriminal sa mata ng ibang tao. Higit pang mga pag-aaral ay kinakailangan upang makita ang mga
punto ng lalaki sa colorism. Mayroong ilang mga pag-aaral kasama na ang mga Filipino upang
maging kasangkap sa mga tuntunin ng colorism. Naririto ang mga katanungang pananaliksik: (1)
Ano ang pananaw ng mga katutubong tao ukol sa kagandahan ayon sa kulay ng balat?, (2) Ano
ang katutubong persepsyon sa mga produktong pampaputi at ano ang kanilang ginamit at ano
ang kanilang karanasan sa pag gamit ng mga produktong pampaputi?
Metodolohiya
Ang disenyo ng pananaliksik ng pag-aaral na ito ay kwalitatibong disenyo. Ito ay gagamit
ng Indigenous Method o pang-katutubong pamamaraan ng pananaliksik. Ang pag-aaral na ito ay
malinaw na maiihahayag ang nais sabihin ng mga kalahok ukol sa kung ang kulay ng balat ay
may kaugnayan sa perpektong kagandahan. Ang mananaliksik ay gumamit ng pagtatanongtanong, paninirahan, pagmamasidmasid at pakikisama dahil sa pamamaraan na ito makakakuha
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ang mananaliksik upang makuha ng datos ng hindi nagbabago o pinapaganda ang mga sagot ng
mga kalahok.
Ang mga kalahok
Ang mga kalahok na ang tagapagpananaliksik ay magtatanong-tanong ng sampung (10)
katao. limang (5) babae at limang (5) lalaki. Sa edad na grupo ng mga 15-20 taong gulang.
Naisip ng mananaliksik na ang edad na ito ang madalas na napapansin ng pansariling
kagandahan. Ayon kay O'Connell& Martin (2012) ang positibong pagtingin sa body image ay
mabilisang bumababa sa kalahatang taon ng adolescent. Sa pag-aaral na naganap ang mga taong
nasa edad 15 ay ang hindi masaya sa kanilang body image.
Kinailangan din sa pag-aaral na ito ang demograpikong impormasyon ng mga kalahok.
Kinailangan sa pag-aaral na ito ang mga kalahok na hindi naimpluwensyahan ng medya. Medya
na kagaya ng telebisyon, radyo, pahayagan at internet. Hinihiling ng mananaliksik na may
trabaho at kahit papaano may pinag-aralan ang mga kalahok upang maayos na magkaintindihan
ang mananaliksik at ang kalahok.
Ang ginamit ng mananaliksik ay purposive random sampling sa pagkuha ng mga kalahok
sa pag-aaral na ito. Ang pag-aaral na ito ay gumamit ng kaginhawaan ng pagsa-sample sa El
Nido, Palawan. Ang mga kalahok ay mga naninirahan sa kabundukan sa El Nido, Palawan. Sila
ay lahat hindi pa nakababa sa bayan, ngunit may mga kakilala sila na bumababa sa bayan upang
magtrabaho.
Mga Instrumento
Sa pag-aaral na ito gumamit ang mananaliksik ng pagmamasid-masid, upang makita kung
ung pasok ba sila sa krayteria na hinahanap ng mananaliksik para sa naturang pag-aaral. Gagamit
din ng pakikipag-kwentuhan, dito malalaman ng mananaliksik upang malaman ang kanilang
perspektibo sa kulay ng balat. Upang makakuha ng maganda at eksakto ang sinasabi ng kalahok,
gagamit ang mananaliksik ng rekorder upang marinig ng maayos ang kanilang
pakikipanayaman. Maaring gumamit ng mga larawan ang mananaliksik upang malaman kung
ano ang eksaktong maputi at maitim sa kanila at kung nakikita ba nila ito bilang kaaya-aya o
hindi.
Taga pagpananaliksik ay gumamit din ang paghahambing ng kulay ng balat ng mga
kilalang tao upang makuha ang eksaktong larawan ng kung ano ang kulay ng balat ay mas
maputi o mas maitim. Sa pagsasaliksik na ito, ang palatanungan na maaaring gamitin ay
katutubo. Patanong-tanong, Pagmamasid-masid at Pakikipagkwentuhan.
Kaparaanan
Ang pag-aaral na ito ay nakatuon at nakabase sa perspektibo ng mga tao sa El Nido,
Palawan na hindi pa sanay sa modernong panahon ng media. Ang El Nido, Palawan ay isa sa
mga urban na lugar ng Palawan ngunit sa kadulo-dulohan nito ay may mga rural pa na lugar,
sapagkat ang mga kalahok na maaring makuha ng mananaliksik dito ay hindi pa nakasasagot ng
surbey o ano mang mga instrumento ng pananaliksik. Dahil dito, mas nanaising gumamit ng
mananaliksik ng katutubong pamamaraan ng pagkuha ng impormasyong mula sa mga kalahok.
Sa pamamagitan ng katutubong pamamaraan ng pananaliksik, kinakailangan ng mananaliksik
manirahan sa lugar na iyon sapagkat hindi tubong Palawan ang mananaliksik kung kayat
kinakailangan nyang maobserbahan ang kabuhayan at pamumuhay ng mga tao doon. Nanirahan
ang mananaliksik sa kanyang mga kamag-anak na nakatira sa pook upang makatulong sa
kanyang pakikipagpanayaman at pakikipalagayan ng loob sa mga taong nakatira roon upang
makuha ang eksakto at taos-pusong sagot ng mga kalahok.
Ang unang gagawing ng mananaliksik ay magpapakita ng pagiging pagkapantay nya sa
mga taong nakatira sa puok na iyon, upang hindi mang-iwas o manibago ang mga tao sa kanya.
Gagamit ng disente at simpleng damit ang mananaliksik. Hindi sya gagamit ng magagarbong
kadamitan. Ang pangalawang gagawin ng mananaliksik ay ang makipagkwentuhan sa mga
nakatira sa pook na iyon. Kasama ang kanyang Lola na doon nakatira, ipakikilala sya sa mga
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nakatira roon at sisikaping makuha ang loob ng mga taga-roon ng mananaliksik. Sasabihin na
siya ay kanyang apo at nandirito upang magbakasyon. Hindi dapat malaman ng mga kalahok na
nagsasagawa ng pag-aaral ang mananaliksik dahil maaring manipulahin nila ang kanilang mga
kasagutan pagdating sa naturang paksa.
Ang pangatlong gagawin ng mananaliksik ay ang pakikipagkwentuhan. Pag nakuha na ng
mananaliksik ang loob ng mga taga pook na iyon, isasagawa na ng mananaliksik ang
pakikipagkwentuhan. Pag-uusapan na nila ang kanilang perspektibo ng kagandahan pagdating sa
kulay ng balat. Maari na ring gumamit ng pagtatanong-tanong ang mananaliksik. Magtatanongtanong na sya ukol sa paksa na pinag-uusapan. Hindi kailangan maging pormal ang kanilang
mga sagot dahil ito ang nais malikom ng mananaliksik. Kasama sa pakikipagkwentuhan ng
mananaliksik sa kanyang mga kalahok ang kanyang kamag-anak upang mas mapalagay at mas
eksakto ang mga sagot na maaring makuha ng mananaliksik. Habang nagsasalita ang mga
kalahok sikretong inihanda ng mananaliksik ang rekorder upang malikom ang mga kasagutan ng
mga kalahok ng walang pagbabago sa kanilang mga kasagutan dahil sa lantad na prisensya ng
rekorder.
Ang huling gagawin ng mananaliksik ang dokementasyon ng mga larawan na ipapakita
sa mga kalahok upang makakuha ng malinaw ng mananaliksik ang kanilang perspektibo sa kulay
ng balat ng isang indibidwal.Ang mananaliksik ay nanirahan sa pook ng dalawang linggo. Maikli
lamang ang panahon na itinagal ng mananaliksik dahil ipit sa oras, ngunit nakuha ng
mananaliksik ang tiwala ng mga taga pook, dahil sa kanyang mga kamag-anak at sa paraaan ng
pakikisama ng mananaliksik.
Katutubong metodo ang ginamit ng mananaliksik upang makuha ng mga impormasyong
kinailangan, hindi ito maaring isukat o ikategorya. Sampung kalahok ang nakausap ng
mananaliksik. Sa usapan nagsilbing kausap at tagapakinig sa mga kalahok. Sa pamamagitan ng
pakikipagrelasyon, pakikinig at pakikitungo sa mga kalahok, nabigyan ng kabuluhan ang
pananaliuksik na ginawa ng mananaliksik. Sa pagtatangi ng tema na isinalaysay, masasagutan
ang mga tanong na pananaliksik na: (1) Ano ang katutubong pananaw sa kagandahan ayon sa
kulay ng balat ng balat? (2) Ano ang katutubong persepsyon sa mga produktong pampaputi at
ano ang kanilang ginamit at ano ang kanilang karanasan sa pag gamit ng mga produktong
pampaputi? Gamit ang mga nalikom na pahayag ng mga kalahok patungkol sa kagandahan at
pag-gamit ng mga pampaputi ito ay nagsisilbing patibay sa paglatag ng resulta ng pag-aaral. Ang
mga kalahok ay natatawag na babae (B) at lalake (L).
Ano ang katutubong pananaw sa kagandahan ayon sa kulay ng balat ng balat?
Ayon sa mga kalahok ang magandang kulay ng balat ang tipo ng balat na naayon sa
kanilang itsura. Ang hindi kaputiang balat ang naayon para sa kanila ay ang magandang kulay ng
balat. Ito ay ayon sa mga kalahok sa parehong kasarian, ngunit para sa ilang mga kababaihan
naiiba ang kanilang mga sagot, nais nila nang mas maputi pang kulay ng balat.
Tama naman si Kalahok 2 eh, hindi rin naman maganda sa babae ang todong puti, pag
tingin ko sa morena malinis naman din tingnan, para sa akin ang morena kahit anong damit
maganda. - Kalahok 4, B
Malinis daw tingnan ang taong may maputing kulay na balat keysa sa may maitim na
kulay ng balat, Kahit na daw na bagong ligo ang maiitim ang kulay ng balat nagmumukha pa
rin silang madumi or marungis, Mas nakakakuha kasi ng atensyon ang maputi. Kalahok 1, L
Hindi naman sa ayaw ko sa mga maiitim, kaso kasi mas gusto ko pa rin ang mapuputi.
Kasi pag sa babae, ang mapuputi mas mayaman tingnan dahil naalagaan nila ung balat nila,
kahit na may magandang babae dyan pero maitim ang balat, hindi ko pa rin sya papansinin kasi
maitim sya. - Kalahok 3, L
Ako lang naman ata ung may gusto ko ng tamang kulay ng balat eh. Kayo kasi gusto
nyo yung hindi nyo maabot, tama na ako sa maabot ko (tawa) - Kalahok 8, L
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Lahat ng mga mga kalahok ay sumasang-ayon sa pag gusto nila sa sarili nilang kulay ng
balat. Ang kulay ng balat na hindi kaputian. Ngunit noong tumagal pa ang kanilang usapan
lumabas na karamihan sa mga kalahok ang nag-nanais na palitan o mapaputi ang kanilang mga
balat. Mas mataas sa mga kababaihan na magnais na wag nang umitim at mapanatili ang
maputing kulay ng kanilang balat. Sumasang-ayon ang mga pahiwatig ng mga kababaihan sa
mga pag-aaral na naisagawa. Ang mga babaeng may maitim na kulay ng balat ay mas apektado
sa karaniwang pamantayan sa kagandahan, dahil ang mga pamantayang ito ay malaki ang
pagtingin sa kulay ng balat at sa uri ng buhok na meron sila at hindi kasama dun ang maiitim na
babae. Sa pag gamit ng mga sosyal na mga paktor kagaya ng pamilya, kaibigan, medya at ang
sosayidad. Napapa-loob dito ang paningin nila sa sarili nila, kanilang pag-aasawa at malusog na
mentalidad. Ang pag-aaral na naganap na nag sasabi na madaming kababaihan ang umaayaw sa
sarili nila dahil sa kanilang kulay ng balat. Eto ang epekto ng European na pamantayan ng
kagandahan. (Bryant, 2013).
Ayon sa mga lalake nagmumukhang malinis ang isang tao dahil sa kanilang kulay ng
balat at ayon naman sa mga babae ito ay nagbibigay ng malaking tsansa na makapag-bigay ito sa
kanila ng isang asawa. Mga Kababaihan na maputi nang bahagya ang kulay ng balat ay may mas
mataas na mga tsansa ng kasal. Ito ay ang aming mga social tradisyon na ang mga tao makipagusap tungkol sa kulay ng balat ng babaing bagong kasal at ang buong pamilya ay
makakaramdam ng pagmamalaki. Mga kababaihan na maputi nang bahagya kulay ng balat ay
nakita na maging mas maganda sa lipunan kung ihahambing sa mga may mas maitim na kulay
ng balat. Tungkol sa paghahanap ng trabaho, sa aspeto muli doon ay malinaw na may
kagustuhan sa kulay. Maputi nang bahagya babae ay mas katiwa-tiwala sa kanilang mga
pakikipag-ugnayan.
Ano ang katutubong persepsyon sa mga produktong pampaputi at ano ang kanilang ginamit
at ano ang kanilang karanasan sa pag gamit ng mga produktong pampaputi?
Kung ako naman ung nabibili ni _____ sa bayan, ung sabon. Maganda iyon gamitin kasi
pumuti sya kaagad, nais ko ring pumuti dahil wala nang nanliligaw sa akin dahil nga nagbabad
na ako sa dagat. Kalahok 5, B
Ayaw ko namang umitim, kung ano-ano ginagawa ko para pumuti ako. Kasi madaming
pumupuri sa kulay ng balat ko. - Kalahok 4, B
Ayon sa mga kalahok ang produktong pampaputi ay mga produkto na tutulong sa kanila
upang makuha ang kulay ng balat na nais nilang makamit, ito ang kulay ng balat na sa paningin
nila na makapagbibigay sa kanila ng mataas na tsansa sa pag-ibig. Ang kanilang karanasan sa
pag gamit ng mga pampaputi ay natataoon pa rin sa natural na paraan na pag gamit ng kalamansi
sa pampaligo, ngunit sa ibang mga kalahok ang pag gamit ng mga sabong nakukuha nila sa
bayan ang kanilang ginagamit. Ilan sa mga kalahok ay may mga kamag-anak na bumababa sa
bayan upang magtrabaho kung kayat nakabibili sila ng mga produktong pampaputi. Nagusuthan
nila ang pag gamit nila ng mga pampaputi. Maraming mga Pilipino ang gagawin ang lahat upang
makamit ang maputing kulay ng balat. Kung kayat ang ating mga pamilihan ay puno ng mga
produktong pampaputi mula sa sabon, creams, and mga pulbos at glutathione. Ang pagiging
maputi ay pagiging maganda. Ito ang sinasabi ng mga advertisments sa atin. Ngunit hindi lamang
natin pwede sisihin ang mga advertisments. Sinasabi na nga na nasa kultura na ng mga Pilipino
na ang ating pamantayan pagdating sa kagandahan ay laging naka pabor sa maputing kulay ng
balat. Ito ay ang mestiza madness na naipasok sa ating mga isipan simula pa noong ang mga
Espanyol ay sinakop tayo. Mayroon silang mahigit sa tatlong siglo na mapaniwala tayo na ang
mas maputing kulay ng balat ay mas maganda. Mahigit isang daang taon na simula ng umalis
ang mga Espanyo sa ating bansa, ngunit ngayon dahil sa mga palabas na ipinapakita ng mga
Amerikano, marami pa ring mga Pilipino ang nagnanais makamit ang maputing kulay ng balat.
(Lapea, 2010).
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Ayon sa karamihan ng mga kalalakihan ay nagsasabi na para sa kanila maganda ang
maputi, at iilan lamang sa mga kababaihan ang nagsasabi na mas maganda ang maputi keysa sa
maiitim. Lumalabas din sa mga resultang nakalap na para sa mga lalake, maganda na para sa
kanila tingnan ang katam-taman o maitim na kulay ng balat. Karamihan sa kanila na hindi na
nag-nanais ng iba pang kulay ng balat, samantalang ang mga babae naman ay maaring magpalit
pa ng kulay ng balat, at ayaw nilang umitim. Ang mga taong may hindi kaputiang kulay ng balat
ay kinukampara ang kanilang mga sarili sa mga tao na may maputing kulay ng balat pagdating sa
relasyon, trabaho at mga pribelehiyo. Ito ay isa sa mga naging problema na ikinahaharap ng ating
modernong komyunidad. Ang kakabaihan ang karaniwang nakararanas ng mataas na kagustuhan
pumuti. Naitatak na ito sa atin isipan na natin na ang babaeng may maputi na kulay ng balat ay
mas kaaya-aya. Ang maputing kulay ng balat ay naging malaking parte ng buhay ng mga
tagapamili dito sa Asia. Hindi lamang ang maputing kulay ng balat ang nakaka-apekto sa pag
tingin sa kagandahan ng isang babae, ngunit naapektuhan din nito ang kanyang tsansa sa pagaasawa, trabaho, antas ng pamumuhay at kanyang sahod.
Ang maaring gawing ng lokal na pamahalaan ay mag-sagawa ng isang seminar ukol sa
kagandahan. Upang maipaliwanag na kahit na hindi kaputian ang kulay ng balat ng isang tao ay
maganda pa rin sila. Ito lamang ang naiisip kong paraan upang matanggap ng mga tao sa pook na
iyon ang tunay na kagandahan. Maari ring magpakita ng mga masama at mabuting epekto ng
mga pampaputi upang maliwanagan ang mga tao na ito sa mga produkto na pampaputi.
Ninanaism na mairekomenda ng mananaliksik na sa mga susunod pang gagawa ng katulad na
pag-aaral ay mas palawakin pa ang mga datos na kukunin sa mga kalahok. Ninanais na
mairekomenda rin ng mananaliksik na kumuha pa ng mas maraming kalahok upang makakuha
pa ng mas maraming impormasyon. Naninanais na mairekomenda rin ng mananaliksik na
gumamit pa rin ng katutubong metodo upang mas mapalawak at mapatibay ang pagkuha sa mga
datos at upang mas maging makabuluhan ang resulta.
Sanggunian:
Abrera, M. (2009). Seclusion and Veiling of Women. UP Diliman Journals of Philippine Social
Sciences Review, 60(1), P 43-65. Retrieved August 14, 2015, from http://journals.upd
.edu.ph/index.php/pssr/article/viewFile/1274/1630
Arceo - Dumlao, T. (2008). A Whiter Shade of Pale: Skin Whitening Products in Asia. B2-4.
Retrieved September 24, 2015, from news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2479
Bryant, S. (2013). The Beauty Ideal: The Effects of European Standards of Beauty on Black
Women. Columbia Social Work Review, IV (2013), 80-91.
Gordon, M. K. (2008). Media contributions to African American girls focus on beauty and
appearance: Exploring the con Bryant Columbia Social Work Review, Volume IV 90
sequences of sexual objectification. Psychology of Women Quarterly, 32, 245-256.
Hussein, N. (2010). Colour Of Life Achievements: Historical And Media Influence Of Identity
NorwoFormation Based On Skin Colour In South Asia. Journal of Intercultural Studies,
Lapea, C. (2010). Dissecting the Pinoy white skin obsession. Retrieved October 23, 2015, from
www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/182773/lifestyle/dissecting-the-pinoy-white-skinNorwood, K. (2014). Color matters: Skin tone bias and the myth of a post-racial America.
Choice Reviews Online, 13-13. doi:131781956X, 9781317819561
O'Connell, A., & Martin, S. (2012). How we see it. Report of a Survey on Young People's Body
Image, 1-1. doi:978-1-4064-2710-3
Wakefield, M., Loken, B., & Hornik, R. (2010). Use of mass media campaigns to change health
behaviour. The Lancet, 376(9748), 1261-1271. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(10)60809-4
Wigerfelt, B., Wigerfelt, A. S., & Kiiskinen, J. (2014). When Colour Matters: Policing and Hate
Crime. Social Inclusion, 2(1), 1-11.
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Karanasan at Konsepto ng Panata ng Kapistahan ng ilang Pamilyang Pilipino sa Lucban,

Quezon
Reyes, Krista Angelica
ABSTRAK
Layunin ng pag-aaral na ito na maipaliwanag ang konsepto at karanasan ng panata ng
kapistahan sa ilang pamilyang Pilipino sa Lucban, Quezon sa pamamagitan ng pagbabahagi nila
ng kanilang mga karanasan. Sa pamamagitan ng pang-katutubong metodong na pagtatanungtanong at pakikipagkwentuhan sa isang kinatawan sa limang pamilya sa bayan ng Lucban,
Quezon, napag-alaman na ang konsepto ay pinaikot kay San Isidro Labrador na patron ng mga
magsasaka. Ang karanasan naman ay ibinahagi at napag-alaman na ito ay nabuo sa katagalan
ng pakikilahok at kinalakihan na rin. Naikumpara ang ilang mga epekto at lumabas na mayroong
positibo at negatibo. Ang kahalagahan ng pagsasama-sama ng pamilya ay ang maituturing na
pangunahing positibong aspeto kasama na rin ng pagkakaroon ng hanapbuhay at ang
pagkakaroon ng mas matibay na pananampalataya sa Diyos. Bagkus, ang pagbabagong dulot ng
modernong panahon ay lumabas na negatibo, kasama na rin ng pinansyal na kabawasan at
pagkaubos ng oras. Mairerekomenda ng mananaliksik na isagawa ang pag-aaral sa mas
mahabang panahon at kumuha pa ng mas maraming kalahok na makakapanayam.
Mga susing salita: panata, kapistahan, pagtatanung-tanong, karanasan, konsepto
Mapapansin na isang kaugaliang naging pagkakakilanlan na ng mga Pilipino ay ang
pagiging likas na masiyahin. Katulad ng sinabi nina Saito, Imamura, & Miyagi (2010)
karugtong nito ang pagkakahilig sa mga engrandeng selebrasyon at isa sa mga selebrasyong
tunay na kinagigiliwan ng halos lahat ay ang kapistahan sa bawat bayan at lungsod sa Pilipinas.
Kahit anong aspeto ay pinagkakagastusan ito para may maihanda sa bisita. Mapapansin na ang
mga kapistahang ito ay ipinagdiriwang hindi lamang ng taongbayan na nakatira sa partikular na
lugar kundi pati ang mga taong dito nagmula, lumaki o ang mga taong gusto lamang
makidiwang. Kung pagmamasdan, matagal na ang tradisyong ito. Ayon kay Wendt (2008) ang
pista ay isang tradisyong nakuha pa mula sa sistemang kolonyal ng gobyerno. Marami mang
panahon ang nagdaan ay nananatiling makulay ang pagpapahalaga ng mga Pilipino sa mga
makahulugang kaganapan sa ating bansa. Walang pinipiling antas ng tao ang pakikisama sa
pagdiriwang kung kayat mayaman o mahirap ay pantay-pantay sa aspetong ito at ang bawat isa
ay may karapatang makisaya o makihalubilo upang magtagumpay sa selebrasyon. Napag-alaman
kay Bamero (2013) na ang pista ay may kanya-kanyang pinagmulan na dahilan ng pagbubunyi.
Itoy bahagi na ng buhay-Pilipino at hindi maikakailang ang Pilipino ay masiyahin at mahilig
magtipun-tipon at mas makakabuti kung itoy idaraos kasama ng mga mahal sa buhay. Isa pa,
hindi birong maglaan ng oras at pagsisikap para sa ikagaganda nito kahit marami pang ibang
isyung kailangan pagtuunan ng pansin. Kahit sa modernong panahon, pinananatili pa ring buhay
ang diwa ng nakaraan. Kadalasan, mas pinaiigting ito ng mga dayuhang nagbibigay-suporta para
sa mas ikagaganda ng selebrasyon at sa pagpapalawak ng kaalaman ukol dito. Maraming
nagsusulat ukol sa dito sa kani-kanilang blog at nagiging sikat ito upang dayuhin. Inilahad nina
Saito, et al. (2010) sa isang artikulo na ang mga Pilipino ay likas na mahilig sa mga pista kaya ito
ay hindi pinalalampas. Kadalasan, nag-aanyaya pa ng ilang panauhin upang makilahok.
Mahalagang malaman ang diwa ng kapistahan at kung bakit ito lubos na tinatangkilik ng
nakararami partikular na ng mga hindi naman naninirahan sa kalapit o mismong lugar kung saan
idinaraos sa kabila ng mga pagbabago sa kapaligiran at paraan ng pamumuhay dahil itoy naging
parte na ng ating buhay kaya tunay na isa na itong pagkakakilanlan at parte na ng buhay ng isang
Pilipino. Hindi maikakaila na ang pamilya ang isang aspeto na nakita upang lalong ganahan na
maging kalahok sa pista. Isa sa mga nakikitang dahilan ay ang pagiging malapit ng mga Pilipino
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sa pamilya. Ayon kina Saito, et al. (2010) ang mga Pilipino ay kilala na kumakalinga at
nagpapahalaga sa kanilang pamilya. Ayon na rin kay Mulder (2012) sa Pilipinas ay mayroong
pakiramdam na pagiging kaisa at may seguridad sa pamilya at lumalabas na itoy isa sa mga
prayoridad ng tao sa buhay, itoy mabisa upang mas galingan pa sa mga bagay na
pinagkakaabalahan sa susunod na pagkakataon. Ang pamilya ay isang representasyon ng
makabuluhang pamumuhay, obligasyon at katuparan ng mga mithiin.
Nangangailangan ng malawakang pag-unawa sa lipunan upang mas maintindihan ang
konsepto ng bawat elemento kaya tulad ng isinaad ni Aquino (2013) ginamit ang paniniwala
bilang isang interpretasyon at ang relihiyon bilang konsepto. Pinaghiwalay ang dalawang
elemento upang mas maintindihan ang pokus ng bawat isa. Ang dalawang elemento ay may
relasyon sa paggamit ngunit magkaiba ang kahulugan.
Pista
Ang mga Pilipino ay kilala sa pagkahilig sa mga engrandeng selebrasyon, partikular na sa
pista. Ayon kay Bamero (2013) ang bawat pista ay may kanya-kanyang pinagmulan. Ang pistang
ito ay halaw sa lumang tradisyon ng pag-aalay ng mga inaning gulay, prutas, at iba pang
pananim sa mga anito o diyos ng kalikasan bilang pasasalamat sa kanilang naipamahaging
biyaya. Ang pista ay bahagi na ng buhay-Pilipino. Masayahin tayo at mahilig tayong magtipuntipon upang magsaya. Inaanyayahan natin ang mga kaibigan at malalayong kamag-anak upang
makipagsaya sa atin, makisalo sa ating inihandang pagkain at manood ng mga palabas.
Ayon kay Magpantay, Decena, De Torres, Garcia, Villalobos, Felicen & Dinglasan
(2014) Ang pista ay isang okasyon na pangkaraniwang idinaraos ng isang komunidad,
pinagtutuunan at ipinagdiriwang ang ilang katangi-tanging aspeto at mga tradisyon ng
komunidad. Ang mga pista ay ginagamit upang matamo ang mga layunin, lalo nat ito ay
taunang pagdiriwang na nagbibigay-pugay sa patron ng isang lokalidad o pasasalamat. Isinaad pa
nila na ang mga pista ay itinuturing na nakakapag-ambag sa kultural at ekonomikal na pag-unlad.
Ang mga pista ay may malaking epekto sa pag-unlad ng kultural na turismo. Ang kagustuhang
magkaroon ng pistat mga kaganapan ay hindi lamang upang diinan ang pangangailangan ng
isang partikular na grupo. Ang pag-host ng pagdiriwang ay kadalasang pinauunlad dahil sa
turismo at ekonomikal na oportunidad, dagdag na sa sosyal at kultural na benepisyo.
Inilahad nina Saito, et al. (2010) sa isang artikulo na ang pagdiriwang ng pista ay
ginaganap upang bigyang-pugay ang patron o santo ng isang lalawigan. Bukas-palad na
tinanggap ang mga ito bilang bahagi ng kulturang Pilipino. Kahit sa kabila ng anumang dagok at
pang-ekonomiyang kakulangan, kapag oras na para ipagdiwang ang pista, ang mga Pilipino ay
wiling-wili sa pamimista sa paraang magarbo at tingin nila ay makapagpapaligaya sa kanila. Ang
mga bisita ay hahandugan ng masasarap na pagkain at mga natatanging paghahanda ang
ginagawa. Sa kasaysayan, ang pista ay minana sa mga espanyol na siyang namuna sa Pilipinas
noong panahon ng kolonya. Sa isang artikulo naman na nailathala nina Bondo, Britania,
Duldulao, Manicad, & Urlanda (2012) ang taunang pagdiriwang ng pista ng pahiyas ay naging
matagumpay kung kaya't ito ay naging dahilan na upang umangat ang turismo sa Lucban at lalo
pang nahalina ang mga dayuhan at lokal upang makiisa. Bukod dito, ang pistang ito ay isang
paraan upang ipakita at iparamdam ang kanilang debosyon sa Kristiyanismo at higit sa lahat ay
ang kapayapaan sa puso ng mga Lucbaneo.
Close family ties at Pista
Ayon kay Mulder (2012) ang mga pamilya dito sa Pilipinas ay nakapagbibigay ng
pakiramdam na ikaw ay kasali at seguridad kung kayat ito ay nakaiimpluwensya upang mas
maging mabuti pa sa mga susunod na gawain. Ang pamilya ay ang sentro ng lahat at hindi kaya
ng sinuman tibagin ang paniniwalang ito; hindi lamang ang pangunahing pamilya kundi maging
ang mga ibang kamag-anak ay inaasahang magpapaabot ng suporta at pakikiisa sa mithiin ng
buong pamilya. Ayon kay Margutti (2007) ang mga miyembro ng pamilya ay nagpapakita ng
daan tungo sa mga pagdiriwang at isinasali ang kanilang mga sarili sa grupo; ito ay isang
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kaalaman na limitado sa pagkakaroon nila ng family ties. Ayon naman kina Saito, et al. (2010)
ang mga Pilipino ay kilala na kumakalinga at nagpapahalaga sa kanilang mga pamilya. May mga
oras na ang mga relasyong pampamilya ay tunay na matatag na ito ay nag-uumpisa ng dipagkakaintindihan sa ibang pamilya. Ito ay kumakatawan sa kasalungat na relasyon na mayroon
ang bawat isa. Isa pa, hindi maikakailang mayroong malalim na pagmamahalang maliwanag na
nakikita sa bawat isa. Isa ang pamilya sa pinagmumulan ng pansariling pagkakakilanlan,
emosyonal at materyal na patnubay, at maging ang kanilang pangunahing responsibilidad at
tungkulin.
Pista at pagiging masayahin ng mga Pilipino
Ayon kay De Torres (2004) ang mga Pilipino ay masiyahin at tunay na may pagmamahal
sa pista. Sa simpleng gawain tulad ng pagkain kasama nila ay makabubuo ka na ng kaugnayan sa
kanila, at kapag sila ay nakilala mo na, sila ay magiging kaibigan mo na. Ipinakikita rito na
madaling pakisamahan ang mga Pilipino at ang pagiging masiyahin ay isang parte kung bakit sila
ay madaling pakisamahan. Ayon kay Javier (2010) ang mga Pilipino ay nakapag-iisip na
maghanap ng dahilan upang palaging maging masaya bilang pag-agapay na rin sa pagharap sa
buhay, mahirap man o madali. Nakahahagilap ng mga paraan upang maibsan ang kalungkutang
dala ng kakapusan sa buhay. Sa simpleng pagdiriwang tulad ng kantahan at kwentuhan ay
masaya na, lalo pat kung sasamahan ng kaunting salu-salo bastat sama-sama ang pamilya o
kaibigan. Wika pa niyay hindi kailangan ng kayamanan o karangyaan upang maging masaya at
nasa pagkatao na ang pagiging masayahin na lalong pinatitibay ng pagsasama-sama.
Pista at ang pagiging relihiyoso ng mga Pilipino
Ayon kay De Torres (2004) ang mga Pilipino ay magalang sa kanilang mga ninuno, sa
mga nakatatanda, at maging sa mga taong may katungkulan sa bayan. Maging ang patay ay
iginagalang nila tuwing unang araw ng Nobyembre at binibisita nila ito sa kani-kanilang mga
puntod para bantayan magdamag at minsay pinaghahanda pa. Sa mga pista, ang mga santo ay
binibigyang-pugay at respeto sa pamamagitan ng paghahanda ng mga relihiyosong gawain tulad
ng prusisyon, parade at mga katangi-tanging maka-Pilipinong laro at patimpalak na gumagamit
ng lokal na sangkap. Ang mga patron at santo ay binibigyang-pugay at respeto para sa saganang
ani na ibinigay ng nakaraang taon at hihilingin na sanay mayroon pang mas masaganang ani
para sa mga susunod pang taon. Ang mga pista kadalasan ay ginaganap ng Mayo ngunit ito ay
depende sa lugar o pista ng santo.
Ayon sa librong isinulat ni Gripaldo (2009) ang mga Pilipino ay mayroon ng mga ritwal.
Ang pagpapakilala ng katolisismo sa Pilipinas ay nagbigay ng kanluraning impluwensya sa mga
tao at nagkakaroon sila ng kamalayan sa mga relihiyosong ritwal na pang-kanluranin. Ang
matagumpay na pagbibinyag sa mga Pilipino ay dahil sa paniniwala nila sa sarili nilang ritwal.
Ang mga ritwal na ito ay nakapagbigay ng malaking puwang sa pangrelihiyong aspeto at sa
sagradong paraan ng pamumuhay ng mga Pilipino. Pangkalahatan, ang pang-Pilipinong
pagpapahayag ng saloobin ay isang paraan para mamuhay.
Pista at Tradisyon
Ayon kay Spagnola (2007) ang mga natural na pampamilyang karaniwang gawain at
makabuluhang ritwal ay parehong nagbibigay ng struktura na gumagabay sa pag-uugali at ang
emosyonal na klima na sumusuporta sa maagang pag-unlad ng tao. At ayon kay Wendt (2008)
ang pista ay isang tradisyon na nakuha pa mula sa sistemang kolonyal ng gobyerno. Maraming
binanggit ukol sa naunang mga konsepto ng pista. Inilahad din niya na ang papel at tungkulin ng
pista sa ilalim nito ay upang mahulma ang mga utak ng sangkatauhan tungo sa pinakamahusay
na anyo, na siyang papel rin ng mga relihiyosong grupo. Ngunit ito ay isa lamang bahagi ng
tradisyon. Ang mga pista ay pangkulturang pananakop. Malayo na ang narating ng katolisismo
sa katutubong paraan ng pamumuhay at ang pista ay isa sa mga nakapag-ambag sa proseso ng
pagbabago.
Pagbubuo
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Ang pista ay isang taunang selebrasyon kung kayat ito ay pinagtutuunan ng pansin. Isa
pa ay hindi maikakailang ito ay hindi lamang pang-indibidwal kung hindi pampamilya.
Naiugnay na rin ito sa pagkakaroon ng close family ties at karugtong nito ay ang pagiging
masayahin at di kalaunan ay naging parte na ng tradisyon. Ang ilan sa mga nabanggit na
literatura ay nanggaling sa kanluraning bansa at isinalin lamang sa wikang Pilipino. Nilalayon ng
pag-aaral na ito na makuha ang datos ayon sa perspektibong pang-Pilipino at kunin ito gamit
naman ang metodong sikolohiyang pilipino o pangkatutubong metodo.
Ang konsepto ng kapistahan ay nakaiimpluwensya sa ating pagiging Pilipino dahil itoy
naging pang-malawakan nang naging parte ng pamumuhay at napansin ng mananaliksik na
kakaunti ang pag-aaral ukol sa mga karanasan ng mga pamilyang Pilipino na kabilang rito. Dahil
dito, naging interesado ang mananaliksik na pag-aralan ang mga konsepto at karanasang ito, pati
na ang diwa ng pamamanata at kapistahan para makakuha ng mas malawak na kaalaman ang
mananaliksik at mambabasa ukol rito. Hindi madali ang pagkuha ng mga datos ukol dito
sapagkat napakatagal nang panahon ang iginugol sa pistang napili at napakarami nang
henerasyon ang nagdaan at marami na rin ang nagbago at mayroon din namang hindi nagbago.
Ngunit ang layunin ng saliksik na ito ay ang malaman ang pananaw ng mga namamanata sa
pistang kanilang sinasalihan at kung ano ang nagiging epekto nito sa kanilang buhay. Ang mga
sumusunod na katanungan ang ninais at sinikap ng mananaliksik na masagot: (1) Anu-ano ang
karanasan ng pamilyang Pilipino sa pamamanata ng kapistahan? (2) Anu-ano ang mga konsepto
ng pamilyang Pilipino sa pamamanata ng kapistahan? (3) Anu-ano ang mga paraan kung paano
naipakikita ang panata sa pista at ano ang kahalagahan nito? at (4) Anu-ano ang mga epekto ng
pamamanata sa buhay ng tao sa Lucban, Quezon?
Metodo ng Pag-aaral
Ang pag-aaral na ginawa ng mananaliksik ay ginamitan ng metodong kwalitatibo. Ito ay
nakapailalim sa indigenous method o pang-katutubong paraan ng pananaliksik. Ang pag-aaral ay
mas maiintindihan ng mga mambabasa at mas maisasaayos ang pagkuha ng mga impormasyon
kung kwalitatibo ang ginamit na paraan at nilalayon ng mananaliksik na mas maging maingat sa
mga itatalang datos. Ayon kay Kovach (2010) ang tampulan ng pagsasaliksik na mayroong
indigenous method o pangkatutubong metodo ay nakatuon sa paggamit ng pang-usap na metodo
na nangangahulugang pagkuha ng datos sa pamamagitan ng paraang pakwento. Ayon kay Putt
(2013) mas maraming estratihiya ang kinakailangan upang mas mapaigting ang aktibong
pakikisali ng mga kalahok ng mga tao na kasama sa pag-aaral sa buong proseso ng pananaliksik.
Ninais din ng mananaliksik na gumamit ng katutubong metodo, na naglalayong mas palalawakin
ang kaalaman at gamitan ng impormal na pakikipanayam, maging ng pakikipagkwentuhan. Sa
paraang ito, mas mapapalabas ng mananaliksik ang pananaw at saloobin ng mga Pilipinong
kalahok sa pista upang makapagbigay sila ng kasagutan ng walang pag-aalinlangan.
Mga Kalahok at Uri ng Sampling
Ang mga kalahok sa pananaliksik na ito ay isang kinatawan mula sa limang pamilyang
Pilipino na pasok sa batayan na namamanata sa mga kapistahan taun-taon sa loob ng mahigit
sampung taon na nagiging mga representasyon ng pagiging mga deboto ng kapistahan sa
kanilang lugar at ang siyang may sapat na kaalaman upang masagot ang mga katanungan. Ang
uri ng sampling na ginamit ng mananaliksik ay ang purposive sampling dahil sa pagnanais na
matamo ang layunin ng pagsasaliksik at upang mas maging mainam sa limitasyon ng pag-aaral.
Sa bawat pamilya ay may isang kinatawan na pinili, ang kinatawan na napili ay ang may
pinakamaraming kaalaman ukol sa Pahiyas at sa pamamanata.
Instrumento ng Pananaliksik
Ang pagsasaliksik na ito ay gumamit ng talatanungang nakabatay sa mga salik na
nabibilang sa pagsasaliksik. Nakabatay ito sa paksang tinatalakay sa pagsasaliksik. Dahil sa
pagiging kwalitatibo ng pagsasaliksik, ang mananaliksik ay gumamit ng mga katanungang
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nagpapahintulot na sumagot ang mga kalahok na hindi magiging limitado lamang sa oo at hindi.
Ang mga kasunod na katanungan ay nakabatay na lamang sa mga naunang kasagutan ng mga
kalahok. Sampung katanungan ang ginamit ng mananaliksik sa umpisa at ang mga karagdagang
katanungan ay nakabatay sa nauna nang kasagutan ng mga kalahok. Upang mas mapaigting ang
pagtatala ng mga datos, ang mananaliksik ay gumamit ng voice recorder ang mananaliksik sa
pagtala ng kasagutan ng mga kalahok.
Paraan ng pagkuha ng Datos
Una sa lahat, binuo ng mananaliksik ang tiwala ng kalahok bilang paraan ng pakikitungo
niya sa mga ito. Ang mananaliksik ay nakipagkamustahan muna sa mga tao at sa mga bisita.
Iniwasan ng mananaliksik na dalhin ang ugali at pormang Maynila; nagsuot ang mananaliksik
ng simpleng kasuotan lamang upang hindi magbago ang imahe nito sa mga kalahok. Iniwasan ng
mananaliksik na maiba sa mga karaniwang residente upang hindi maging hadlang sa mga nais
niyang makuhang datos. Ang mga nakuhang kalahok na pasok sa pamantayan ng pananaliksik ay
kapitbahay at kaibigan ng kakilala ng mananaliksik sa lugar na nabanggit. Ikalawa, nagpakilala
ang mananaliksik bilang estudyanteng gumagawa ng pag-aaral. Nagtanung-tanong at
nakipagkwentuhan ito ng bahagya ukol sa lugar at sa mga preparasyong nakikita. Sa paraang ito
ay naihanda ng kalahok ang sarili upang makasagot na rin sa mga susunod pang katanungan.
Ang mananaliksik ay bumuo ng pakikitungo sa mga kabataan sa pagtatanung-tanong ng ilang
impormasyon ukol sa pista. Ipinagpatuloy lang ng mananaliksik ang pakikipagkwentuhan
hanggang sa maramdaman niyang komportable na ang mga kalahok. Bago magsimula ay inalam
at itinala ng mananaliksik ang ilang impormasyon. Ikatlo, nagsimula na ang mananaliksik sa
impormal na pakikipanayam. Ang mananaliksik ay naging bukas at nakipagkwentuhan sa
pamamagitan ng pagiging mapuna at sa pamamagitan ng pakikiramdam sa paligid. Ang
mananaliksik ay hindi naging balakid sa mga araw araw na gawain ng mga residente. Ang
mananaliksik ay humingi ng permiso na itala at i-record ang mga pahayag ng mga kalahok, lahat
naman ay sumang-ayon. Maging ang mga reaksyon ng mga kalahok ay pinagmasdan ng
mananaliksik. Habang nakikipanayam ang mananaliksik ay sinusundan pa ng mga katanungan na
nakabatay sa naunang kasagutan ng kalahok.
Pagsusuri ng Datos
Sinuri ng mananaliksik ang bawat datos na nakuha at pinaghambing ang mga ito,
kasunod ay ang pagdurugtong ng mga salita ayon sa mga dapat nitong kalagyan. Inuri ng
mananaliksik ang mga magkakatulad at pinagsama-sama ito at saka naman inihiwalay ang mga
kakaiba upang makagawa ng kaibahan/distinksyon sa katangian ng bawat isa. Gumawa ang
mananaliksik ng ibat-bang pangkat ng mga kasagutan at ihahambing sa bawat isa. Ginawa ring
basehan ang unang talaan upang mas maging akma ang nakuhang resulta. Ikaapat, detalyadong
siniyasat ng mananaliksik ang pagkakatulad at pagkakaiba ng mga datos. Sa bawat pag-siyasat
ay sinigurado ng mananaliksik na akma ang bawat isa lalo pa at maraming mga impormasyon
ang naibahagi. Matapos nito ay bumuo na ang mananaliksik ng konklusyon at rekomendasyon.
Presentasyon at Diskusyon
Ang limang kalahok ay nagbigay ng kani-kanilang mga pananaw at mga makabuluhang
kasagutan sa mga katanungang naisaad sa impormal na interbyu sa Lucban, Quezon. Ang mga
sumusunod na katanungan ang ninais at sinikap ng mananaliksik na masagot: (1) Ano ang
karanasan at konsepto ng pamilyang Pilipino sa panata ng kapistahan? (2) Anu-ano ang mga
paraan kung paano naipapakita ang panata sa pista at ano ang kahalagahan nito sa kanila? (3)
Anu-ano ang mga epekto ng panata sa buhay ng tao sa Lucban, Quezon? Kinuha ng
mananaliksik sa napakahabang rekording ang mga karampatang kasagutan sa bawat katanungan
matapos ang pagsusuri kung saan ito aakma.
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Ano ang karanasan at konsepto ng pamilyang Pilipino sa panata ng kapistahan?

Ayon sa mga kalahok, ang kanilang konsepto ng panata ay ang pagdiriwang para sa
magsasaka, pati ang pasasalamat kay San Isidro Labrador (patron ng mga magsasaka) para sa
isang magandang ani ngayong taon at sa mga susunod na taon.
Yung pasasalamat mo kay San Isidro Labrador, para dun sa isang taong ani na nakuha niyo
dun sa ano niyo, sa taniman niyo, sa sakahan. - Kalahok 4
Halos iisa ang sinabi nila ukol dito, tulad ng sinabi nina Saito, (2010) et al. sa isang
artikulo na ang mga Pilipino ay likas na mahilig sa mga pista. Ang pista ay ginaganap upang
bigyang-pugay ang patron o santo ng isang lalawigan o rehiyon. Bukas-palad na tinatanggap ang
mga selebrasyon at pagdiriwang bilang bahagi ng kulturang Pilipino. Nabanggit pa rito na ito
raw ay pamanang tradisyon ng simbahan kung kayat ito ay talagang bahagi na ng buhay ng mga
Pilipino lalo pa ng mga Lucbanin at ito ay naging isa nang panata para sa kanilang
pamumuhay. Ang pista nga tulad ng sinabi ni Bamero (2013) ay halaw sa lumang tradisyon ng
pag-aalay ng mga unang inaning gulay, prutas at iba pang pananim sa mga anito o diyos ng
kalikasan bilang pasasalamat sa kanilang pinamahaging biyaya.
Anu-ano ang mga paraan kung paano naipapakita ang panata sa pista at ano ang
kahalagahan nito sa kanila?
Ang lahat ng mga kalahok ay matagal nang sumasali sa Pahiyas Festival. Ang pahiyas ay
regular na ginagawa ng mga Lucbanin kung kayat ang mismong pamimista ay tila libangan
na lamang kung ituring; sila ay nasisiyahan sa paggugunita ng pasasalamat. Mahalaga ito
sakanila dahil ito ang pagkakataon nilang magbigay ng pasasalamat sa patron nila, at ang
payas ang kanilang pangunahing ginagamit na dekorasyon upang maipakita ang kanilang
panata sa patron dahil ito ay gawa sa pangkatutubong mga sangkap.
Bilang pasasalamat kay San Isidro Labrador na patron saint ng magsasaka ng Lucban,
iniaalay namin yung mga inaani sa bukid, sa pamamagitan ng Pahiyas festival. - Kalahok 3
Una, syempre gagawa nung kiping. Tapos mangunguha ng kabal, tapos bigas tas lalagyan ng
kulay tapos maghahanda ng konti, tapos magsisimba kami. Tapos pagkatapos magsimba, iikot
yung San Isidro, tas may nakahanda rin na mga candy, isasabog mo sa mga bata, ganun yung
paghahanda namin. Tapos may palaro, palosebo, yung pang-bayan. - Kalahok 4
Sa kanilang mga sinabi, ang mismong paglahok at ang paglalagay ng mga palamuti na
gawa sa kanilang bayan at mula sa kanilang mga sariling ani ay ang pangunahing paraan ng
pagpapakita ng panata sa pista. Ito rin ay nilalalaanan ng panahon, pera at diskarte. Tulad ng
sinabi ni Magpantay, et al. (2014) ang pista ay isang okasyon na pangkaraniwang idinaraos na sa
komunidad kaya hindi na bago ang maghanda para dito. Ayon kay Bondo, et al. (2012) ang
pagiging matagumpay ng pagdiriwang ng kapistahan ay isang dahilan upang umangat ang
turismo sa Lucban at maraming nahalinang mga mamamayan at turista upang makiisa. Ito ay
tinuturing na mahalaga dahil ito ay parte ng kanilang araw-araw na pamumuhay. Binanggit ng
isang kalahok na hindi lamang saya ang dala nito kundi pati kabuhayan at kalinangan sa kanilang
mga talento.
Anu-ano ang mga epekto ng pamamanata sa buhay ng mga tao sa Lucban, Quezon?
Sa karamihan, ito ay tanda ng pasasalamat sa masaganang ani. Lahat ay may kanyakanyang hangarin upang maging makabuluhan ang diwa nito. Ang iba ay may gustong
patunayan, katulad ng paglabas ng kanilang masining na katauhan. Ngunit ngayon ay nahahaluan
na rin ang panata ng salapi na nagiging premyo sa may magandang dekorasyon. Iilan sa mga
epekto tungo sa pagkakaroon ng mas malakas na pananampalataya, ang epekto tungo sa pagiging
mas malapit sa pamilya, ang epekto tungo sa pagiging mas produktibo, ang epekto sa katayuang
nauukol sa pananalapi, ang epekto tungo sa oras na inilalaan at ang epekto tungo sa mga personal
na aspeto. Ang mga ito ay naging tradisyon na kung kayat hindi mawawaring binabalik-balikan.
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Ayon kay Spagnola (2007) ang mga natural na pampamilyang karaniwang gawain at
makabuluhang ritwal ay parehong mahalaga upang makapagbigay ng strukturang gumagabay sa
tao. Dito ay ipinahahayag na ang tradisyon ay isang paraan upang makilala at mabuo ang
kaugalian at paniniwala ng tao.
Epekto tungo sa pagkakaroon ng mas matibay na pananampalataya
Ang mga Pilipino ay kilala na sa pagiging relihiyoso. Katulad ng sinabi ni Gripaldo
(2009) ang mga Pilipino ay mayroon ng mga ritwal. Sa ganitong palagay, ang ritwal nila ay ang
taunang pakikilahok sa pista. Dito, kanilang naipapakita ang kanilang pananampalataya.
"Sa devotion naman, sa ordinaryong tao, tulad ng sinabi ko kanina, isa narin yun na
pasasalamat sa good harvest, yun na yon. " - Kalahok 2
"Mahalaga sakin na mapabilang rito para mapasalamatan nga, ang Diyos, sa pagbibigay samin
ng ani, kasi kung di rin naman dahil sakanya eh hindi rin naman namin makukuha yun eh." Kalahok 4
Ang pista ay isang simbolo ng pagdiriwang upang makapagbigay pasasalamat sa itaas at
sa mga pinag-aalayan. Hindi lamang yun, katulad ng sinabi ni Magpantay, et al. (2014) ang pista
ay nakapagbibigay ng sense of belongingness sa mga tao. Ito ay mahalaga lalo na sa mga
relihiyosong grupo dahil ito ay ipinagdiriwang ng isang beses lamang kada taon at sa
paghahandang ginagawa ng bawat kalahok ay dito niya pinatutunayan ang lakas at tibay ng
kanyang pananampalataya. Ayon naman kay De Torres (2004) sa mga pista, ang mga santo ay
binibigyang-pugay at respeto dahil ang mga pagdiriwang ay nakatakda upang sila ay alalahanin
at pati ang kanilang mga mabuting gawain. Para maisakatuparan ito, ang kanilang paghahanda ay
ginagawa sa pamamagitan ng mga relihiyosong gawain tulad ng prusisyon. Ang mga patron at
santo ay binibigyang-pugay at respeto para sa saganang ani na ibinigay ng nakaraang taon at
hihilingin na sanay mayroon pang mas masaganang ani para sa mga susunod pang taon.
Epekto tungo sa pagiging mas malapit sa pamilya
Isa pang pagkakakilanlan ng mga Pilipino ay ang pagiging malapit sa kani-kanilang mga
pamilya. Ayon kina Saito, et al. (2010) ang mga Pilipino ay kilala na kumakalinga at
nagpapahalaga sa kanilang mga pamilya. Ito ay ang pahiwatig na ang bawat pista ay
naghuhudyat na ito ay maaaring mag-iwan ng malaking epekto sa buhay ng tao. Ito ang naging
pahayag ng mga kalahok ukol sa kaganapan:
"Ang isang magandang karanasan dyan, unang-una pagdating ng Pahiyas festival usually ang
isang pamilya ay nabubuo uli at ang pagsasama-sama ng pamilya. Yun ang time na umuuwi
talaga ang mga taga-ibang lugar, mostly from Metro Manila, mga kamag-anak, nakakapiling
muli sila para sa Pahiyas festival." - Kalahok 3
"Nakaimpluwensya eh nakaugalian na ng pamilya talaga. Parang tradisyon na, parang
napamana-mana na, yun nga yung sa pamilya (napag-iisa)." - Kalahok 4
Mula sa pahayag ng mga kalahok ay nailahad nilang mas napalapit sila sa kanilang mga
pamilya at isa na rin ay ang pagiging masaya na ang pamilya ay nabubuo sa panahon ng pista. Ito
ay isang kaugaliang likas sa mga Pilipino. Katulad ng ipinahayag ni Mulder (2012) ang mga
pamilya dito sa Pilipinas ay nakapagbibigay ng sense of belongingness at seguridad kaya
talagang nagging parte ito ng epekto sa mga kalahok at maging sa mga ibang tao. Isa pa ay ang
pamilya daw ay sentro ng lahat na hindi kayang tibagin ninuman kung kayat ito ay
pinahahalagahan talaga ng lahat lalo na ng mga kalahok. Tulad ng nabanggit ng isang kalahok,
ang pista raw ay ang oras na nabubuo ang kanilang pamilya. Hindi lamang natatapos doon, ayon
din kay Margutti (2007) ang mga miyembro ng pamilya ay gumagawa ng paraan upang maging
parte ng pagdiriwang. Ito ay napatibay ng mga kasagutan ng mga kalahok dahil para sa kanila,
mahalaga ang diwa ng pagiging buo ng pamilya.
139
Epekto tungo sa katayuang nauukol sa pananalapi at oras na inilalaan

Ang pista ay isang pagdiriwang na nangangailangan ng pera at panahon. Katulad ng
sinabi nina Saito, et al. (2010) hindi maikakaila na ang nanaisin na ihanda sa bisita ay
magagarbo at masasarap ngunit ito ay nangangailangan ng malaking puhunan.
"Ngayon, sa devotion naman, tulad ng sinabi ko, isa na rin yun na pasasalamat sa good harvest,
yun na yon. Ayun, ewan ko kung maicoconsider na negative kasi masaya naman kaming
gumagawa ng ganito eh, pero kung sa negative eh yung may gastos pero masaya, pero sa iba, na
walang kakayahang gumastos, eh napipilitan sila. Negatibo kasi ilang buwan kang nag-iisip ng
konsepto, kung pano mong magdedesign nito. Pero syempre sa monetary side, magastos. Kaya
lang walang cash nun. We need cash, naging materialistic. Sa sarili ko, nailabas ang pagiging
artistry. Lumahok kami pero pwede namang hindi lumahok. Kaso pwersyadong lahok ito eh.
Pero kahit ayaw namin kailangan." - Kalahok 2
"Yung sa gastos naman kasi, parang devotion mo na kasi yun eh yung pagbibigay naman
sakanya, kaya okay lang din. Parang hindi na rin namin iniisip na negative side yun, basta gusto
namin, makapag-Pahiyas kami. Yun tas yun, naghahanda rin kami ng budget. Kadalasan 2
weeks before palang naghahanda na kami lalo na yung sa kiping matagal talaga siyang gawin
eh." - Kalahok 4
Nabanggit ng mga kalahok na nangangailangan ng oras at puhunan ang pamamanata sa
pista. Ito ay hindi natatapos sa isang linggong preparasyon at kakarampot na gastos at hindi
limitado sa paglahok lamang. Mahalaga na mayroon kang maipakikita sa mga turista at sa kabila
ng lahat ng ito, nananatiling positibo ang mga mamamayan. Binanggit nga ni Javier (2010) na
ang mga Pilipino raw ay palaging nakahahanap ng dahilan upang maging masaya. Isa rin sa mga
kalahok ay sumambit na wala ang pera, basta naman ay masaya. Ang pahayag na iyon na rin ang
nagpakita na likas na sa mga Pilipino ang maging masayahin at ang pagiging simple.
Epekto tungo sa mga pang-sariling aspeto
Ang pagsali sa pista ay nakatutulong. Ayon kay Magpantay, et al. (2014) ngayon, ang
mga pista ay itinuturing na nakakapag-ambag sa kultural at ekonomikal na pag-unlad. Ngunit ito
pala ay hindi lamang para sa ibang tao kung hindi para rin sa pansariling katuparan ng mga
kagustuhan upang maramdaman na ito ay nakatutulong upang maging mas mabuting
mamamayan.
"Mahalaga na makasali dito syempre para na din sa bayan. Syempre para na din regular na
ginagawa ng mga Lucbanin na magdecor ng Pahiyas. Nakaka-ano kasi siya, nakakaaliw sumali.
Nagbibigay saya din sa mga turista, sa mga kamag-anak din, nagsasama-sama, gumagawa ng
dekorasyon. Nakakadagdag sa debosyon kapag nananalo dahil nagiging trademark na ang
bahay mo, pag kakaiba ang 'payas' mo na gawa sa native." - Kalahok 1
"Sakin, karanasan ko nung bata, sumasama pa ko sa parada, masaya siya, mahirap,
nakakapagod, syempre nandyan yung matatapakan yung paa mo, mababato ka ng pinya,
mababato ka ng mangga, minsan matatamaan ka ng barya, pero andun parin yung kahit na
nasasaktan ka, ang saya-saya parin ng feeling mo, parang ang gaan gaan parin. Masaya sumali
sa pahiyas" - Kalahok 4
Tunay nga na nakakaapekto ang pista sa ekonomiya at maging sa pangsariling aspeto.
Maliban sa ito ay itinuturing na tradisyon at parte na ng pamumuhay ng tao, ayon kay
Magpantay (2014) ito raw ay nakapagbibigay ng aliw na siyang itinuturing na mahalaga sa isang
komunidad. Ito rin ay nakapagbibigay ng pagka-kuntento sa isang tao. Katulad na rin ng
binanggit ni Bondo et al. (2012) isang paraan ang pista upang makaramdam ng kapayapaan sa
puso ng mga Lucbaneno. Ang lokal na pagdiriwang rin ay itinuturing na biyaya dahil maliban sa
pagpapakita ng kanilang debosyon ay nagkakaroon sila ng pagkakataong ipakita ang naitatagong
mga talento.
140
Ang pag-aaral na ito ay tumalakay sa karanasan at konsepto ng panata ng kapistahan sa
Lucban, Quezon. Mayroong apat na gabay na katanungan ang mananaliksik na siyang ginamit
upang masagot ng mga kalahok ang mga katanungan. Bilang resulta ng buong pag-aaral, ang
kanilang konsepto ay umikot kay San Isidro Labrador, at ang kanilang taunang pasasalamat sa
masaganang ani at kasabay ng paghiling ng mas marami pang taon ng pagkakaroon nito. Ang
kanilang mga karanasang ibinahagi ay ang mga karanasan nila mula kabataan hanggang sa
kasalukuyang panahon; may pagkakataon ring naikumpara ang modernong paraan ng pamimista
sa noon pang paraan nila kung papaano nakikilahok. Ang mga positibo ay ang pagsasama-sama
ng mga pamilya tuwing araw ng pista, ang pagbibigay na ng hanapbuhay sa kanila, ang paglabas
ng kanilang pagiging malikhain at ang pagiging mas matibay ng pananampalataya sa Diyos. Ang
mga negatibong epekto naman ay ang paghabol sa mga gantimpala, pagkuha ng oras nila at ang
gastos. Ngunit kung ating titignan, naging masaya naman sila sa kinalabasan ng kanilang
taunang pamimista. Ang mga resultang nakalap ng mananaliksik ay hindi nakita sa mga
literaturang una nang nailahad ng mananaliksik.
Moderno man ang panahon ngayon ay nakita ng mananaliksik na mayroong ilang
pagkakaiba ang konsepto ng mga kalahok. Mairerekomenda ng mananaliksik na sa mga susunod
pang gagawa ng katulad na pag-aaral ay mas palawakin pa ang mga datos na kukunin sa mga
kalahok. Mairerekomenda rin ng mananaliksik na mas kumuha pa ng mas maraming kalahok
upang makapagbigay pa ng mas maraming impormasyon. Mairerekomenda rin ng mananaliksik
na gumamit pa rin ng maka-Pilipinong metodo upang mas mapaigting ang pagkuha sa mga datos
at upang mas maging makabuluhan ang resulta.
Mga Sanggunian:
Aquino, C. C. (2013). Panlipunang Pagbabanghay: Piling Usapin sa Pag-unawa sa Sariling
Lipunan. Daluyan: Journal ng Wikang Filipino, 19(2).
Bamero, A. N. Ang Lucban ni Sanz: Isang Interes sa Pagsusulat ng Kasaysayan
Bondo, N., Britania, R., Duldulao, M., Manicad, J., & Urlanda, R. (2012). It's More Fun sa Pista
ng Pahiyas. Markus Markokoy Po.
Burgonio-Watson, T. B. (1997). Filipino Spirituality. Filipino Americans: Transformation and
identity, 324.
De Torres, S. (2004). Understanding persons of Philippine origin: A primer for rehabilitation
service providers. Center for International Rehabilitation Research Information and
Exchange.
Gripaldo, R. M. (2009). Roman Catholicism and Filipino Culture. Relations between Religions
and Cultures in Southeast Asia, ed. Donny Gahral Adian & Gadis Arivia (Washington
DC: Council of Research in Values and Philosophy, 2009), 111-40.
Javier Jr, R. E. (2010). Mahirap ka na nga, Malulungkot ka pa, Mas mahirap yon! Pagiging
Masayahin at Paraan ng Pag-agapay ng Karaniwang Pamilyang Filipino sa Harap ng
Hirap. MALAY, 23(1).
Magpantay, J. H., Decena, K. J. C., de Torres, D. M. M., Garcia, M. J. K. R., Villalobos, A. J. S.,
Felicen, S. S., & Dinglasan, K. (2014). Socio-Cultural Effects of Festivals in Batangas
Province, Philippines. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, Arts and Sciences, 1(4), 1-7.
Mulder, N. (2012). Everyday life in the Philippines: Close family ties and the individual. Review
of Women's Studies, 1(2).
Saito, I., Imamura, T., & Miyagi, M. (2010). Filipino Personality Traits and Values for Social
Support: FOW as human resources for work life balance in Japan (1).
Wendt, R. (2008). Philippine Fiesta and Colonial Culture. Retrieved from philippine studies:
http://Philippinestudies.net/ojs/index.php/ps/article/viewFile/527/533
141
Ageing Successfully Later in Life: Filipino Senior Citizens Perception on Active Ageing
Rodriguez, Maureen
Castronuevo, Eva
ABSTRACT
This study explored the perceptions and experiences of Filipino senior citizens on active ageing.
A phenomenological qualitative design approach was used in describing the thoughts, ideas and
perceptions of the elderly participants. In a purposive sampling, retired elderly participants
(N=10) with various ages of 60 years old and above were gathered and interviewed. Thematic
analysis approach was used in identifying the patterns of the transcripted interview. Results from
the interview showed that most of the participants perception on ageing is more on a transitional
process, a natural occurrence wherein a person reaches a stage in life where one can reflect and
bask on past achievements and start enjoying more things in life. Underlying themes that
answers the important aspect in active and successful ageing were grouped together by
characteristics of ageing which are a.) Physical concept, determined by healthy lifestyle b.)
Psycho-social, determined by engagement with others c.) Coping Strategies by adapting from
changes, having a positive outlook on life and keeping oneself busy. Positive aspects of ageing in
terms of a.) psychological by gaining wisdom b.) economic, financial stability through saving
money and being money smart c.) spiritual, growing faith that leads to a greater sense of
purpose.
Keywords: Senior Citizen, Active Ageing, Elderly, Successful Ageing, Positive Ageing
In the Philippines, the ages to be considered a senior citizen are those who are aged 60
years old and over. Senior citizens make up 6.8 percent of the 92.1 million household
populations in 2010, higher than the 6.0 percent recorded in 2000 and the number reached over
six million in 2011 and it is seen to double in 16 years. The number of people 60 years old and
above, or those considered as senior citizens, has increased, as the country's household
population increases. With the growing number of senior citizens, there is a generalized notion
associated with senior citizens such as degeneration and decline of health and well being but on
the contrary, most of them are still active and productive, performing significant roles at home
and in the community. This is partly due to the fact that successful/active ageing is associated
with shifting views because the word aging is always synonymous with decline and senescence
while the words successful and active are synonymous with growth and longevity. With that
being stated, the rapid growing population of Filipino senior citizens and the lack of studies
focusing on the elderlys perception on successful aging, positive awareness in terms of active
ageing and senior life sparked the interest of the researcher.
A suggestion has been made about ageing process wherein after a person reaches
adulthood can either be described as usual or successful (Rowe & Kahn, 2005). Rowe and
Khan made a distinction between usual and successful aging within the normal aging
population rather than comparing it with those who have illnesses or diseases. Successful
according to Rowe and Khan (2005), is about the definition of having little to no physiological or
cognitive loss and being actively engaged with life. Rowe and Khan (2005) suggested that
successful ageing connotes three components a.) a low probability of disease b.) high cognitive
and physical functional capacity; c.) an active engagement with life. For Rowe and Khan (2005),
ageing successfully is more than just a mere absence of diseases or functional capacities but the
combination of those two components with an active engagement for interpersonal relationships
and productive work.
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Active Ageing
Active in active ageing doesnt only focus on being physically active but it is a
continuation of participating in oneself as well as active socially, mentally, spiritually and
participating in the labor force or civic affairs. Active ageing does not stop when elderly people
retire as they can remain active through their families, peers and communities. Active ageing
aims allows elderly people to realise and bring awareness to their own psychological, physical
and mental well-being as the goal active ageing is the autonomy and independence of elderly
people (Alexandre, Cordeiro, & Ramos, 2009). Ageing on the other hand, is a continuing life
cycle, it is an ongoing developmental event that brings certain changes in ones own
psychological and physical state. It is a time in one's own life where an elderly individual
reminisce and reflect, to bask and live on previous accomplishments and begin to finish his life
cycle. There is a significant amount of adjusting that requires an elderly individual to be flexible
and develop new coping skills to adapt in the changes that are common in their new life (Dhara
& Jogsan, 2013).
Theoretical Perspectives on Ageing
There are theories with outcomes that indicates on what successful aging is. One would
be the activity theory wherein it proposes that the continuation of activity and interpersonal
relationships such as engaging in others, maintaining contact and activities are the critical aspects
of successful aging (Havighurst & Albrecht, 2005; Havighurst, Neugarten, & Tobin, 2007;
Maddox, 2005). The disengagement theory on the other hand defines successful aging as
withdrawing from activity and the selection of roles with age (Cumming & Henry, 2005;
Fredrickson & Carstensen, 2007; Tornstam, 2005). Lastly, ego developmental theories, focuses
more on the subjective approach, whereby a person's life satisfaction and sense of purpose and
meaning in life are seen as important aspects of development through life stages (Butler, 2005;
Costa, Metter, & McCrae, 2007; Dittmann-Kohli, 2007; Gibon, 2008; Wong, 2005; Wong &
Watt, 2006). There is also a perspective on successful ageing by the Baltes and Baltes (2005)
model of selective optimization with compensation, this model states that people become more
selective as they grow older. While they become more selective, they still seek to maximize their
chances of achieving desirable outcomes or goals within their selected domains (optimization).
Successful Ageing
In todays world the measurement of perspectives uses a multidimensional measurement
approach however, the perspective changes in terms of the subjects response and differs to the
extent on how they define successful/active ageing which makes it more subjective rather than
objective. Rowe and Khan (2005) suggested that successful ageing connotes three components
a.) a low probability of disease b.) high cognitive and physical functional capacity; c.) an active
engagement with life. For Rowe and Khan, ageing successfully is more than just a mere absence
of disease or functional capacities but the combination of those two components with an active
engagement for interpersonal relationships and productive work. For instance, a qualitative study
examined 18 senior citizens about their own perception about successful ageing and the findings
were that successful ageing involves maintaining physical, mental and financial health; engaging
with others and coping with changes (Duay & Bryan, 2006). In contrast with Duay & Bryan, a
measureable state of being study was conducted composing of 120 active elderly subjects and the
results found that marital status, income and leisure activities as well as psychological factors
assessed by the Geriatric Depression scale had an impact on the quality of life of the seniors
citizens (Alexandre, Cordeiro, & Ramos, 2009).
However, some researchers used a more defined and broader subjective conceptualization
on the topic for instance, a study conducted in Japan found out that there is a continuous increase
population of elderly people and the study also found out that there is an active participation in
the community and the labor force within in the elderly population and as such, there is a
changing social concept about towards the elderly. An elderly person's "quality of active life" is
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considered beyond economic independence as it is more focused in oneself and the awareness of
active ageing. It is important for everyone to establish an active way of life (Ogawa, 2008).
Furthermore, Chong, Ng, Woo,& Kwan (2006) conducted a qualitative study in Hong Kong
about positive ageing in a focused group of 15 elderly people this time. The findings brought
two themes which comprises of good health, active participation in society and positive outlook
on life and the second theme suggested of having a healthy lifestyle and is focused more in one's
own mental and psychological well-being and financial resources.
Ageing in the Philippines
The family remains the basic unit of Philippine society. Respect for elders is a time-honored
tradition. Children see to it that their parents are taken care of in their old age; grandparents
staying with their children help attend to the care of grandchildren. Government, private
institutions, the academe and non-governmental organizations continue to seek measures to
provide comfort and assistance to the Filipino elderly. Among the topics that were studied many
of the underlying factors concerning active aging is maintaining independence and autonomy.
Another study suggested that the perception of the quality of life depends on how one manages
to view life as it is how one chooses to live each day and the sharing of ones story. There is still
vital information lacking with these studies although the research described the themes
associated with successful and active ageing, the study never really described the positive aspects
of ageing.
The significance of this study is to obtain the elderlys perceptions of active and
successful ageing, to promote importance of active aging in senior life, as well as promoting self
empowerment and self awareness in senior citizens living in the Philippines.
The researcher would like to find out what are the perceptions of Filipino elders in active
aging and how do they define it? In what ways do elders actively age? What are the positive
aspects of ageing in terms of psychological, economic and spiritual concerns?
Method
Research Design
A qualitative research design was used in this study in determining the themes associated
with the respondents answers using a phenomenological approach method. A phenomenological
qualitative research design focuses on identifying and interpreting on how the participants
define their world and how they experience a phenomenon. Implicit and explicit themes were
identified through the description of the respondents perceptions, ideas and feelings on
successful and active ageing.
Participants
The researcher interviewed 10 respondents (3 male and 7 female elderly) with ages 60
years and older living inside their respected homes located in Paranaque City. Most of the
respondents were retired and some of them are still working through businesses they started. The
respondents were selected through purposive sampling with the characteristics of being the age
of 60 years old and above and those who are retired from work or those who have never or are
not working anymore.
Instruments
The researcher used a semi-structured interview following an interview guide containing
a list of questions related to the research problems of the topic. Face to face interview was
conducted and each responses were gathered by use of voice recorder alongside paper-based and
web-based interviews that were transcribed for analysis and pseudonyms were used for
confidentiality.
Procedures
The qualified participants that fit the age of 60 years and older were asked to partake in a
recorded structured interview about active aging. Informed consent was given, the researcher
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then proceeds with informing the participants about the general topic of the research and
explained to them what the research is all about plus stating the goals and the significance of the
study to promote self awareness about successful/active ageing that were easily welcomed and
agreed upon by all participants. Some of the participants interviewed in person were willing to
read the printed copy of the explanation by themselves and are welcomed to ask further
questions by the researcher. After the explanation of the research, the researcher then proceeds
with the interview following guide questions focusing on the thoughts, views, opinions,
comments and feelings of the participant towards successful aging, active aging and old age in
general. The whole time the interview was taking place, the researcher used a mixture of voice
recorder, email and chat history to record all the data stated by the participant which were
formed into transcriptions.
After the interview, the researcher expressed gratitude to the respondent for their
participation in the interview and was debriefed by stating that this study is about the perceptions
of Filipino senior citizens on active aging and the lack of awareness given on this topic as this is
quite as important as health and welfare of the senior citizen.
Data Analysis
The researcher used thematic analysis; the highlighting of themes and codes to identify
and analyze the patterns within the transcript of collected data from the interview was beneficial
to explore deeper insights into life experiences, the meaning of ageing and as well as formulating
new concepts for discussion.
The purpose of this study is about the perceptions of senior citizens in regards of ageing
successfully and their strategies of actively ageing and aims to comprehensively describe their
belief on what successful ageing means to them, the researcher grouped the respondents answers
into a category that makes the characteristics of ageing. The results and discussion will answer
the following questions a.) What are the perceptions of senior citizens in ageing and how do they
define it? b.) In what ways do senior citizens actively age? c.) What are the positive aspects of
ageing in terms of emotional, psychological, and spiritual? The researcher identified the
following themes and have grouped them in the characteristics of ageing which are as follows a.)
Physical concept b.) Psycho-social concept and as well as discovered the respondents coping
styles that all makes an important tool in active ageing.
The Respondents
All of the respondents are located in the city of Paranaque particularly living in Sucat.
Participant 1, is a 65 year old retired college professor. Participant 2 is a 60 year old retired high
school teacher. Participant 3 is 62 year old housewife who is actively involved in the church.
Participant 4 is 65 year old retired architect along with his 62 year old wife, Participant 5 who is
a retired accountant. Participant 6, a 65 year old housewife who is actively involved in the
church. Participant 7, a 64 year old retired office worker who owns a small business (sari sari
store) in their area. Participant 8 is a 78 year old retired journalist. Participant 9 is a 66 years old
retired art curator and Participant 10 is a 67 year old housewife. All respondents lived
respectively with their kids and their grandchildren with socioeconomic classes between C and
D.
What are the perceptions of senior citizens in aging and how do they define it?
A transitional time
It means that you have reached an age when you have retired from your work. A stage
of your life if when youre an employee, its time to retire. It is positive because its just a
transition na sinabi nga, to make it positive, you must treat it as if nothing has changed. Life
should not stop. - Participant 8, 78 years old. Naturally kahit hindi mo gusto na mag kaka
edad ka, sa punto na natural lang kasi. Habang lumilipas ang taon dumadagdag din ang edad
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ng tao - Participant 2, 60 years old.I think aging is when someone gets old. - Participant 7, 64
years old.
The participants responded that their perception on ageing is about the moment when a
person transitions into a new life stage; a journey where in one strives to finish the last stage as
fulfilled as they can be which further agrees to the definition of ageing by Dhara &Jogsan (2013)
where in ageing is a continuing life cycle, it is an ongoing developmental event that brings
certain changes in ones own psychological and physical state. It is a time in one's own life
where an elderly individual reminisce and reflect, to bask and live on previous accomplishments
and begin to finish his life cycle. The participant showed hopefulness with their perception of
ageing as they see it as a part of life and ones life should continue to grow and prosper even
when on ages, aging is part of life. You have to accept that we are going to get old. It's just how
you want to get there - Participant 1, 65 years old.
Ang pagtanda ay ang pagdagdag ng isang taon sa aking edad, kasama ng mga
experiences at milestones na nararanasan ko along the way. Ito rin ay ang paglapit ko sa
nahuhuling mga taon ng aking buhay. - Participant 5, 62years old. The participants believed
that ageing is similarly just a day where in one transitions a year older, a phenomenon that occurs
naturally and as it happens, the participants expressed a moment in time to reflect and bask on
past accomplishments and still yearns to engage with life and daily activities which further
agrees to definition of ageing where it is a time in one's own life where an elderly individual
reminisce and reflect, to bask and live on previous accomplishments and begin to finish his life
cycle conducted by Dhara & Jogsan (2013) Ang pagtanda para sa akin ay panahon para
gampanan ang mga gawain na hindi ko pa nagawa bago pa ang aking pagtanda. - Participant
3, 62 years old. Life on earth is just a part of your journey sa buhay ng tao. After your stay
here, you will have another life coming to you. - Participant 8, 78 years old
Most of the respondents looked at the definition of ageing process realistically. Their
perception on ageing falls to the realistic perspective and a more naturally occurring process that
brings physical changes over time.
In what ways do senior citizens actively age?
Physical Concept
Healthy Lifestyle
The physical dimension consists of components of general feeling of health, physical
activity, financial and responsibility that leads to self-sufficiency and can make decisions
concerning their well-being. Here are two participants clearly implying the role of physical
activity and healthy lifestyle that regains their identity and control over ageing. for me
personally you need to be active from beginning. Eat healthy and very important to exercise even
walking every day. - Participant 6, 65 years old. do your exercise activities - Participant 2,
60 years old. Participant 6 mentioned the importance of keeping a healthy lifestyle, she mentions
eating nutritious food and walking everyday as her exercise that keeps her healthy. While
participant 2 expressed that doing exercises from as simple as stretching or just moving inside
the house keeps the mind focused and it hinders stagnation of the body.
The two participants expressed having a healthy lifestyle also enables one to actively age
like Chong et als research, keeping a healthy lifestyle was also focused more on psychological
and physical well-being for the participants that is also similar to the study conducted by Duay
& Bryan (2006). The importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the aspects
mentioned by the respondents as ways they actively age and are feeling great about themselves.
It gives them a reason to still have control over their body to help combat the process of ageing.
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Psycho-Social Concept
The pscyho-social dimension includes social relationships with other people for you to be
able to express your ideas and effectively involve yourself to community works, with the
purpose of enhancing ones potential for a more fulfilling life. In the research, most of the
respondents expressed engaging with others as an important tool on how they actively age.
According to Bee (2010), family and friends are factors in the life of an elderly person. The
capability of social support affects both physical and mental functioning in the old age.
Engagement with others
The participants mostly discussed an active participation in society further agreeing to the
study conducted by Chong et al (2006). The participants discussed that a way on how they
actively age is when they join groups and engage themselves with their loved ones for
Participant 1. For participant 5, 4 and 7, they enjoy the participation of group organizations and
involving themselves with other people. Participant 5 a retired accountant found ways on her
identity by joining a choir group Sumali ako sa ilang organisasyon dito sa aming village at sa
simbahan. Parte ako ng choir ng mga senior citizen. - Participant 5, 64 years old. by joining
group orgs. - Participant 7, 64 years old. by actively participating in community and religious
activities. - Participant 4, 65 years old. Naging aktibo din ako sa organisasyon sa aming
village dahil wala akong nagagawa sa bahay maliban sa magbantay sa aming tindahan. Participant 5, 62 years old
Participant 1 expresses that having friends or a social group is important because having a
support system in this new stage in life can be quite helpful because theyll be there when you
need a helping hand and give unconditional love and support I personally surrounded myself
with different ages of men and women friends. I have two wonderful kids who look after me and
love and care about me so much and wonderful friends. Lastly volunteer of some kind. Participant 1, 65 years old.
Engagement with others implies the importance of maintaining close personal
relationships and engaging in social activities and community services. The participants
expressed that it gave them a new sense of purpose and satisfaction and it makes them feel like
they are contributing to society. Fisher and Wolf (2005) suggest that the elderly often experience
a second adolescence thus, many elders find ways on reestablishing a sense of identity and
meaning in their stage of life, engaging with others for elders is way for them to regain a sense of
purpose in their new stage of life.
Coping style & strategies
Adapting from changes
Three participants discussed that they actively age by adapting from changes that happens
in their life which further agrees to the study conducted by Duay & Bryan (2006). For participant
9, she adopts from changes by embracing it and by actively involving herself to urgently find
solutions rather than being held down by it and by embracing the changes she encounters, she
goes with the flow and adapts. I actively age by practicing what I preach, being positive and
embracing the changes. Fix what is needed to be fixed and just going with the flow. Participant 9, 66 years old. Participant 6 on the other hand expresses adapting to changes by way
of actively trying to learn and change as well, by doing this, participant 6 manages to grow along
side with the change and thus make participant 6 adapt well to the change.Masasabi kong
aktibong tumatanda ang isang senior citizen kung siya ay patuloy na natututo o nagbabago. Participant 6, 65 years old
Participant 8 adapts from changes by coping through continuing what he used to do
before he retired, he also expressed that he has been quite accepting of the changes happening
around him. He also became accepting that ageing is a normal occurrence and by accepting that
and the changes around him, life became much easier and less worrisomeI continue with my
past activities as if I have not retired from employment. Your acceptance na aging is a normal
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occurrence in life, para di ka ma disappoint you have to accept life. That is how you should view
life. No one is going to stay young forever. Once youve accepted that, wala kang problema. Participant 8, 78 years old. Adapting from changes is one of the important aspects of ageing
actively, when a senior citizen successful adapts from the changes from their environment or
themselves, it makes them open to the changes and makes them accept certain changes and thus
improved their ability reflect and realize new information and enhances their mood and mental
well-being by being positive.
Positive outlook on life
A positive outlook on life is how participant 5 and Participant 3 actively age, by being
optimistic and more focused on happier things, they enjoy more things in their life and it enables
them to feel strong and able to do anything despite their age kapag hindi niya hinahayaang
mawalan siya ng pag asa na hindi na niya kayang gawin ang ibat ibang bagay. - Participant 5,
62 years old.
Participant 3 discussed that during this stage in life, there is plenty of time to look back in
ones life and just reminisce even if it is a happy memory or a sad memory, participant 3
expressed that this is the stage in life where one should enjoy life and focus on happiness and
collecting happy memories further agreeing to the study conducted by Chong et al (2006) dapat
harapin niya ang realidad, acceptance and enjoy instead of being sad and matamlay Participant 3, 62 years old. Having a positive outlook on life is one of the reasons why an elderly
actively ages, by being positive, the elderly can see easily see the positive side to every situation
that can enhance his or her mood. It is indeed beneficial in maintaining a well-rounded mental
well-being and makes them more appreciative of life and motivates them to engage with life and
age actively.
Keeping oneself busy
Some of the participants also discussed that they actively age by keeping themselves
busy, they discussed on how important it is to keep oneself busy instead of just sitting around
and do nothing this is further applied to the activity theory, the continuation of activities are
deemed as aspects for successful aging (Havighurst & Albrecht, 2005; Havighurst, Neugarten, &
Tobin, 2007; Maddox, 2005) dapat gawin niyang busy ang sarili sa mga makabuluhang
gawain na magpapasaya sa kanya. - Participant 3, 62 years old.
Participant 2 discussed particularly the encounter she saw in Singapore where other
senior citizens became depressed when all they do is sit outside and do nothing, she reflected and
was keen on keeping herself busy because of itI always make a habit to make myself busy. Sa
anong paraan, sa pag tatarabaho, sa gawaing bahay. Sa Singapore, karamihan dito ng
matatanda da dedepress kasi wala silang ginagawa kundi mag upo lang sa tabi, kaya dito
maraming sira ulo na matatanda kulang sila sa kausap at sa gawaing pangsarile at pang
lipunan. - Participant 2, 60 years old. Being able to keep self-busy is one of the successful
transition a senior citizen could do, keeping busy is a successful adaptation when someone
generally slows down and ages. It is one of the most important aspects of ageing actively as it
promotes a distraction from physical ailments and keeps the mental processes going.
The positive aspects of ageing in terms of psychological, economic and spiritual.
Psychological
Gaining wisdom
Wisdom is a valuable ingredient that accompanies ageing. Participant 9 and 4 gave
importance on gaining wisdom and knowledge as one of the positive aspects of ageing. When
someone is at that stage of life, they have witness many things in their life it connotes the
wisdom, knowledge and the totality earned throughout the years. - Participant 9, 66 years old
that helped participant 9, combat the struggles of physical ailments and has made him reflect
more on to his actions and gives him the comfort and hope whenever he falls into a hopeless
thought.
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tsaka narin sharing your wisdom to other people - Participant 4, 65 years old.
Growing wisdom also means that an elderly has surpassed the stage where he successful falls
into a stage that permits a positive form of ageing. According to Erik Eriksons stages of
psychosocial development, the formation of wisdom is the onset when an elderly person
successfully reflects and looks back on life with sense of fulfillment and thus, they form a sense
of integrity and satisfaction. Wisdom is one of the aspects that makes ageing positive, a certain
type of experience that only one can understand and go through with age, it is indeed the highest
form of wisdom one can truly age at a certain age and it gives the satisfaction to the elderly
citizens because it gives them value because they have the right to say they have earned it.
Economic
Financial Stability
Financially ngayon ako natuto mag ipon sa kaunting pera na makita ko, nilalaan ko sa
kinabukasan - Participant 2, 60 years old. Financially, Ive had all my younger years to earn
money to get me comfortable to live during my senior years. - Participant 9, 66 years old.
nakapag ipon naman ako kaya financially okay naman - Participant 10, 64 years old. I went
over my finances and I will be fine - Participant 1, 65 years old. Participant 1, 2, 9 and 10 all
shared the experiences of having financial stability in their senior years. They discussed the
importance of saving hard earned money in their younger years and being smart about money.
Financial Stability is one of the positive aspects of ageing for them because they managed to
save and spend their money wisely. They get benefits from the government and have their own
pension from their jobs. The importance of being financial stable in the elderly years can help
benefit the elderly by improving their quality of life. Having no financial worries lessen the
elderlys stress and relieves them with burden of having enough money in their pockets.
Spiritual
Growing faith
Being morally and spiritually well is about knowing the existence of God. Their
awareness to God and faith develops their value that would promote a better understanding of
self and strengthens their identity and combat hardships. Naging madasalin ako ngayon kasi
nagbibigay sa akin ng reassurance ang pagdadasal ginagawa kong sandalan ang diyos
ngayon Participant 10, 67 years old A consistent theme of growing faith was expressed by the
participants, participant 8 stated how one become more spiritual when they age you become
more spiritual when you grow older. - Participant 8, 78 years old. It helped participant 8,
combat the struggles of physical ailments and has made him reflect more on to his actions and
gives him the comfort and hope whenever he falls into a hopeless thought.
Participant 9 expressed how as she grew older she became more religious during tough
times it happened especially when her husband passed away before her and she fell into sadness
and through her reflection she has fully realized how important faith is i found that I became
more religious as I grew older. When you experience very tough times and the only person you
can turn to is of higher being. - Participant 9, 66 years old
The results showed that Filipino senior citizens perception on aging is more on a
transitional basis connoting that it is a natural occurring phenomena that one needs to go through
with underlying positive and hopeful tones. Most of the participants perception on ageing were
positive with only the negative are the physiological aspects such as decline of health and aching
joints. It is also found out that most senior citizens actively age through engagement with others
most participants joined or were already involved in organizations in their location and in church
setting while others engage through people of various ages and with their own family second is
by adapting from changes which the participant did by allowing themselves to embrace the
changes happening around them and continuing the things they used to to do. The third is
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keeping oneself busy, the participants expressed keeping oneself busy in order to not get sad.
The fourth is having a healthy lifestyle, two participants mentioned keeping a healthy lifestyle
because it gives them a sense of fulfillment and the effects are beneficial for the psychological
and physical well being. And lastly, having a positive outlook on life, the participants expressed
how they actively age by being optimistic and just enjoying the moment they are alive and are
more focused on happier things and collecting happy moments. The researcher also concludes
that the positive aspects of ageing mostly for them is the wisdom and experienced gained and
becoming more religious and the financial stability it brings when one manages to save their
income during their younger years and spend money wisely.
For future studies, the researcher would like to recommend on exploring more about the
religiosity on senior citizens as the study showed that the older the person gets, the more spiritual
he or she becomes, it would be beneficial if it was indepthly analyzed and studied also,
exploring a deeper sense of the needs of senior citizens to further propagate future actions on
implementing programs and benefits catering to the growing number of senior citizens in the
Philippines.
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Successful aging: Perspectives from behavioral sciences (pp. 1 - 34). New York: Cambridge
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Duay, D. L., & Bryan, V. C. (2006). Senior adults' perceptions of successful aging. Educational
Gerontology, 32(6), 423-445.
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London: Sage Publications.
Havighurst, R. J., Neugarten, B. L. A., & Tobin, S. S. C. (2007). Disengagement and patterns of
aging. In B. L. Neugarten (Ed.), Middle age and aging. Chicago: University of Chicago
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Maddox, G. L. (2005). Persistence of life style among the elderly: A longitudinal study of
patterns of social activity in relation to life satisfaction. In B. L. Neugarten (Ed.), Middle
age and aging. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Ogawa, T. (2008). Changing social concepts of age: Towards the active senior citizen. The
Demographic Challenge: A Handbook about Japan, 145-161.
Tornstam, L. (2005). Gerotranscendence-A theory about maturing into old age. Journal o fAging
and Identity, 1, 37-50.
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aging? Psychology and Aging, 6, 272-279.
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Current Career Status of Selected Former Varsity Volleyball Players

Ugalde, Eula
Castronuevo, Eva
ABSTRACT
This study explores the current career status of the selected former volleyball athletes. In
sociology, status is defined as the achieved status of an individual. An in-depth interview was
used in this research. 20 Filipino female former volleyball athletes, who are now part of the
working society, participated in the study. They were interviewed and asked open-ended
questions in relation with the research study. The results showed that most of the current jobs of
the former athletes are in the hospitality and tourism industry. In addition, most of the
respondents value their college course so much that it is aligned to their current job. Further, the
former athletes benefited from their college course by learning a lot which in turn, they used in
their current job. And lastly, the influence of their own decision is what made most of the them
pursue their current job.
Keywords: Filipino, Volleyball, job, college course, athlete, career
Sports is defined as an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a
competitive nature. Being a part of an athletic team requires more than physical prowess; it needs
traits like dedication, perseverance, and the like. In the Philippine volleyball, we have volleyball
legends such as Nene Ybanez-Chavez, Rosemarie Prochina and Thelma Barina-Rojas who
pioneered the world of volleyball in our country. Before Alyssa, Valdez, Ara Galang and Mika
Reyes, the darlings of volleyball then were the likes of Ybanez-Chavez, Prochina, Barina-Rojas,
Arlene Apostol and Leonara Escolante (Escarlote, 2015).
As Spin.ph wrtier Mei-Lin Lozada recalls, It was a team composed of the finest
collegiate volleyball players. The 1990 batch of volleyball players whipped into a cohesive unit
for almost three years by Russian coach Stanislov Lyugaylo was the last batch to win gold in the
South East Asian games. Die hard Pinoy volleyball fans will never forget the name Nene
Ybanez-Chavez who has become a household name in Philppine volleyball. She was a towering
6-foot-1 southpaw open spiker from South Western University. According to Rosemarie
Prochina, Ybanez-Chavezs former teammate, Kinatatakutan talaga siya. Prochina recalls a
Thai coach asking her if Nene was going to play. That is how much of a threat she is. YbanezChavez bagged the Best Spiker and Most Valuable Player award when the Filipinas won the
championship in the 1993 SEA Games.
In an interview done by Lozada (2015), Ybanez-Chavez recalls that after being
discovered in the National UAAP in 1987, she was immediately offered to play for the
Philippine team. Nag offer na sila agad na mag laro asko sa Philippine team. Kaya lang, first
year ko pa lang sa pag lalaro, kaya hindi muna ako pumunta. Nag aral muna ako. YbanezChavez recalls. Every year, she was asked to join the Philippine team, pero ako priority ko
ang aral. was her only response. After much persuading, she, along with five other players from
Cebu went to Manila and tried out for the National team and the rest is history.
Have you ever thought of what happened to them? Well, Nene Ybanez-Chavez is now
the coach of the Philippine Navy volleyball team. Prochina coaches the Mane N Tail team in the
Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference and Thelma Barina-Rojas, whom the researcher
had the outmost privilege of having her as a head coach, is now employed in the Philippine
Airlines together with some of her former National team teammates. The three of them were able
to graduate college in South Western University.
Today, we have players like Alyssa Valdez, Ara Galang, the twin towers Din-Din and
JaJa Santiago who serves as the modern counterpart of then Ybanez-Chavez, Prochina and
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Barina-Rojas. But, they have yet to prove themselves in international volleyball. As part of the
growing nation of varsity volleyball players in the Philippines, it is no question that there are
times athletes would be worried about their future career. Though studies have been conducted
on the current career status of some athletes that belong to the first world countries, these studies
are not enough to say that we Filipino athletes have the same result as theirs.
Career Transition
Alferman, Lavallee & Wylleman (2004) used a beginning-to-end approach to study on
the career transitions of European athletes. Analysis revealed that the concept of transition is
currently viewed in a holistic, life-span perspective which spans the athletic and post-athletic
career and which includes transitions occurring in the athletic career as well as those occurring in
other domains of athletes lives. The study also suggested the shift from the use of traditional
therapeutic approach to career transitions and athlete life skill programs for those athletes
making their transition to the non-athletic world.
Shachar & Brewer (2004) and his colleagues studied on the career decision making,
athletic identity and adjustment difficulties of athletes. The researchers chose (n=117) retired
athletes who decided to be coaches and (n=29) former athletes who chose careers not related to
sports to be assessed. The study concluded that relative to non-coaches, coaches reported a
stronger tendency to foreclose and less engagement in exploration of career possibilities other
than coaching. Coaches and non-coaches did not differ in retrospective reports of athletic identity
at the time of retirement, but non-coaches had significantly weaker athletic identity at the time of
assessment. No differences were found in transitional adjustment difficulties.
According to Fogarty (2008) the factors that Influence Career Decision-Making among
Elite athletes challenged a common belief about elite athletes that they exert so much effort and
time that they fail to develop good career decision-making skills. A total of 117 elite Australian
athletes completed adapted versions of the Career Decision-Making Difficulties Questionnaire,
the Athlete Identity Measurement Scale, the Career Decision-Making Self-efficacy Short Form,
and the Work Locus of Control Scale. These elite athletes showed no evidence of career
decision-making difficulties. Combinations of this set of variables accounted for 35% of the
variance in decision status and 20% of the variance in career decision-making difficulties. Career
decision-making self-efficacy was a major contributor in both instances. Internal locus of control
was also identified as a desirable characteristic in the context of career decision-making. The
implications of these findings are discussed. A similar study by Warrier & Lavallee (2008) who
interviewed retired female gymnasts. They focused on the role of identity and the physical self.
The challenge of athletic retirement was intensified because the gymnasts had heavily invested
in sports during adolescence.
Erpic, Wylleman & Zupancic (2004) stated that the quality of the sports career
termination may depend on the following: voluntariness of career termination, participants
subjective evaluation of athletic achievements, the prevalence of athletic identity, educational
status and the occurrence of negative athletic transitions. Meanwhile, a psychological study by
Jonas Stier (2007) on the Career, Role Exit and Identity of Swedish ex-professional tennis
players suggests that the career retirement of the ex-athletes was a gradual, transitional process
of psychological and social adaption and quest for self-identity.
Social Contributors
Wylleman et al (2007) had another study which highlights the importance of parental
involvement in all stages of the sports careers of athletes. The findings showed that the family of
the athlete together with coaches affect the long-terms performance of the athlete. The stages and
transitions faced by the athletes include athletic, individual, psychosocial and academic or
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vocational levels. In this study, the researchers noted that during the discontinuation stage (28-30
years of age) parents assist the child in coping with this transition.
The study of Smith & McManus (2008) on the Transitional Implications for Retiring
Elite athletes suggests that there are three greatest contributors to a difficult transition. They are:
involuntary retirement, a strong, exclusive athletic identity and lack of pre-retirement planning
and support services. In addition, Oria (2008) studied and explored the experiences of sport
retirement for elite female athletes in Scotland. The most significant finding was the effect that
athletic identity had on the retirement process. Athletes with a strong and exclusive athletic
identity were found to be more likely to experience difficulties when they retire while those with
lower levels experience mild negative emotions after retiring, followed by a smooth transition
into their life after sport.
Synthesis
Most of the studies done on anything related to jobs, or current career status/areas
focuses on more famous sports like basketball and baseball and none on the volleyball kingdom.
Though there are some studies on the career areas and career status of an athlete, still it is not
sufficient enough to say that results can be applied to our local volleyball athletes.
Based on the data gathered, no published study has been conducted in the Philippines
which is in line with this research study. It is obvious that professional volleyball is reaching its
peak since more and more volleyball fans are watching Philippine volleyball. Thus, this study
will be very useful in the near future.
Due to the lack of research in the Philippine setting, this research aims to give
importance to the Filipino culture through sports. Most studies about current career status of
players would have participants belonging to the first world countries. This study fills the gap by
focusing on the current situation of former collegiate Filipino athletes in terms of their current
career areas. This research will help broaden the range by focusing on our local athletes.
Specifically, this study aims to answer the following questions: (a) What are the current career
areas of the former varsity volleyball players? (b) What is the value of the athletes college
course alignment to their current career? (c)What benefits to these former athletes get from their
college course? (d) What influences their career choice?
Method
Research Design
The researcher used a qualitative research design that aims to find out the current career
status of the selected athletes. This study is qualitative in nature because it focuses on the life
experiences of the respondents and gives them meanings. The researcher interviewed them in
order to collect the data needed in the study.
Purposive sampling was used in this research. The target respondents were 20 Filipino
female former varsity volleyball players. In addition, these former athletes must have competed
in any minor or major league in or outside the Philippines. Major leagues like the University
Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA) and the Womens National Collegiate Athletic Association (WNCAA) where in
opponents have average to above average skills. They must have been part of their schools
varsity program, a college graduate and are currently part of the working society.
The researcher was able to acquire her respondents because most of them were her peers
while others were mutual friends.
Instruments
A 10-question interview was created by the researcher which served as a basis for data
collection. Follow-up questions followed for some clarifications. The questions revolved around
the respondent's life as part of the working society such as What is your field of work?, What
is the nature of your work? and What is the scope of your work? In knowing if being an
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athlete (volleyball) or being a scholar helped them in their current situation, questions such as
How were you able to go into this kind of work? and How did this influence you to go into
this kind of career? were also asked. A voice recorder was used to gather the data needed.
Procedure
The researcher looked for 20 Filipino female varsity volleyball players who fitted the
requirements of this study. Since the researcher is a volleyball player herself, it was easy for her
to get respondents for the study. Her former teammates know a lot of former athletes who fitted
the requirements of this study. After careful selection of the respondents, the researcher handed
out letters of consent. These consent letters served as permission for the participant to be
interviewed. Together with the consent letters were their corresponding interview schedule. After
their approval, the researcher proceeded with the individual interview. The duration of the
interview lasted between 15-20 minutes. The researcher chose a setting with the least distraction.
Since the respondents come from various places around Metro Manila, there is no specific place
or commonplace as to where they were interviewed. The researcher chose a place that was
convenient for them. There was no commonplace as to where they were interviewed. Next, the
researcher explained the purpose of the interview together with the terms of confidentiality.
Since the researcher used a general interview guide approach, follow-up questions were present
throughout the interview. After the interview, the researcher debriefed the respondents by
explaining again the objective of the study and the importance of the responses given by the
participant. A token of appreciation was given as a form of gratitude to the participant.
Data Analysis
The researcher gathered the data needed by interviewing the respondents individually.
The data gathered were then grouped into themes that will help answer the questions of this
study. Grouping them in a thematic way helped the researcher connect similar ideas from
different categories.
What are the current career areas of the former athletes?
Current career areas of the respondents
f
%
Business Management
and Administration
Hospitality and
Tourism
Marketing, Sales and
Services
Human Services
Health Sciences
Total
30%
40%
20%
1
1
5%
5%
20
100%
40% of the total respondents involved working in the hospitality and Tourism industry
while only 5% belonged in the health sciences. As of the majority of the respondents belonging
to the Hospitality and Tourism career, all of them are in jobs related to their college course.
Being both a student and an athlete is very difficult. Balancing your training schedules and game
schedules with your studies is not an easy task. One of the reasons why athletes play college ball
is to get a free education. To state the obvious, Hospitality and Tourism Management is a course
which is easier compared to those of Accounting, Architecture, Medicine, Engineering,
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Psychology and Law. In hospitality and tourism, aside from its being an easy course, it deals
with social interaction on a daily basis. In sports, an athlete gets to meet varied types of
personalities and an athlete, more often than not, needs to adjust and adapt to any given situation.
With this in mind, hospitality and tourism course and being an athlete have a certain
commonality and this has been proven by this study. This may be one of the reasons why most of
them decided to dwell in this course and eventually a career.
What is the value of the athletes college course alignment to their current career?
Course alignment of the respondents
f
Course in-line with
current job
Course not in-line
with current job
Total
15
75%
25%
20
100%
Erpic, Wyleman and Zupancics (2004) study mentioned that The quality of
career termination depends on the participants subjective evaluation of athletic achievement, the
prevalence of athletic identity, educational status and the occurrence of negative non-athletic
transition. Focusing on the educational status of the participants we can see that they were able
to finish a respectable course from also a respectable school. It is evident that the educational
status of a former athlete helps to make the termination of their sports career easier than
expected. This is also why only a few of the participants are currently part of professional
volleyball.
However, there are also some athletes, who aside from working, play for the company
they work for. Philippine Super Liga (PSL) is the first professional league in the Philippines.
This league was created to give former collegiate volleyball athletes a chance to further pursue
their athletic career.
Respondent 1, 7, 13, and 18 are currently both working and at the same time playing
professional volleyball since the rules of professional volleyball requires athletes to be working
in the company theyre representing. Respondent 1 answered, ....parang sinabihan ako na may
opening sa company ng MERALCO pero with volleyball career narin. So na-enganyo ako then I
tried it.
...manage my time in work and at the same time play professional leagues..
(Respondent 18)
...I was also recruited to play for them.. (Respondent 13)
I also learned how to be flexible in time management between work and playing in the
pros. (Respondent 7)
Few athletes decided to pursue their career and join the professional league. The studies
of Fogarty (2008) and Warrier et al (2008), somehow is not in par with this study. Warrier and
Lavallees study concluded that the challenge of athletic retirement was intensified because the
elite athletes had heavily invested in sports during adolescence but this research study has found
out that the common belief about athletes that they exert so much effort and time that they fail to
develop good career decision-making skills should remain just a belief. Being an athlete doesnt
make you have poor decision-making skills. It is very evident among the respondents who have
been successful in their current career that this belief is not true.
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Exclusive athletic identity refers to the role of an athlete and how she adapts to that
specific role even after their sports career. In the study of Smith and McManus (2008), they
mentioned that one of the greatest contributors to a difficult transition is an athletes strong,
exclusive athletic identity. In contradiction to their study, only a few athletes chose to be
professional volleyball players. In addition, Oria (2008) studied and explored the experiences of
sport retirement for elite female athletes in Scotland. The most significant finding was the effect
that athletic identity had on the retirement process. Athletes with a strong and exclusive athletic
identity were found to be more likely to experience difficulties when they retire while those with
lower levels experience mild negative emotions after retiring, followed by a smooth transition
into life after sport.
What benefits to these former athletes get from their college course?
Respondent 1 said, Siguro yung customer service ang isa sa nakuha kong benefit sa
course ko kasi food industry more on guests sila tapos yung kung paano mo ihahandle yung VIP
customers. Most of the participants mentioned that their college course has a lot to do with their
current job. Most of them benefited from the things they learned more than any other thing.
Respondent 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 16 and 17 attributes their college course for teaching them
things that has been useful to them in their current career.
Gusto ko din mag explore ng food tapos creativity and bagong field siya aside from the
business sa family namin." (Respondent 2)
...I took the techniques and basic principles that I've learned from my course as a guide
and apply them when I started and up until now." (Respondent 4)
My school taught us mostly hands-on/ practical things and I think it was a big help
since I belong to the industry where skills matter a lot." (Respondent 5)
Studying Psychology also helped me in terms of understanding other people and
interacting with them." (Respondent 7)
My college course helped me build my confidence when it comes to cooking, baking
and making different types of dishes." (Respondent 8)
My course helped me become more aware and interested with what's going on around
the globe. (Respondent 11)
We know what can be done and what exercises should be given to people with specific
injuries. muscular or otherwise. (Respondent 12)
...I was able to talk to tenants so it enhanced my communication skills. I was able to
deal with a lot of people so it built up on my confidence. (Respondent 13)
Through my college course, I was able to have a background on how to manage our
family business. (Respondent 16)
My course made me who I am today which is a successful manager. (Respondent 17)
More often than not, playing in college means you get to study for free.There were some
of the former athletes who were able to study in the school they wanted and/or credits their
college for giving them a scholarship grant. The rest of the them credits their college course for
giving them free education. Respondent 3 said, Gusto ko talaga mag Medicine but due to
personal issues, nag export management ako/ Sayang din yung opportunity sa CSB.
"I wanted sana Photography pero it's expensive and since I am on a scholarship grant,
nag decide ako na mag ID..." (Respondent 15)
...and since I was part of our schools varsity program, I knew I will have a hard time
if I took up accountancy (Respondent 6)
...pero I wanted to study at CSB talaga.. (Respondent 14)
Gusto ko sana mag-aral ng Accountancy kaso quota course and mahirap talaga
ibalance yun at sports. (Respondent 19)
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Paule & Gilson (2010) listed the current benefits athletes get which included: academic
benefits, being on a team, learning life skills, improved time management and tangible benefits
such as equipment, facilities, scholarship and travel. As we can see, the finding of these two
authors are in par with the finding of this current study because based on the shared insights from
the selected athletes who participated in the study, the researcher has found out that the biggest
benefit most of these athletes got from their college course is by being able to pursue it and
landing a stable job which is also in line with the said course. These athletes were able to land
the job they wanted by studying the course they wanted for free because they are part of their
schools varsity program. Add to this, is the ability of the athletes to help their parents
financially. Studying in college is expensive nowadays and getting an athletic scholarship would
really ease the financial burden from parents. In fact, even rich families nowadays encourage
their children to go into sports not so much financially but to prevent their children from bad
company, thus, from drugs, teenage pregnancies and the like.
Being an athlete forces one to be disciplined. Time-management is always of the utmost
importance. An athlete then would be able to apply time-management in his chosen career. These
athletes would then become assets in their jobs as they can still play for their company and
getting paid for it.
What influences their career choice?
Respondent 3, 4, 9, 11, 12 and 16 said that their family influenced them to choose their
current career.
Well, yung sister ko, company niya yung pinagtatrabauhan ko. Instead of working for
other companies, sabi niya sakanya muna ako mag work for the meantime.
(Respondent 3)
My family background. (Respondent 4)
My father is also working in a casino. (Respondent 9)
Well, my dad worked for an airline company for more than 20 yrs so basically weve
been travelling around ever since we were kids. (Respondent 11)
My father had different ailments which needed rehabilitation to recover.
(Respondent 12
Meanwhile, Respondent 1, 2, 6, 8, 15 and 18 told me that they were referred that is why
they were able to get in.
My love for travelling is what influenced me to strive hard every single day.Most of
the respondents mentioned that it was their own decision to choose their current job. They were
not influenced by other external factors.
The sole Respondent who had a different influence was participant 7 because she just
sent random applications to companies.
Wylleman, et al (2007) highlights the importance of parental involvement in all stages of
the sports careers of athletes. The findings showed that the family of the athlete together with
coaches affect the long-term performance of the athlete. The stages and transitions faced by the
athletes include athletic, individual, psychosocial and academic or vocational levels. In this
study, the researchers noted that during the discontinuation stage, which is during 28-30 years of
age, parents assist the child in coping with this transition.
This study of Wylleman, et al (2007) is consistent with the findings of this study. Yes, it
is true that parents are still involved in the transition of their child-athlete but they are only there
to help assist them. Ultimately, the final decision still comes from the athlete herself.
As we mature, there will be lots of things that would influence us in every aspect in life.
But together with maturing, we also learn to decide for ourselves. In deciding for our choice of
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career, the final decision still comes from us no matter what the influences of the external
factors. The same goes through with most of the former athletes.
Family environment is an important factor in choosing a career. Parents would always
encourage, sometimes even try to nag their children-athletes in the choice of a career. Parents
who used to be athletes in their youth, would impose to their children the careers that they were
not able to achieve.
Post educational history is another aspect that can influence an athlete. However, an
athlete would always try to imagine the future and eventually decide for himself the career that
she envisioned.
The main objectives of this study are to find out the following: the benefits these former
athletes got from their college course, if the respondents value through their course alignment,
their current career status and what influenced their career choice. As a former athlete herself,
the reason why the researcher played college volleyball was to study the course that she wanted
to take up and in the school that gave an athletic scholarship that is near her home. The same
holds true with most of the participants. They give much credit to their college courses for the
knowledge required in their current job. Most of the former athletes are currently involved in the
hospitality and tourism career track. Why? Because the time exerted for this course is much
lesser compared with other courses.
With growing up comes maturity. As we mature, we realize that it is "us against the
world". We need to be independent. Being independent means we get to decide where our life
will be headed; what we will be five years from now or even ten years from now. Most of the
participants answered that it was their own decision that made them choose what job to apply
for. From the decisions on what course to take up, which school to study and later on, what kind
of job to apply for happened because of their own choosing. They are who they are.
"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.
--J.K. Rowling
Since there is still no local research that deals with the Filipino athletes in relation to
their career status, particularly female former volleyball athletes, the proponent highly
recommends that more studies be developed on this topic. The proponent also recommends that a
male perspective of the said topic be done since male volleyball is also becoming popular too.
References:
Erpic, S.C., Wylleman, P., & Zupancic, M. (2004). The effect of athletic and non-athletic factors
on the sports career termination process: Psychology of Sport and Exercises. 5(1)
pp45-59.
Escarlote, M. (2015). When we were volleyball queens.
Fogarty, G.J. (2008). Factors that influence career decision-making among elite athletes.
Australian Journal of Career Development. 17(3) pp 26-38.
doi: 10.1177/103841620801700306
Lozada, M.L. (2015). Meet the last Philippine womens team to win SEA games volleyball gold
medal-22 years ago. Retrieved from
Oria, G.(2008). Leaving competitive sport: Scottish female athletes experiences of sport career
termination. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.ret/1893/496.
Paule, A.L. & Gilson. T.A. (2010). Current collegiate experiences of big-time, non-revenue
NCAA athletes.
Schachar, D., Brewer B. (2004). Career decision-making, athletic identity, and adjustment
difficulties among retired athletes: a comparison between coaches and non coaches. 10(1)
Smith, J.L., & McManus A. (2008). A review on the transitional implications for retired elite
athletes: What Happens When the SPotlight Dims? The Open Sports Sciences Journal.
pp45-49.
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Stien, J. (2007). Game, name and fame-- afterwards, will I still be the same? A Social
Psychological Study of Career, Role Exit and Identity. 42(1). pp99-111. doi:
10.1177/1012690207081830
Warriner, K., & Lavalle, D. (2008). The retirement experience of elite female gymnasts: Self
Identity and the Physical Self. pp301-317. doi: 10.108/1041320081998564
Wylleman, P., Alfermann D., & Lavallee. D. (2004). Career transitions in sport: European
Perspectives. Psychology of SPort and Exercise. 5(1) pp7-20
Wylleman, P., et al. (2007). Parenting and career transitions of elite athletes: Social
Psychology in Sport 2007. pp. 233-247
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Experiences and Morale of a Basketball Benchwarmer

Yabut, Allen Christopher
Rodel Ocampo
ABSTRACT
The study investigates the experiences of basketball reserve players who are being benched and
how being bench affect their morale. The study aims to describe the experiences of reserve in
how they are still committed to the sport even though they are not rewarded with the incentives
of playing time. A descriptive type of research was used in the research. Ten reserve players
from different age groups were interviewed and served as the respondents of the research.
Reserve players as an athlete doesnt have direct control over their playing time. They work
hard, improve themselves to be a good player and have a good discipline in hopes to boost and
improve their playing time. Reserve player perceive basketball as a passion. Self-Determination
is one of the values that is seen in reserve players as they are not being satisfied of being a
benchwarmer but they want to become an established player.
Keywords: Experiences, Morale, Reserve, Motivation, Efficiency, Team Chemistry
A player who continues to be a part of the team, and may not necessarily be contributing
in a statistical standpoint, is a reserve. They are the players who are seldom being used to be field
inside the playing court. A reserve (benchwarmer) is the hardest and most underrated position of
any team. If a player is thought as a role-player, not making the starting lineup takes tons more
character, determination, guts and discipline than is needed when fortunate enough to play all the
time (Goldberg, 2014). For a reserve, this is truly one tough act to pull off. Most reserves sit the
bench during games trying their best to prevent themselves from becoming overwhelmed by
waves of bitterness and negative feelings that seem to roll in nonstop. Some reserves feels that
they are better than the other players on their team and ask themselves why still they are sitting
on the bench instead of playing inside the playing field/court. Some reserve players feels like
they are more deserving as they work harder than their teammates in practice. While some other
reserves are just satisfied of being a benchwarmer and just think that they suck than his
teammates (Goldberg, 2014)
One best example of a reserve player who eventually became the best basketball player of
all time is Michael Jordan. During his Sophomore Year in High School, He was cut from the
team because he was too short to play at 511. Motivated to prove his worth, Jordan trained hard
and he grew 4 inches taller and became the best player on their high school team the following
year. Michael Jordan won 6 Championships, 5 MVP and many more awards during his
celebrated career (Sachare, 2007). At present, Jordan now owns an NBA team the Charlotte
Hornets. There are also reserve players who remain a reserve throughout their career. One of
which is NBA player Brian Scalabrine. He became famous because of being a reserve. Brian
Scalabrine is an NBA player who was drafted 34th overall during the 2001 Nba draft. During his
High School and College Years, He is one of the main pieces why his team became champion
however prior to joining in the NBA, he became a reserve but it made him popular as the fans
baptized him with a moniker White Mamba.
In sports there is nothing permanent, sometimes you are on top sometimes you are in the
bottom. There are many NBA players who have attained stardom and eventually became a
reserve. One of which is Elton Brand. He was a star back in his early career but due to injury, he
is now one of the players who is seldom being used to play. Interesting to know is how do they
overcome the struggles and how do they accept the role of being a "Benchwarmer".
Experiences
Sampalo, Drinkwater and Leite (2010) made a study to identify within-season differences
in basketball players' game-related statistics according to team quality and playing time. They
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found out that no significant effect of season period was observed. A team quality effect was
identified, with stronger teams being superior in terms of 2-point field-goals and passes. The
weaker teams were the worst at defensive rebounding.
While playing time was significant in almost all variables, errors were the most important
factor when contrasting important and less important players, with fewer errors being made by
important players. The trends identified can help coaches and players to create performance
profiles according to team quality and playing time. However, these performance profiles appear
to be independent of season period.
An empirical study conducted by Yupin and Mengze (2011) showed that the attainment
of star status begins with the athlete's exceptional individual performance. They also find that
having won a championship in the past can have a long-lasting effect on a player's popularity.
The popularity of an athlete depends on his team in two ways: the attainment of star status is
associated with strong team performance, and star teammates can reinforce each other's
popularity. Interestingly, whereas stars can move from a losing team to a winning team to extend
their star life, a team change can be very risky for new stars.
A study conducted by Moharram (2013) showed that higher skilled players scored
significantly higher in locomotor, object control and overall gross motor and had higher levels
of perceived athletic competence. While lower skilled basketball players had significantly
higher levels of perceived social competence and behavioral conduct.
A study conducted by Tarlow (2012) showed that teammate experience, a proxy variable
for team chemistry, significantly increases the teams success.
According to Coterill (2013), understanding the impact that the environment has in both
training and competition is important for all sports teams. Conjuction, much attention has
focused on the individual and the team, little work in sports has really focused on the
team/performance environment.
Morale
A study conducted by Morton (2012) showed that there is no binding contract or athletic
scholarship as an incentive to stay dedicated and compete at an elite level daily. The results of
this study suggest that intrinsic motivation may be keeping the bench interested in competing
without incentives of a scholarship or playing time.
Hagger (2007) states that motivation is central to many social psychological theories that
aim to explain behavior, including self-determination theory, one of the most influential theories
of human motivation developed in the last three decades. Intrinsic Motivation and SelfDetermination in Exercise and Sport seeks to examine the contribution of this theory to the
understanding of motivation and behavior in the domains of exercise and sport.
Worthington & Lee (2013) examined the productive efficiency of 62 starting guards
during the 2011-2012 season of the NBA. The results indicate that benchwarmers seldom serve
as a benchmark for inefficient players, at least when compared with established players.
In 2006, Hoffler & Payne investigate the efficiency in the National Basketball
Association. They investigate how closely NBA teams play up to their potential. They also find
that shooting, rebounding, stealing the ball and blocking shots raise the number of potential wins
while turnovers lower it. They also learn that better coaching and defensive prowess raise a
team's win efficiency.
Synthesis
Research findings suggest that intrinsic motivation may be keeping the bench interested
in competing without incentives of a playing time. Even though the player is a reserve
(benchwarmer), the player is still determined to play the sport he was involved in. Research
findings indicate that a reserve player seldom serves as a benchmark for inefficient players, at
least when compared with established players. (Morton, 2012) Research findings indicate that
learn that better coaching and defensive prowess raise a team's win efficiency (Hoffler, & Payne,
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2006). Past researches also suggest that team chemistry increases team success and it does boost
team morale (Coterill ,2013) (Tarlow, 2012).
Research findings also suggest that in order to boost the playing time, the player should
have exceptional performance in his game to attain the star status. (Yupin, & Mengze, 2011)
The researcher aims to find out the experiences of reserve players and how being bench
affect their morale. The study will answer these research questions. first, what is the experiences
of reserve players? and what is the morale of the reserve players?
Method
Research Design
The research design used is a descriptive qualitative type of research. The researcher
chose the design to expand on the thoughts and information that been collected from the reserve
players. The researcher chose this research design because it can deeply answer the questions
formed from the previous studies regarding reserve players as qualitative research design is a
method to depict the participants in an accurate way and is all about describing people who take
part in the study. The research design is a method to know deeply the experiences and how it
affect the morale of Reserve players
The researcher interviewed 10 people (reserves) aged 14-18 from the different varsity
teams of basketball in prominent high school in Alabang. the researcher interviewed 3 reserves
in team A, 3 from the Team B, and 4 from the Aspirants team. The respondents were interviewed
to find answers on why reserve players keeps themselves motivated in spite of being not
rewarded with the incentives of playing time. Purposive sampling was used for choosing the
respondents because they possess one thing in common which is being a reserve player.
Instruments
The researcher used a self made questionnaire that served as the researchers interview
guide. The questions that are in the questionnaire are questions that regards on the experiences
of being a reserve and how their morale being affected by not being rewarded with the incentive
of playing time. The researcher recorded all of the interview with the use of a voice recorder .
Procedures
The researcher gave an inform consent to the respondents and the researcher asked the
respondents to sign it so that they will be fully informed that they have been part of the research.
The researcher assured the confidentiality of all the information the researcher gained from the
respondents. After everything is polished, the researcher started to conduct the interview on the
respondents. The interview was conducted on a one on one basis to assure confidentiality and to
avoid conforming and every information the respondents shared was been recorded via voice
recorder
Data analysis
After the interview was done and the researcher gets all the information he needed to the
respondents, The researcher categorized the similarities and differences of the information that
the respondents shared.
Description of Participants
10 reserve basketball players from different age groups has been interviewed.
Team A - 18 years old and under team (3 participants)
Team B- 17 Years old and under team (3 participants)
Aspirants- 16 years old and under (4 participants)
Participant 1 ( from Team A) is a 16 year old Forward who is a rookie on his team and
currently on his Junior year in highschool. He was a varsity player since his fourth grade. He
played for the Paranaque team in the NCR meet when he was still in elementary and was
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recruited when he was about to enter grade 7. He was a key player back from his former teams.(
Team B, Aspirants, 15 years old and under and etc.) This was his first time being a reserve
player.
Participant 2 ( Team A) is a 17 years old guard who is currently on his Junior year in high
school. He was recruited from the province. He was a star player in the province however prior
to joining his new school, he became a benchwarmer. He is a rookie.
Participant 3 ( Team A) is a 17 years old guy (Senior) who is before one of the key
players of the team however, some of his teammates overshadowed him and he became one of
the players riding the bench. it will be his last year in the team.
Participant 4 ( From Team B) - is a 16 years old player who is currently a graduating high
school student. He is one of the players who didnt make it to Team A. (every players goal is to
be Team A player)
Participant 5 ( Team B) - is a 17 years old player who is like participant 4, a graduating
high school student who didnt make it to the Team A.
Participant 6 ( Team B) - is a 16 years old player who is in his Junior year in high school.
prior joining the team b, he was a key player in the aspirants team ( 16 years old and under).
Participant 7 ( from the Aspirants team) - is a 14 years old player who is a Grade 8
student. he is one of the youngest player in his team. he is a new student
Participant 8 (Aspirants team) - is a 14 years old player who is a grade 8 student. He is
also a new student.
Participant 9 (Aspirants team) - is a 15 years old player who is a sophomore student. He
is a varsity player since the fifth grade. He was before a role player however prior to the
improvement of his team mates, he became a reserve player. He is one of the homegrown players
of his school.
Participant 10 (Aspirants team) - is a 14 years old player and a grade 8 student. He was a
reserve player since before however he still likes to play the game and never quit the varsity
team.
Experiences
Being a bench warmer
Participants were asked on how they perceived their respective sport (basketball). The
participants were asked what does basketball mean to them? Most of the participants have
identical answers, according to them basketball is one of the most important thing in their entire
life. According to them, it was not only a hobby but it is passion for the sport. Except some of
them just said that it is only a hobby.
Participants were also asked how being benched affect their morale and how it affect
their performances. Most of the participants said that being a benchwarmer is making them a
better player as they are not being contented with just being a part of the team but they strive
more to become the best players of their respective teams. It makes them a better player because
being benched will serve as a lesson for them to be not contented and for them to do always their
best in team training and especially doing well in games. Doing well in training will boost their
playing time during games, every minute of playing time were earned in training so if they
didnt do well in training expect that they will be benched during games. The study of Morton
(2012) supports the researchers findings, Intrinsic motivation may be keeping the reserves
motivated even without the incentives of playing time.
Self Training to get better
Participants were asked on what they do after team practices, some of them do extra work
as they are self practicing (Shooting), Some of them hit the gym to do strengthening while some
of them just go home afterwards. Participants were asked why they do such things, all of them
said that to be able to cope up with other players who are better than them as most of them are
not giving up and want to climb up the players rotation. In other words, they dont want to be a
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benchwarmer for good. The researchers findings was supported by the theory of Hagger (2007)
which states that motivation and self determination in self exercise and sport.
Strategizing on guarding the aces
Participants were asked on how they strategize in guarding the best players of their team.
Some said that in every game, while waiting for their turn to be fielded inside the playing court,
they observe how their best players move. Habang naghihintay, pinagaaralan ko yung galaw
ng mga malalakas saamin para pagdating sa training alam ko kung ano ang gagawin ko at kung
paano ko sila didepensahan. The researcher suggest that because the reserve players doesnt
want to be a benchwarmer for good, they are coming up with a strategy on how to guard the
aces on the team and if the strategy is effective maybe they can become established players. The
researchers findings was supported by the study of Yupin & Mengze (2011). The rise and fall
of star athletes suggest that attainment of being a star begins with the players exceptional
performance. The study of Mohharan (2013) also supports the researchers findings as Higher
skilled players perceived more athletic competence
Inferiority feeling towards teammates and Coach
Participants were asked if they are experiencing inferiority complex to the superiors of
their respective teams during team training, most of them stated that they felt nervous every time
they guard the ace players of the team during team scrimmages however they are some stated
that they are confident on guarding the aces of their respective teams. Participants were also
asked if there is a gap between the best players and the reserves. most of them stated that they are
all close to each other as they treat themselves as brothers. Sa court lang kami magkakaaway,
agawan ng pwesto yan eh para hindi mabangko siyempre dapat pakitang gilas sa coach. pero
sa court lang yun pag labas ng court bati bati na. a participant stated. However, most rookies
said that they are not close to other players precisely because they are new to the team.
Participants were also asked if they are afraid on doing mistakes. most of them said no because if
they will only play safe they will be not recognize by their coaches. dapat kasi sumugal eh,
para mapansin ng coach, e paano kung shoot naman, o diba at least napansin pero kung
nagmintis e take the blame nalang. . a respondent said.
The researcher suggest that reserve players treat themselves as brothers and all of the
competition are just inside the court, when outside, they are all okay from each other (nothing
personal, just work). Reserve players also make themselves known (mapansin ng coach) by not
playing safe during scrimmages and games. The researchers findings was supported by the
study conducted by Tarlow (2012) which states that Team Chemistry increases team sucess
Morale
Keeping motivated
Participants were asked why they are not quitting, most of them said that they want to
play college ball in the future and being bench serves as a motivation for them to strive harder.
Participants were not satisfied in being a reserve only. They want to climb up the players
rotation and became one of the best players in thier respective team. The future goals of the
participants keeps them motivated to play the game. The researcher suggest that most reserve
especially varsity players have a desire to play on a college level so they keep themselves
motivated to reach thier dreams and who knows they might became a professional player
someday. The researchers findings was supported by the study of Worthington and Lee (2013)
as stated that Reserve players seldom serve as a benchmark compared to established players.
Also the study of Moharran (2013) supports the researchers findings.
Playing time for reserves
The researcher then asked the participants, what is playing time for them? All of them
said that playing time is the life of their career. Playing time is the reward for the hardwork and
determination shown not only by the reserves but every player on a team Yun yung buhay eh,
yun ang sukli sa pagpapakamatay mo sa ensayo. all the hard work is worth it if given playing
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time. Increase in playing time is the goal of every reserve players The reserchers findings was
supported by the study of Sampalo & Drinkwater (2010) which suggest that playing time is a
factor in the quality of performance of players.
The present study focused on describing the experiences and morale of a reserve player.
The researcher was able to collect information on how the reserve players keeps loving their
sport even without the incentives of playing time and how being benched affect their morale.
After all information was gathered through interview, the present study can conclude that
Reserve players perceived their respective sport as a passion not a hobby. Thats why they keep
loving their sport even though they are seldom being used in games. Being a reserve player also
makes them a better player because they will strive hard to climb up the players rotation and
being a reserve player reminds them that they need to improve more to become a establish
player. The reserve players also developed the value of Brotherhood because in order to boost
team chemistry, the whole team should be familiar to all of their players and of course the
coaches. Determination is also seen in Reserve players. Reserve players keep themselves
motivated, they challenge themselves to become established players, hence they do some extra
work to cope up with their other teammates who are better than them. Playing time is the most
reward for the reserve players, for them playing time is the life of their career.
For future researchers, it is recommended to make more studies involving Reserve player
as the present study was just on a high school level and it doesnt necessarily represent all of the
reserve players. For future studies, it is recommended that they do such thing in different age
groups whether it is in college level or in professional level. The researcher also dedicate the
study to basketball coaches for them to know what are the experiences of the Reserve player and
for them to see all the sacrifices and struggles they face in order to be rewarded with the
incentives of playing time.
References:
Coterill, S. (2013) Developing a positive team environment; team psychology in sports pg 22-35
Goldberg, A. (2014) Harnessing the frustration of an athlete that has limited playing time:
https://www.competitivedge.com/playing-time
Hagger (2007) Self determination theory; Journal of sports sciences
Hoffler, R. & Payne, J. (2006) Efficiency in the National Basketball Association: a stochastic
frontier approach with panel data; Managerial and Decision EconomicsVolume 27, issue
4, pg 279-285
Moharran, R. (2014) Comparative analysis of motor competence & self- perception between
lower & higher skilled male basketball players ages 8-11 years:
http://scholarworks.csun.edu/handle/10211.2/4855
Morton, T. (2012) What drives and motivates the division III female basketball Benchwarmer
to compete everyday? ; http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1793/64199
Sachare, (2007) Michael Jordan Biography;23jordan.com
Sampalo, J & Drinkwater, E (2010) Effects of season period, team quality, and playing time on
basketball players' game-related statistic; European Jounal of science volume 10, issue 2
pg 141-149
Stein, M (2012) Mavericks claim Elton Brand retrieved from http://espn.go.com/dallas/nba/story/
_/id/8164479/dallas-mavericks-claim-elton-brand-waivers-wining-waiver-bid
Tarlow, J (2012) Experiences and winning in the National Basketball Association; MIT Sloan
analytic conference
Worthington, A. & Lee, B. (2013) Measuring the Relative efficiency of National Basketball
Association Guards ; Applied economics volume 25, issue 29
Yupin, Y. & Mengze, S. (2011) Rise and fall of stars: Investigating the evolution of star status in
professional team sports; Volume 28, Issue 4, December 2011, Pages 352366
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Perseverance, Experiences and Motivation of Single Mothers to Finish

College
Yang, Alyssa Marie
ABSTRACT
This study explored the level of perseverance, experiences and motivation of single mothers to
finish college. A total of 5 single mothers were selected through purposive sampling as the
respondents and data were gathered through mixed method research design. Semi structured
interview and 12-Item Grit Scale by Duckworth (2007) were used by the researcher in this study.
The results showed that the respondents have an average level of perseverance. The respondents
gave up their time social needs to focus on studies and consider time spent with their child as
time for themselves. The respondents experienced financial hardships but this did not stop them
from finishing their degree. The timing of their motherhood was related to the stress they
experience; and the struggle to perform daily duties as mother and student as well. The
respondents had to sacrifice their personal and social needs to prioritize their child and their
studies. The respondents were motivated because of their child. The respondents parents were
also one of their motivations, to make up for getting pregnant at an early age and while studying.
The respondents were also motivated by the belief that having a college degree would bring them
success.
Keywords: Single mother, student, experiences, motivation, level, perseverance, grit
Having a college degree is beneficial to anyone as it opens many doors and many
opportunities. According to College Atlas (2015), more opportunities, greater benefits, job
satisfaction, job, stability and benefits to your children are some of the benefits of having a
college degree. Today, early pregnancy and early parenthood is common. In the Philippines,
according to Trade Union Congress of the Philippines as of 2012, there are at least 13.9 million
Filipino single parents. Due to this, most of the time, the education of the mother has to suffer to
give way to the coming of the baby down to the guidance of their child. Single parents have the
same amount of responsibilities as a dual parent in their families.
Single mothers juggle many responsibilities including financial provision, house keeping,
and parenting (Rani, 2006). According to Institute for Womens Policy Research (2013),
educational achievement for single mothers benefits themselves, and their child/children.
Educational attainment of single mothers relates to many aspects of the life of the child (Attewell
and Lavin 2007). Single mothers who are student face pressures academically as well as from
their parental responsibilities (Tehan, 2007). Wright (2010) stated that being a parent and a
student is challenging as to having financial problems and scheduling their time.
Grit/Perseverance
Spilovoy (2014) stated that there are lower persistence rates among married students due to
inadequate spousal support, emotional support, and lack of help with housework and childcare.
On the other hand, Strayhorn (2013) studied the importance of grit to the academic success. The
results showed that grit is related to the college grades. Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, and
Kelly (2007) examined the importance of grit a non cognitive trait defined as perseverance and
passion for long-term goals. Results showed that grit didnt relate to IQ, but it did relate to
success over and beyond IQ and conscientiousness.
Experiences
High levels of stress were experienced by single mothers as they strive to fulfill their role as
a mother such as self-sacrifice for their children for them to be able to have a better life. In
addition to that, single mothers were reported feeling challenged with their role being a student
and acceptance from the academic community. Struggle to perform their daily occupation
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resulted to negative implications of life imbalance (Maloney, 2011). Even more, Gibson (2012)
states that psychological distresses were experienced by single mothers who are students.
Common challenges of these single mothers were financial, social support, cultural and career
challenges. Personal factors and environmental factors are included in their resiliency factors.
McLaughlin (2008) stated that single mothers are dependent in financial aid in trying to get
their degree. Even more, Nora, Barlow & Crisp (2006) were also cited by McLaughlin (2008)
and found that students who left college tend to re-enroll once their financial problems are
resolved. Crisp and Nora (2009) identified insufficient financial resources as a negative predictor
of success for community college students. On the other hand, Thorman, Otto and Gunn-Wright
(2012) also state that housing is one of the challenges of single parents in college. McLaughlin
(2008) cited Merill (1999b) stating that student-mothers that their study time takes place when
child/children were sleeping. On the other hand, a study made by Raymo, Park, Iwasawa, and
Zhou (2014) showed that for single mothers living alone, less time with children reflects long
work hours and work-related stress. Stone, Nelson & Niemann (1994) quoted in a study done by
Tehan (2007), For participants [of the study], working hard not only meant compromising their
family life to meet their academic responsibilities, but compromising their social and personal
needs as well. Sufficient amount of time to study while taking care of their children as well is
difficult for students.
In a like manner, Looze (2014) studied the influence of motherhood status to women who
became mothers in their early 20s compared to women who became mother in their 30s. Results
stated that young mothers, make fewer wage-enhancing voluntary job separations and often
receive lower wage returns for these separations. Thus, women with less education are at
disadvantage as educational attainment is a big factor. Leese (2014) also studied the experience
of young mothers who were between the ages of 16 and 19 years, the experiences of young
women who become mothers in their teenage years. The collected data showed how the young
women who become mother in their teenage years experienced a range of difficulties as they
made transition into motherhood. It can be significantly different from the experience of older
mothers, and it identifies the importance of appropriate support to mediate the challenges that
they face.
Motivation
Participants believe that college has a big role for their success. Austin and Mcdermott
(2004) stated that benefits of having a college education pushes single mother students to finish
it. Haleman (2004) examined the motivation for attending college of single mothers. Results
showed that single mothers experience a lot of barriers to in completing their degree. However,
these barriers eventually became their source of motivation (McLaughlin, 2008). Moreover,
Single mothers increasingly seek college degrees at community colleges in order to provide
economic security for their families (Wei, Berkner, He, Lew, Cominole, & Siegel, 2009).
Wainwright and Marandet (2010) identified links between the motivations to study: the desire to
be a role model to children, their personal development, and the perceived impact that studying
has on their self-confidence and their family.
Synthesis
Grit was related by to success and academic success as well (Strayhorn, 2013; Duckworth,
Peterson, Matthews, and Kelly, 2007). However, Spilovoy (2014) stated that there is lower
persistence rates among married students. Single mothers who are students have a lot of
experiences. The stresses of single mothers studying are doubled compared to non students
(Gibson, 2012). The timing of their motherhood was related to morality of the mother and to
their status (Perrier, 2013 & Looze, 2014). Safe and affordable housing was also one of the
problems of these women as stated by Thorman, Otto and Gunn-Wright (2012). The financial
hardships are experienced by single mothers and they are dependent on this area (McLaughlin,
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2008). Success and their children are the reason for these women in going back and finishing
their college education as stated by multiple authors in different researches.
For many years, lots of papers were made about single mothers, however, only few studies
focused on single mother who are student compared to just single mother. Also, there is limited
research about the perseverance and specifically, the level of their perseverance. Stress, poverty
or low incomes were the usual topic of the various researches available. Hence, the researcher
would like to delve on the experiences, motivation and perseverance of single mothers who are
students at the same time. To achieve the goal of this research, the study would like to answer the
following questions; (1) What is the level of perseverance of the respondents? (2) What are the
experiences of the respondents in terms of: a.) Time b.) Finances c.) Stress d.) Priorities? And (3)
What motivates the respondents to finish college?
Method
Research Design
The study used mixed method. Mixed method is the use of quantitative and qualitative as
the method of this study to fully understand and provide clear results from both methods.
According to Creswell (2009), a mixed method is more than simply collecting and analyzing
data from a qualitative and quantitative approach. The qualitative method covered the
experiences and motivation of the respondents. Quantitative research on the other hand, was used
to measure the perseverance of the respondents. The qualitative method provided the gaps that
the quantitative method cannot provide or measure.
The researcher used purposive sampling to meet and focus on certain characteristics. The
criteria of the chosen participants are: single mothers who are enrolled in tertiary education
ranging from 17-25 years old, with child/children 0-5 years of age. A total of five single mothers
for the qualitative data along with the 12-item Grit Scale; followed by thirty two (N=32)
participants for the 12-item Grit to supplement the results.
Instruments
12-Item Grit Scale. The researcher used the scale that was made by Dr. Duckworth in 2007,
to measure the perseverance of an individual for long term goals. The said scale has an internal
reliability of = .79 in the research made by Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews, and Kelly (2007)
with the sample of Ivy League undergraduates. The scale consists of 12 questions answered on a
5-point likert scale (1 - not like me at all, 2- Not very much like me, 3 - Somewhat like me, 4 mostly like me and 5 - very much like me). All points will be added and will be divided by 12.
Numbers 1, 4, 6, 9, 10 and 12 were given corresponding points; very much like me 5 = very
high; Mostly like me 4 = High; somewhat like me 3 = Average; not much like me 2 = low;
and not like me at all 1 = very low. For numbers 2, 3, 5, 7, 8 and 11, the scoring, the range and
verbal interpretation was reversed.
Semi-structured interview guide. A total of seventeen (17) questions were asked to the
participants. The questions used were open ended, and follow up questions were asked according
to the participant's response and for clarification. The instrument was used to focus on the
experiences of the single mothers in finishing their college education. Voice recorder, pen and
paper were also used for data gathering with the consent of the participants. The researcher
scored the respondents answers according to themes.
Procedure
The researcher asked for the permission of Dr. Duckworth to use the 12-Item Grit Scale.
After getting the permission, the researcher started to gather data. For the interview, the
researcher gave consent letters to the participants consisting of the venue and the availability of
the participant.. When the participant approved the consent, the researcher started to brief the
participant about the flow of the interview. After the briefing, the researcher started to conduct
the interview. The researcher used voice recorder at the beginning of the interview, pen and
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paper to take down some notes. The participants were debriefed by the researcher and assured
them the confidentiality of the data gathered after the interview. After the interview, the
researcher asked the respondents to answer the 12-item Grit Scale. To validate the answers of the
five respondents, an online scale survey was conducted and hard copies of the scale were
distributed to gather data. The researcher sent the link of the survey to the participants, wherein
the researcher made sure that the participants were okay with answering the scale. The hard
copies of the scale were personally distributed by the researcher in a university in Bian, Laguna.
The researcher thanked the participants afterwards; tallied the gathered data and transcribed the
interviews.
Data Analysis
The researcher used the scoring provided by the author in the said scale. Frequency
percentage was also used by the researcher to know the level of perseverance of the respondents.
Descriptive statistics was used by the researcher to describe the data gathered. Trochim (2006)
said that with descriptive statistics you are simply describing what is or what the data shows.
The results presented according to research questions stated from the synthesis.
Research Question No. 1. What is the level of perseverance of the respondents?
Table 1. 12-Item Grit Scale
Level of Perseverance
Frequency
Percentage
High
10.81%
Average
22
59.46 %
Low
24.32 %
Very Low
5.41 %
TOTAL
N= 37
100.00 %
Grand Mean
3.162
Table 1 shows that 20 or 59.46% of the respondents (inclusive of the 5 respondents from
the qualitative data) have an average level of perseverance to finish their college education.
However, 2 or 5.41 % of the respondents fell under very low level of perseverance. The
remaining number or percent of the respondents were low level of perseverance. This is in line
with the study of Spilovoy (2014), states that there are lower persistence rates among student
parents due to many responsibilities they have to do. 22 or 59.46% of the respondents fell on the
average level of perseverance. Quoting participant 2, Iniisip ko lang din yung baby ko.
Determined talaga. Para sakanya to eh. The respondents are driven to finish their college.
However, due to juggling multiple roles on and off the school, the respondents cannot fully focus
on studies alone. In line with this is the study of Strayhorn (2013) who stated that perseverance is
related to college grades, thus, important to the academic success. Moreover, the study of
Duckworth, Peterson, Matthews and Kelly (2007) said that grit didnt relate to IQ but it did to
success.
Research Question No. 2. What are the experiences of the respondents in terms of:
Time
Time Management
The participants do school stuff when they are in school but the moment they get home,
they focus only on their child and only get to do their school related stuff after putting their child
to sleep. Participant 1 said Pag tulog na sya, ayan sisimulan ko ng gawin yung kahit anong
related sa school. Participant 4 also said that Pagkatulog ni baby thats the time na gagawa
ako ng assignments or projects. The study of McLaughlin (2008) stated that student-mothers
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that they study take place when child/children were sleeping agrees to the answers of
participants. However, quote from participant 2, Kapag ano, kapag may pasok, pag uwi ko
siya kaagad yung a-asikasuhin ko Kapag okay na yung anak ko, sa school naman. Salitan
lang, kapag free na sa school, kay baby; kapag free na kay baby, school na. Pero syempre lagi
kong uunahin ang baby ko. Participant 2 mentioned that she gives time for school and child
whenever possible not just when her child is asleep.
Time for self
Participants 3 and 5 said they go home straight after school. Quote from participant 3,
Yung mga time na after school, instead na i-ga-gala mo, uuwi ka talaga agad. Tapos pag
weekends, walang pasok, magdi-date kami. Kasi syempre mas maraming time yung napupunta
sa school than sa anak mo most of the time lalo na pag weekdays. Participant 3 considers time
with her child as time for herself, as well. However, a quote from participant 5, School bahay
ako. Yung time palang na hinihingi ng school ko at pagiging mother ko eh hirap i-manage eh.
Pero syempre mas priority ko pa rin yung anak ko. Participant 5 goes home straight after
school since her course requires duties in hospital that eats up her time. Nevertheless,
participants answers agrees with Tehan (2007), who quoted Stone, Nelson & Nieman (1994),
For participants, working hard not only meant compromising their family life to meet their
academic responsibilities, but compromising their social and personal needs as well.
Finances
Financial hardships
Participant 1, 2, 4 and 5 said that they experience financial hardships. As stated by
Gibson (2012), financial is one of the challenges the single mothers who are students. A quote
from participant 2, Dapat nga isang sem lang ako mag-stop kaso di kinaya ng budget kaya
naging 1 year. Participant 2s experience is in line with the study of Nora, Barlow & Crisp
(2006), who found that students who left college tend to re-enroll once their financial problems
are resolved. And, as stated by Gibson (2012), financial is one of the challenges the single
mothers who are students. Furthermore, Crisp and Nora (2009) identified insufficient financial
resources as a negative predictor of success for community college students.
Financial Status and Dependency
Participant 1, 2, 4 and 5 said that their financial statuses arent consistent that somehow
affects their education. A quote from the participants; Pero minsan talaga ma-sho-short pero
madalas okay naman kasi tinutulungan ako nila mama said Participant 1; Hindi sya steady eh.
Minsan okay, minsan gipit said Participant 2; Fortunately, minsan lang. May mga time lang
na short kami pero we get through it. Madiskarte kami nila mama eh. Said Participant 4;
Minsan yung budget sana para sa school, hindi maiiwasan mapunta sa anak ko eh. Hindi rin
kasi ganun ka-okay yung status namin kahit only child ako said Participant 5. All of the
participants are also dependent to their parents as stated above. Moreover, all of the participants
live on their parents house. The study of McLaughlin (2008) stated that single mothers who are
trying to get their degrees were more likely to be dependent on financial aid.Participant 4 even
said its hard bumukod lalo na pag may anak kana, kanino mo iiwan, and of course, mas tipid
kasi we dont have to rent a house. To live with their parents helps them save money instead of
living on their own and pay rent; as Thorman, Ottto and Gunn-Wright (2012) said that housing is
one of the challenges of single parents in college.
Stress
Participant 1, 2 and 5 mentioned the timing of their motherhood. Quote from participant
1, Mahirap. Lalo na yung parang nag-eenjoy ka palang kasi bata ka pa, tapos biglang buntis
nako. Hirap mag balance ng time tska ng mga gagawin. Another participant (Participant 2)
said, Kasi isipin mo diba kapag estudyante pa nga lang ang hirap na eh, tapos may anak kapa.
Participant 5 shared the same response, Syempre mahirap. Akala ng iba madali eh. Mahirap
talaga. Sa isang iglap parang magbabago yung buhay mo eh. Kung dati puro ako at school lang,
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ngayon andyan na si baby. The study of Leese (2014) relates to this as she stated that the
experiences of young mothers experienced a range of difficulties as they made transition into
motherhood. However, Participant 3 said, Wala, mahirap. Yung iba akala nila masaya, parang
yung cute-cute, yung puro fun lang. pero hindi. Kasi marami ka talagang iintindihin. Yung
health, pag nagkasakit, pag-aaral, food Participant 4 also said, Its really hard. Kasi sa
araw araw, super dami mong iniisip. As in sobrang stressful. The responses of participant 3 &
4 is in congruence to the study of Gibson (2012) who stated that single mother students
experience psychological distresses. Moreover, it also agrees to Maloney (2011), that the
struggle to perform their daily occupation resulted to negative implications of life imbalance that
leads to high levels of stress.
Priorities
Sacrifices
All the participants response were almost the same, and boils down to giving up their social
life or social needs. Dyowa! Naghiwalay nga kami eh. Nung una kasi sabi nila, ano, para
mapagpatuloy ko si baby, at para makapag-aral ako, makipaghiwalay ako sakanya. Ayun
Kaya nung nakipaghiwalay ako, nakapag-aral ulit ako. Kasi sabi nila kapag di daw ako
nakipaghiwalay, sumama na daw ako sakanya, pero hindi ako makakapag-aral. Kaya ayun
mas pinili ko nalang na makipaghiwalay. said participant 1; Yung father ng baby ko,
nakikipagbalikan saakin. Ang ginawa ko, hindi na ko nakipagbalikan sa kanya. Kaya mas okay
na i-sacrifice ang lovelife para kay baby at para sa pag aaral. Said participant 2; Boyfriend.
Ang hirap isingit ng dyowa no kaya ako nalang tska baby ko. Tska para di ako ma distract sa
pagaaral ko. The participants responses agree to Maloney (2011) that single mothers who are
students self sacrifice. Likewise, participant 3 and 4, can sacrifice or sacrificed their clique,
social life and time for themselves pertaining to personal needs.
Child and studies
As stated above, the participants had to or willing to sacrifice for their child and studies.
Quoting the participants: Kaya mas okay na i-sacrifice ang lovelife para kay baby at para sa
pag aaralsaid Participant 2; Syempre pag single mother ka tapos nag aaral ka pa, doble,
triple yung kailangan mo gawin, kailangan mo talaga mag multitask. said Participant 3. Both
Participant 4 and 5 said they no longer have the time to prioritize other things aside from their
child and studies; however, participant 5 mentioned she didnt want to get distracted from her
studies. This still connects to the study of Maloney (2011) wherein she stated that single mothers
who are students self sacrifice for their children and to have a better life.
Problem #3: What motivates the respondents to finish college?
For the child
All the participants want to finish their education for their child and the future of their child.
Participant 1 stated, Syempre para ano para kay baby Participant 4 also said Para sa anak
ko siguro. However, they also want to finish it for themselves. Participant 2 said, Sakin,
ano...Baby! Ung baby ko din. Para sa future nya. Another participant said Syempre sa anak ko
at sarili ko. Participant 3 pointed out its for her child and the education of her child, Syempre
yung mabigyan ng magandang education si Astin participant 3 shared. Furthermore, participant
1 and 5 wanted to show their child despite having a child while studying, they were able to get
diploma. Quote from participant 1, Syempre para ano para kay baby. Tapos para pag laki ng
baby ko kahit nabuntis ako ng maaga (smiles), ayan may nakuha akong diploma (laughs) meron
akong maipagmamalaki, ganun. Participant 5 said, Tska pala pag-tanda nakakaintindi na
yung anak ko, mapapakita ko na kahit maaga ako nabuntis nakapatapos pa rin ako ng pag
aaral. This relates to the study of Wainwright and Marandet (2010) who stated that the links
between the motivations to study: the desire to be a role model to children, their personal
development, and their family.
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For the parents

Participants feel sorry for their parents because they got pregnant at an early age, especially
they are still studying. Aside from her baby and the future of her baby, participant 2 also
mentioned its for her parents as well. Quote from participant 3, Syempre hindi na sila
bumabata, medyo hirap din. She mentioned she feels ashamed or nahihiya to her parents
because they are still working because she and her child are dependent to them. Participant 5
shared, Tsaka para sa parents ko, alam ko gusto nila. She said she always knew her parents
wanted her to finish her degree, with or without her baby. This agrees to the study of Wei et al.,
(2009) that in order to provide economic security for their families
To be successful
Having a college degree for the participants is like a ladder to success. Quote from
participant 3, Ayoko mag work lang basta. When asked what she meant with basta, the
participant said she didnt just want to work because its needed, but to work with the field she
wants and related to her course. The participant has work experience wherein because she felt
she just needed to work, and there was no growth in that work. Another participant said
(Participant 4), Alam mo yun, ang hirap kasi makipag-sapalaran lalo na ngayon kapag hindi ka
graduate ng college, eh. Ang iniisip ko pag naka-graduate ako, mas okay yung work na
makukuha ko na okay for me and my baby. Participant 5 shared almost the same response,
Kailangan ko makatapos kasi mahirap humanap ng trabaho na okay yung sweldo para samin
ng anak ko kung hindi ako tapos ng pag aaral. She believes that the financial problems her
family experience will be lessen if she finishes her education. Participants believe it would be
easier to find job with a college degree. In addition, participants also believe it will help them
land high paying job that will help for the future of their child. This relates to the study of Gibson
(2012), that education is a factor of success. This also agrees to the study of Haleman (2004) and
McLaughlin (2008) that single mothers who faced a number of barriers to degree completion but
eventually became their source of motivation.
It is therefore concluded that the time of the respondents goes mainly to their child and
studies. The respondents had to give up their social needs to focus on their studies, and consider
time spent with their child as time for themselves. Financial hardships were experienced by the
respondents but that did not stop them to finish their degree. The financial statuses of the
respondents arent consistent and were all dependent to their parents. Consequently, the
respondents experience stress. The timing of their motherhood was related to the stress they
experience; and the struggle to perform daily duties as mother and student as well. The
respondents had to sacrifice their personal and social needs to prioritize their child and their
studies. The respondents were motivated because of their child and for the future of their child.
The respondents parents were also one of their motivations, to make up for getting pregnant at
an early age and while studying. The respondents were motivated by the belief that having a
college degree would bring them success. Lastly, the respondents have an average level of
perseverance.
Future researchers could help raise awareness of the academic community to give assistance
to single mothers and provide the needed educational services to help them graduate.
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Experiences of Selected College Students on Sexting

Yee, Joelle Colleen
Castronuevo, Eva
ABSTRACT
In this study, the researcher explored the experiences and perception of selected college students
about sexting. The researcher used qualitative design and used snowball sampling to get five
male and five female participants who have experienced sexting. The results showed that these
participants see sexting as a substitution for sex. These students learned about sexting through
the people around them such as peers, colleagues, classmates, and crush. At the start of sexting,
the respondents partner would initiate sexting by flirting and texting sweet messages. During
sexting, sexters would text each other certain sexual behaviors or actions that they wanted their
partners to do. Some of the respondents enjoy the sexting conversation, others fake the
conversation and just go with the flow. After sexting, the respondents want to have sex with
their sextmate. One respondent admitted that she enjoyed causing her partners erection and
arousal. Female respondents shared that sexting lowers their self esteem however they still do it
in favor of their partners and to continue their conversation.
Key words: sexting, perception
Sexting is a transmission of sexually suggestive text of themselves to others through cell
phones (Henderson, 2011). According to Delevi & Weisskirch (2013), in the last decade,
communication through technology became a factor in romantic relationships. Through cell
phones, it is easy to contact someone even if distance occurs, and by the use of cell phones, it is
easy for people, especially teenagers, to go through sexting. In the study of Hinduja & Patchin
(2010), and Bzov & Miltnerov (2014), sexting can be seen by others, which can start a
problem or risks without realizing it. In the study of Bzov & Miltnerov (2014), the children
do not realize the risks they are putting themselves in. The meaning of risk to children who do
not practice sexting is that the photographs may be abused. The meaning of risk to children who
practice sexting were afraid that the photographs might be seen by the parents of their
acquaintances. Living in the modern world, teenagers find themselves exploring phenomenons
such as these. School counsellors and psychiatrists may be of help in this kind of situation
because of their knowledge and understanding in this area. Easy access of sexting is within the
hands of people and this is all possible due to modern technology.
Causes and Effects of Sexting
Sexting as media production may have a negative effect on girls (Hasinoff, 2012).
Ferguson (2011) studied that sexting is not associated as a high-risk sexual behavior but is
slightly common to women who find sex pleasurable. According to Hinduja and Patchin (2010),
sex messages are often being sent to romantic partners but can be seen by others, which can
create a problem. According to Wagner (2009) on his research The Latest Cell Phone Use:
Sexting which is the study of Alimen R. & Alimen M. (2011), that by texting on phones,
teenagers engage into sexting by sending flirtatious messages. Kopecky, Szotkowski, & Krej
(2012) said that there are common motives why children sext. These are: boredom, attempt to
establish intimate contact with the opposite sex, and sexting is also perceived as a form of self
presentation.
Views on Sexting
Henderson (2011) said that nearly half of those who participated in her online survey for
her study that they sext with their boyfriend or girlfriends. The research of Delevi & Weisskirch
(2013) suggests that men and people who are in romantic relationships are more likely to sext
especially through text messaging. Childers & Wysocki (2011) said that females are more likely
174
to engage in sexting behaviors than males. Bzov & Miltnerov (2014) said that people who
practice sexting does not know the risks of sexting themselves or just dont realize it. Lenhart
(2009) said that they have 3 main scenarios for sexting. First is by the exchange of sexting
messages or images between romantic partners. Second, exchanges between partners that are
shared with others outside the relationship, and third, exchanges between people who are not yet
in a relationship, but where at least one person hopes to be.
Synthesis
The studies above showed that people who are in a relationship are most likely to have
sex with their partners. Sexting may also have a negative effect on females but they find sex
more pleasurable. Sexting also starts by exchanging flirtatious messages. Also, people who
engage in sexting do not know the risks or problems they may face.
In this study, the research questions are: (1) What is the perception of the respondents on
sexting? (2) How did the respondents know about sexting? (3) What are the experiences of the
respondents before, during and after sexting?
Method
Research Design
The researcher used qualitative design in order to find the perception of each respondent
on how they experienced sexting, to dig deep through their answers through interview and openended questions.
Participants
In this study, a snowball sampling was used. The researcher looked for respondents who
shares sexual experiences openly then, the researcher asked the respondent about other possible
respondents. The respondents were ten college students, five males and five females aged 18 to
22 and had been in a relationship and have sexted from 3 months to 15 months. Each of the
respondents have encountered at least one session of sexting.
Instruments
The researcher created a 7-item self-made questionnaire that served as a guide throughout
the interview. The questions were open-ended, following on how the participants responded to
the question. A voice recorder was used in order to collect data.
Procedure
First, the researcher looked for respondents who share their sexual experiences openly
and asked for other possible participants, particularly 10 college students, who have undergone
sexting and explained to the respondents what the study is about.
Second, the researcher gave consent letters to the participants to ask for their permission
to be interviewed.
Third, the researcher interviewed the participants one by one, and they answered the
guide questions while the researcher recorded the conversation. Confidentiality was assured in
order for the participants to answer the questions truthfully.
Fourth, the researcher debriefed the participants, telling them again what the study is all
about and the answers that they have provided are important and then, the researcher interpreted
the gathered data.
Data Analysis
The researcher interviewed the respondents one by one and gathered the data and
grouped the necessary answers to the corresponding research questions in order to identify the
answers for each question.
The respondents that the researcher interviewed were five males and five females. All of
the respondents experienced sexting and all of them experienced being in a relationship. Some of
175
the respondents are in a relationship at the time the researcher interviewed them, and some of the
respondents were not in a relationship at the time of the interview.
What is the perception of the respondents on sexting?
Substitute for Sex
The respondents perceive sexting as a substitute for sex. They said that if theres no way
for them and their partners to see each other, sexting will be their temporary way.
Sexting is a momentary substitution of two people who wants to have sex but for some
reason cant see each other for the mean time. - Student 1
Yung ginagawa kapag desperado na makaraos or kapag hindi niya magawa yung sex
personally madalas sa may long distance relationship kasi hindi nga sila mag kasama tapos
madalas din sa mga naghahanap ng atensyon ng iba. - Student 6
A Way to Maintain Relationship
It is also a way for partners to have something going on in their relationship, like to keep
their relationship on the go.
Tingin ko dun parang isang way na ginagamit siya para maakit yung partner niya. Student 3
a way to.. parang method siya para may something sa relationship kase not all the time
naman mag kasama kayo, magkikita kayo, parang another way to please yourself din siguro,
keep things new, fresh. - Student 4
Entertainment
The respondents also consider sexting as a way of entertainment for their arousal. Also,
they said that they can do it alone and it is also a form of communication of 2 people having sex
through texting or sending sex-related text messages,
Ang tingin ko sa sexting nakaka arouse tapos nakakatuwa tapos yung may magagawa
ka kapag nasa bahay ka lang mag isa., - Student 5
For me, ang sexting is exchange of communication between two persons kumbaga
parang they engage into it, into an activity, not sexual intercourse in itself but in a sense parang
nakikipag ano ka through text or through calls by the use of mobile phones or kung ano mang
gadgets. - Student 9
Insult
It is also seen as an insult to the relationship because the respondents point is that why
sext when you can do it personally or physically.
Insult siya sa relationship kasi parang bakit pa niya gagawin yun kung kaya naman
niya gawin physically? - Student 10
The responses of the respondents is that they perceived sexting as a substitute for them to
have an actual sex because they cannot be with each other. It is indirect sex since it is done
through the use of cellphones. For the respondents, sexting is a way for partners to keep their
relationship on the go, have flame or to spice up things between them. Another respondent who
tried to do sexting once believed that it is an insult to a relationship because partners can do the
actual sex so theres no need to have sexting. She also questioned why do sexting when you can
have sex? This contradicts to the views of the other respondents who do sexting as a substitute
for actual sex. The research of Kopecky et al (2012) said that there are different reasons or
motives why people sext, one of the reasons is an attempt to establish intimate contact with the
opposite sex which supports the students responses that sexting is a substitution for them to
have sex when they cannot be with their partners. They establish their intimate contact with their
partners by sexting.
How did the respondents know about sexting?
Social Media/Internet
The respondents found about sexting through the internet. They saw posts and/or articles
about sexting on the internet,
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Nalaman ko ang tungkol sa sexting sa internet, social media... - Student 3

Yung sa internet, meron kasi akong nakikitang post sa facebook na couples na nag
sesexting tapos may mga kwento. - Student 5
Nalaman ko siya sa internet tsaka sa mga blogs about that. - Student 9
Past Relationship
The respondents found out about sexting through their old partners, or their partners
during the time they have known about sexting. Their partners taught it to them.
Nalaman ko yun dun lang sa partner ko nung time na y un, di ko pa nga alam kung ano
tawag dun basta sinabi niya lang yung mga dapat gawin tapos lately nalang nagkaron ng label.
- Student 6
Nalaman ko yung tungkol sa sexting dun sa ex ko before, tapos yun. Nung una, wala
akong alam tapos tinuruan niya ako. - Student 7
Sa first boyfriend ko. Tinuruan niya ako. - Student 10
Peers, Colleagues, Classmates, and Crush
The respondents found out about sexting through other people, their friends and/or the
people they like.
Nung 13 years old ako, may crush ako, magkatext kami. Tapos siyempre, bata pako
nun. Eh crush na crush ko siya tapos gusto ko siya makausap. Sa sobrang desperate ko,
pumayag ako makipag sexting sa kanya. - Student 2
... tsaka sa mga kaibigan kong gumagawa rin nito. Matagal ko na tong alam dahil nga
marami ang gumagawa nito. - Student 3
Bago ko pa maexperience talaga yung sexting, nalaman ko yung sexting dun sa
kaibigan ko, bakla siya, yun. - Student 8
By Oneself
He found out about sexting all by himself while thinking about having sex.
I learned sexting all by myself when me and the one who I sexted with before, started to
think about having sex. - Student 1
The responses of the respondents is that they have known sexting through the people
around them such as their peers, colleagues, classmates, and crush. Respondents gained
knowledge on sexting through the internet. Others learned sexting through their past partners
who taught them how to do sexting.
What are the experiences of the respondents before, during and after sexting?
Before sexting
Partners Initiate First
The respondents experienced that their partner initiates the sexting first.
Usually kase nag sa start yan sakanila, pero pumapatol naman ako so kapag nasanay
na ko ng ganun, ako naman yung nag sisimula, parang nagiging habitual na siya. - Student 2
Yung nakakatext ko yung girlfriend ko, nilalandi niya ko, tapos tatawag siya sakin..
ganun.. naglalandian kami, yun lang. Mm (oo), dun nag sisimula, dun na nabubuhay yung
flame, spice up ng relationship, yan. - Student 3
Usually, the guy is initiating the topic and yun, go with the flow nalang. - Student 8
The guy yung usual na tumatawag and nag rerequest. - Student 10
Others
To the respondents below, before sexting, they experience that he starts sexting by saying
he misses her and then continue on saying things that he misses to do to her, that it depends when
flirting with his partner. He measures whether his partner wants to sext, that it will satisfy his
needs, that she thinks that sometimes, its a way to express passion for each other and find a way
to satisfy ones needs, and that it is new to him but is willing to go through sexting and know
how to do it.
177
Nag sastart ako by saying to her that I miss her. - Student 1

It depends kasi pag nasa mood, depende mag sismula yan sa pag harutan sa text,
biglang syempre makikikutob ka kung trip niya. - Student 4
Masasatisfy needs ko. - Student 5
Mejo naninibago ka or nahihiya ka pa ganun, its out of curiosity. - Student 9
The responses of the respondents before sexting is that they experienced that their partner
usually initiates the conversation that will eventually lead to sexting. These students experienced
that their partners initiate sexting by flirting such as sending sweet text messages to their
partners. With this, their partners would then give in by flirting back.
The result of the respondents experiences before sexting, some respondents answered
that their partners start or initiate the topic by flirting supports the research of Wagner (2009) that
was found in the research of Alimen, & Alimen, (2012), that teenagers engage into sexting by
sending flirtatious messages.
During sexting
Sharing of Fantasies
To the respondents below, during sexting, they experienced that they tell their partners
their fantasies, what they want and miss to do to their partners.
Sinasabi ko yung mga namimiss kong gawin sakanya. - Student 1
Pag gusto niya, ehh.. parang you text about your fantasies kung ano yung gusto niya
mangyari kasi di naman kayo magkasama. - Student 4
Faking Everything
To the respondents below, during sexting, they experience that they just fake everything
that they say, they just let them know that they are being pleasured but really they are not
because their partners wont find out if its real, what theyre saying, or not.
Pag mag sesexting na kami, minsan finefake nalang para lang sakyan yung partner mo
kasi hindi naman niya malalaman kung totoo or hindi. - Student 6
Sa part ko, I fake everything. Hinahayaan ko isipin nung guy na pine-pleasure ko rin
sarili ko where in fact, finefake ko lang talaga and everything. Sineseduce ko lang siya. Student 10
Enjoying the Conversation
To the respondents below, during sexting, they experience that they enjoy what they are
doing and being pleasured.
Nakakatuwa kasi pareho kayo nag e-enjoy, nag e-enjoy siya, nakikiliti siya. Nakakapag
dala ng excitement. Siyempre sexting, di kayo magkasama, kung anu- ano naiimagine mo. Student 3
Pag mag isa lang ako tapos pag yung kausap ko rin naman gusto, no hassle, parang
may mapag uusapan kayo tapos parang magkakatuwaan kayo sa isat isa ganun, tapos nakaka
arouse pa so may pleasure, yun, pleasure, oo, pleasure din. - Student 5
Enjoying because Someone is Riding Along
To the respondents below, during sexting, they experienced that it is enjoyable because
someones riding along with her and wants to have more sexting conversations that entertains her
and that it is showing interest towards his partner during sexting and thats why he is doing it.
Nakakatuwa siya na alam mong may sumasakay sa trip mo, nakakaaliw, ganun,
entertainment sa sarili mo. Lalo lang akong nag cra-crave for it, lagi ko siyang hinahanap. Student 2
Ine-express ko through text or through communication by the use of voice or messaging
na kahit papaano interested ako sa kanya. - Student 9
The responses of the respondents on what they experienced during sexting is that two
male respondents tell what they want to do to their partner, another two male respondents enjoy
178
the sexting conversation with their partners and two female respondents fakes the conversation
and another two female respondents just go with the flow.
The result of the respondents experiences during sexting, the study of Ferguson (2011),
where sexting is a sexual behavior but more common to women, and the study of Childers &
Wysocki (2011), where females are more likely to engage in sexting behaviors than males,
supports the result of this research question because two females just go with the flow on how
the sexting conversation turns out and one female enjoys the sexting conversation with her
partner because her partner/s is riding along or continuing the sexting conversation, but the
responses of the male respondents contradicts to Childers & Wysocki (2011) study that female
are more likely to engage in sexting behaviors than males. The responses of the male respondents
showed that they enjoy the sexting conversation with their partners and tell their partners what
the male respondents would do to them when they start sexting.
After sexting
Looking Forward to Having Sex
The respondents experience after sexting is that they are looking forward to the real
thing, sex itself,
Nasasatisfy ako somewhat, pero dahil sexting nga lang siya, nakakabitin kase syempre
mas gusto mo yung actual diba so nakakabitin sya. -Student 1
Since its indirect sex, hinahanap ko yung direct, yung real thing, parang nasasabik ka
ganun. - Student 2
Pag nag kita kayo, ayan na, yung fantasies nagiging reality na, nangyayari na yung
mga di dapat mangyari. - Student 3
Sees Themselves Lowly
To the respondents below, after sexting, they experienced that they see themselves lowly
because it doesnt have to go their but for the sake of their partners needs or wants.
... tapos minsan nakaka baba din ng tingin sa sarili kasi kailangan pang umabot dun sa
ganun, parang hindi mo na binigyan ng value yung sarili mo. - Student 6
Bumababa yung perception ko sa sarili ko every time na naisip ko na nagawa ko yung
thing na yun kasi, parang I know na hindi siya tamang gawin but still, ginawa ko siya and
parang yun, naisip ka na parang dino-downgrade ko sarili ko or binababa ko yung worth ng
sarili ko. - Student 8
It makes me feel cheap kasi bumababa ako sa ganung level, parang ako mismo yung di
rumerespeto sa sarili ko. What more yung ibang tao? Parang nagkakaron ako ng doubt na
kailangan ko ba talagang gawin yun or para saan. - Student 10
Fulfilling
To the respondents below, after sexting, they experience that its fulfilling and student 9
continued that it doesnt only catered his curiosity but also the contentment of his partner.
Minsan satisfying din lalo na kapag nasisiyahan yung partner mo sa ginawa niyo. Student 6
Fulfilling in a sense na it does not only cater your curiosity but of course the
contentment and satisfaction dun sa partner mo. - Student 9
Others
To the respondents below, after sexting, they experience guilt-free, pleasure, relieved of
stress, enjoyed and was flattered to know that someone was erect or was horny because of her.
Guilt-free pleasure siya. - Student 4
Tanggal stress ko kahit saglit lang. - Student 5
After nun, wala. Parang nakaka enjoy lang na parang nakikita lang yung lalake na
natitigang or natitigasan sayo, yun. - Student 7
The responses of the respondents after sexting is that they look forward to have sex with
the person who had sexted with them however some of the girls said that it lowers their self
179
esteem but for the sake of satisfying their partners needs or wants and someone to talk to, they
continued sexting with their partners but one female respondent said she was flattered or enjoyed
the thought that someone was aroused because of her.
The results of the respondents experiences after sexting, the study of Hasinoff (2012)
said that sexting as a media production may have a negative effect on girls, which reflects the
answer of students 6, 8 and 10, that their self esteem is being decreased.
The respondents perceived sexting as a substitution for sex, an indirect sex, a flame to
their relationship with their partner, arousal, and an insult to the relationship. These students
learned about sexting through their past partner, through their friends or through the person they
like, through the internet and also on their own. The respondents experienced during sexting is
that some of them tell what they want to do to their partner, some enjoy the sexting conversation
with their partners and some fakes the conversation and just go with the flow. The respondents
experienced after sexting is that they look forward to having sex with the ones they have sexted
with. The female respondents said that it lowers their self esteem but for the sake of their
partners need or wants, they continued sexting with their partners. One female respondent said
that she was flattered because she was the reason why her sextmate is erected and aroused.
Counselors should see sexting as a serious matter because it is becoming a big
phenomena to teenagers and it will cause low self esteem maybe not to all teenagers but other
teenagers will be affected by the way they see themselves. The school counselors should give a
preventive program to teenagers who practice sexting so that teenagers who might go through
sexting will know about sexting, its consequences, and how to avoid it. Since there are only a
few studies about how teenagers perceive and experience sexting, the researcher recommends
other researchers to develop more study in this topic.
References:
Alimen, M.D., & Alimen, R.A. (2011). Sexting and the Filipino youth. Lumina, 22 (2094-1188)
Bzov, B. & Miltnerov, K. (2014). Sexting experience of adolescent children. Journal of
Nursing, Social Studies, Public Health and Rehabilitation, 1-2: pp. 23-33
Childers, C.D., & Wysocki, D.K. (2011). Let my fingers do the talking: Sexting and infidelity
in cyberspace. Sexuality and Culture, 15: 217-239
Delevi, R., & Weisskirch, R.S. (2013). Personality factors as predictors of sexting. Computers
in Human Behavior, 29: 25892594
Ferguson, C.J. (2010). Sexting behaviors among young hispanic women: Incidence and
association with other high-risk sexual behaviors. Psychiatr Q, 82:239243
Hasinoff, A.A. (2012). Sexting as media production: Rethinking social media and sexuality.
New Media & Society, pp.1-17
Henderson, L. (2011). Sexting and sexual relationships among teens and young adults. Mc Nair
Scholars Research Journal, 7: 1,9.
Hinduja, S. & Patchin, J. (2010). Sexting: A brief guide for educators and parents. Cyberbullying
Research Center. Retrieved Nov. 30,2014, from http://www.cyberbullying.us/SextingFact-Sheet.pdf
Kopecky, K., Szotkowski, R., & Krej, V. (2012). The risks of internet communication 3.
Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 69: 1348-1357

Lenhart, A. (2009). Teens and sexting: How and why minor teens are sending sexually
suggestive nude or nearly nude images via text messaging.
Wagner, C. (2009). The latest cell phone use: Sexting.
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THE COVER DESIGNS

THE FRONT COVER
Background Color
The Editor chose blue because this volume comprises different topics associated
with depth and stability. It symbolizes trust, loyalty, wisdom, confidence, intelligence,
faith, and truth which are all vital for a qualitative method. This symbolizes the
considered benefits to the mind and body the researchers of the Bedan Journal of
Psychology 2016 Volume II brought for the societys awareness and understanding.
Head and Brain
These represent the researchers, building and rebuilding information from the
studies they conducted and disserted.
Colored Cubes
These signify the different information, variables, and ideas learned by the
researchers from the start and upon the completion of their respected works. The
gathered information formed different bright colors that represent the dynamic mind,
the creative and combined knowledge and wisdom.
THE BACK COVER
Lion
Not only that this is the representation of San Beda pride; this is also the
accompanying symbol of courage and dominance whose symbolism itself is rooted in
the ancient Lion of Judah. The Roman family of St. Benedict himself used the Lion
Rampant as their coat of arms.
The Color
The lions color is blended with the cover color to represent the ability of
Bedans to adjust and extend themselves in different ways they can minister to the
society carrying the Benedictine values and hallmarks of the Benedictine education.
THE CONTRIBUTORS
The editor of the Bedan Journal of Psychology 2016 Volumes I and II came up
with a collaborated artwork with the illustrator/artist John David Castillo Baylon
including the work of Pri Anacleto for the The Bedan Psychological Society crest
linking the Greek alphabet, psi, which is also the first letter of the Greek word psyche,
meaning mind or soul, and The Red Lion forming a flaming torch.
181
San Beda College Alabang

Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa City
Tel. Nos.: (02) 772-2357 (02) 842-3508 loc. 211
182
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