FILIPINO PSYCHOLOGY

FOUNDATION APPROACHES III. Pioneers of Filipino Psychology

IN THE PHILIPPINES (1) DR. VIRGILIO G. ENRIQUEZ IV. Four Filiations of Sikolohiyang Pilipino
(1) FIRST WAVE (CLINICAL) • Born in Bulacan (1) Academic-scientific Psychology:
• Person-Centered • Was taught by his father to speak the native coincided with the birth of Scientific
• Eclectic tongue since he was a child Psychology and entry of Western
(2) SECOND WAVE • Introduced Sikolohiyang Pilipino during the Psychology at Philippine Universities.
1970’s (2) Academic-philosophical Psychology:
• Behavior
• Father of Filipino Psychology pursued by the University of Santo
• Gestalt
• Established the Philippine Psychology Tomas; the study of Psychology as an
• Logo Therapy
Research House (PPRH) and later became aspect of Philosophy.
• Choice/Reality
the Philippine Psychology Research and (3) Ethnic Psychology: major basis of
(3) THIRD WAVE Training House (PPRTH) Sikolohiyang Pilipino; integrates
• Adlerian
• Chaired the Unana Pambansang academic-scientific and academic-
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Kumperensya sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino philosophical tradition.
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
• Founded the Pambansang Samahan sa (4) Psycho-medical System with Religion
Sikolohiyang Pilipino (PSSP)
PART I: FILIPINO PSYCHOLOGY (2) ZEUS A. SALAZAR V. Distinctions among the Forms of Psychology in
CONCEPTS & METHODS • Born in Tiwi, Albay the Philippines
FILIPINO PSYCHOLOGY • The first Summa Cum Laude of the History (1) PILIPINOLOHIYA (Filipinology): refers to
I. Definition program of UP the study of the Philippines and Filipino
• Dr. Virgilio G. Enriquez defines Filipino • Pioneered a perspective in Philippine history people.
Psychology as the scientific study of the ethnicity, called Pantayong Pananaw (2) SIKOLOHIYANG PILIPINO (Filipino
society and culture of a people and application to • The father of New Philippine Historiography Psychology): refers to the
psychological practice of indigenous knowledge (3) SINFOROSO PADILLA Psychology born out of the experience,
rooted in the people’s ethnic heritage. • Established the Psychological Clinical at UP thought and orientation of the
• The study of Diwa (Psyche) which Filipinos • Became the first President of the Filipinos, based on the full use of Filipino
directly refers to the wealth of ideas referred to by Psychological Association of the Philippines culture and language.
the philosophical concept of essence and an (4) ALFREDO V. LAGMAY - Ito ang nilalayong anyo, sikolohiyang bunga ng
entire range of psychological concept from • Received his Ph.D. in Psychology from karanasan, kaisipan at oryentasyong Pilipino.
awareness to motives to behavior. Harvard University (3) SIKOLOHIYA SA PILIPINAS (Psychology
• An Indigenous Psychology • Trained under B.F. Skinner, he greatly in the Philippines): the general form of
• Psychology born out of the experience, thought, influenced the development of scientific Psychology in the Philippine context (For
and orientation of the Filipinos. psychology in the Philippines example: number of degree programs and
• Philippines’ First Psychologists: • Introduced behavioral studies in Psychology journals, the amount of research conducted).
BABAYLAN (Visayas), • Published numerous researchers on - Ito ang pinakamalaki o kabuuang anyo ng
sikolohiya sa kontekstong Pilipino.
CATALONAN/KATALONAN (Central Luzon), experimental analysis of behavior
(4) SIKOLOHIYA NG MGA PILIPINO
BAGLAY (Northern Luzon) modification, etc.
(Psychology of Filipinos): theorizing about
• Was conferred the National Scientist Award
the psychological nature of the Filipinos,
II. Indigenization in 1988.
whether from a local or a foreign perspective
• Aims to re-examine and develop several of the (5) FR. JAIME C. BULATAO
- Ito ang palasak na anyo sapagkat pinaka
Psychological theories that were proposed as • Established the Psychology Department of karaniwan o madaling makita.
though they were universally applicable. Ateneo de Manila and co-founder of the PAP
• INDIGENIZATION FROM WITHOUT: application • Introduced Group Dynamics in the VI. ETIC vs. EMIC Perspective
of Western theoretical models to indigenous Philippines and wrote The Technique of • ETIC: emphasizes the similarities among people.
research conducted in a local setting. Group Discussion. It assumes universality among all people and
• INDIGENIZATION FROM WITHIN: application of • Aimed the kind of therapy that is suited for generally does not attach importance to
local’s own method in eliciting culture-specific Filipinos. differences between cultural groups.
social behaviors. (Cross-cultural Psychology approach)
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• Preferred approach of Dr. Virgilio G. Enriquez (1) KAMALAYAN: experienced knowledge • Contains five (5) elements:
• EMIC: differs from the Etic perspective in that it (2) KALOOBAN: emotions i. GINHAWA (vital principle)
recognizes and emphasizes culture-specific (3) ULIRAT: awareness of one’s surroundings ii. BUOT (perception)
norms. (Cultural Psychology approach) (4) ISIP: information and understanding iii.ISIP (mind)
• Preferred approach of Zeus A. Salazar (5) DIWA: habits and behavior; also Psyche iv.DUNGAN (sleep spirit)
(6) KALULUWA: the way to learning about v. KALAG (life spirit)
VII. KAPWA: Core Concept in Filipino Psychology people’s conscience
• KAPWA: Filipino core value (2) BALTAZAR’S…
- the unity of the self and others VIII. Pakikiramdam: The pivotal aspect of KAPWA i. BAIT (sanity)
- a recognition of shared identity • PAKIKIRAMDAM refers to heightened awareness ii. MUNI (reflection)
- an inner self shared with others or sensitivity. iii. HATOL (judgement)
- “Togetherness”, the core construct of Filipino • An active process involving great care and
Psychology deliberation manifested in “hesitation to react, (3) COVAR’S CONCEPT OF FILIPINO
- the AKO (Ego) and the IBA-SA-AKIN (Others) inattention to subtle cues, and non-verbal behavior PERSONHOOD
are one and the same in Kapwa: “Hindi ako iba sa in mental role-playing”. • based on four (4) elements:
aking kapwa (I am no different from others)”. • Ability to tell whether or not a person is feeling a i. KALULUWA (spirit): life’s source
- Once an individual start thinking of himself as certain way despite saying things in contrary. ii. BUDHI (conscience): guides a person in his
different from ‘Kapwa’, the self, in effect, denies actions and judges the life he leads
the status of Kapwa to the others (Enriquez, IX. INTERRELATIONS in the Concepts of KAPWA iii. KATAUHANG PANLABAS (external
1978). CORE VALUE KAPWA (Shared Identity) appearance): refers to the physical
- The socio-personal value of KAGANDAHANG Pivotal Interpersonal • Pakikiramdam (shared inner characteristics associated with body parts
LOOB (shared humanity) and other social values Value perception) and its related meanings
like KARANGALAN (dignity), KATARUNGAN Colonial/ • Hiya (propriety/dignity) iv. KATAUHANG PANLOOB (innermost
(justice) and KALAYAAN (freedom). Accommodative • Utang na loob (gratitude) being): refers to the innermost feeling of an
surface value • Pakikisama (companionship)
individual
• Biro (joke)
• 2 Categories of KAPWA v. The complex interrelationship among these
Associated behavior • Lambing (sweetness)
(1) IBANG TAO (Outsider) pattern • Tampo (affective elements embodies fulfillment.
- Five (5) domains: disappointment)
a. Pakikitungo: civility • Bahala na (determination) II. Filipino Concept of Loob
b. Pakikisalamuha: act of mixing Confrontative surface • Sama/Lakas ng loob CONCEPT DEFINITION
c. Pakikilahok: act of joining values (resentment/guts) Utang na loob Debt of gratitude
d. Pakikibagay: conformity • Pakikibaka (resistance) Ipagkaloob To entrust
e. Pakikisama: being united with the group Mood, state of the mind or
Lagay ng loob
(2) HINDI IBANG TAO (One-of-Us) feeling
- Three (3) domains: PART II: FILIPINO CONCEPTS IN Lakas-loob Courage
Tibay ng loob Inner strength, resilience
a. Pakikipagpalagayang-loob: UNDERSTANDING PERSONALITY
Tining ng loob Clarity of thinking
act of mutual trust I. Definition
Kababaang loob Humility
b. Pakikisangkot: act of joining others • In defining the concept of Filipino personality, Kabutihang loob Good natured
c. Pakikipagkaisa: being one with others Enriquez notes that we actually have a long Kusang loob Initiative
tradition of theorizing. Payapang loob Calm; at peace
• PAKIKIPAGKAPWA: a social behavior that is • PAGKATAO: a human’s dignity Kapalagayang loob Confidant
emanated from the concept of Kapwa. • AMOR PROPRIO: a man’s worth as a person Pampalubag loob Something given to soothe
- This means “accepting and dealing with the • OVERDOSE OF AMOR PROPRIO: over Saloobin Inner feeling or thoughts
other person as an equal”. sensitiveness Masama ang loob Angry, holding a grudge
- This also means “a regard for the dignity and • Three reflections on the Filipino personality Crook (one belonging to
Masamang loob
being of others”. which he listed are as follows: criminal class)
(1) MA’ARAM CONCEPT OF PAGKATAO Mahina ang loob Coward
• Concepts in the Theory of KAPWA (Personhood) Labag sa kalooban Unwilling

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Maluwag sa kalooban Willing b. PAKIKIRAMDAM (sensing, feeling what
III. Hiya and Other Concepts under Sikolohiyang PART III: is happening)
Pilipino INDIGENOUS RESEARCH METHODS • From these two, more obtrusive methods
• HIYA I. Overview may spring and be used which include:
- loosely translated as ‘shyness’ by most Western • In the article of Santiago and Enriquez )1982) c. PAGTATANONG-TANONG
psychologists titled “TUNGO SA MAKAPILIPINONG (unstructured, informal questioning)
- HIYA is actually ‘sense of propriety’ PANANALIKSIK” they noted the importance of d. PAGSUBOK (start talking/working with
- The defense mechanism against hiya consists of using one’s own language to capture the nation’s respondents)
removing the self as far as possible from the gaze true culture.
of the person in authority • A major theme of the article is why western • The highest level of research participation
research methods may not be sufficient for includes:
• OTHER CONCEPTS studying Filipino behavior. e. PAGDALAW-DALAW (visit’s to
(1) KARANGALAN: loosely translated to • Those who possess the true spirit or soul of the respondents’ home)
dignity, this actually refers to what other Filipino are the masses and the poor, who are f. PAKIKISANGKOT (deep involvement in
people see in a person and how they use often neglected in psychological research in favor the respondents’ activities)
that information to make a stand or judge of college students in an urban setting.
about his/her worth. (2) THE ISKALA NG PAGTUTUNGUHAN NG
(2) PURI: the external aspect of dignity. May II. Status of Filipino Psychology Research MANANALIKSIK AT KALAHOK
refer to how other people judge a person of • Most topics in Filipino psychology research are (Researcher-Participant Relationship Scale)
his/her worth. This compels a common chosen based on the interest, goals, and problems • is based on the Filipino view of equality
Filipino to conform to social norms, of the researcher rather than of the respondents between the researcher and the
regardless how obsolete they are. who are the main focus of the study. Most of the respondents.
(3) DANGAL: the internal aspect of dignity. time, the research problem chosen has nothing to • The scale includes:
May refer to how person judges his/her own do with the respondents. a. PAKIKITUNGO (transaction civility)
worth. • Aside from the choice of topics, the method of b. PAKIKISALAMUHA (interaction)
(4) BAHALA NA: literally translates to “leave it data gathering is sometimes inappropriate c. PAKIKILAHOK (participating, joining)
up to God (Bathala)”, and it is used as an because the measures used are from western d. PAKIKIBAGAY (conforming with)
expression, almost universally, in Filipino cultures. e. PAKIKISAMA (being along with)
culture. Filipinos engage in the bahala na • Recommendations/Suggestions: f. PAKIKIPAGPALAGAYANG LOOB
attitude as a culture-influenced adaptive (1) Topics chosen must emanate from among (understanding acceptance)
coping strategy when faced with challenging the respondents themselves g. PAKIKISANGKOT (getting involved)
situations. (2) To use the two scales available to the h. PAKIKIISA (being one with)
(5) LAKAS NG LOOB: this attitude is Filipino researcher • Santiago (1979) identified an underlying
characterized by being courageous in the dimension to these interaction patterns and
midst of problems and uncertainties. III. Mga Katutubong Pamamaraan sa Pananaliksik came up with two summary categories:
(6) PAKIKIBAKA: literally in English, it means • PAKAPA-KAPA: groping/probing/searching (1) IBANG TAO (Outsider) and (2) HINDI
concurrent clashes. It refers to the ability of • PAGSUSUBAYBAY/PAGMAMATYAG: IBANG TAO (One-of-Us or Insider)
the Filipino to undertake revolutions and observation (see Categories of Kapwa on page 2)
uprising against a common enemy. • PAKIKIALAM: meddling
• GINABAYANG TALAKAYAN: collective IV. Indigenous Personality Tests/Scales
IV. Internality/Externality discussion • The Philippines has been a leader in the
development in the indigenous instruments and
EXTERNAL INTERNAL (1) THE ISKALA NG MANANALIKSIK research methods.
Saya Ligaya (Researcher/Method Scale) • Enriquez (1994) credits SINFOROSO PADILLA
Pigil Timpi • includes research methods ranging from the with the development of the first local test, the
Dama Damdam unobtrusive to the research-participative. PHILIPPINE MENTAL ABILITIES TEST, which
Puri Dangal • The unobtrusive methods include: was developed in the 1950’s.
a. PAGMAMASID (looking around)
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• Ortega and Guanzon-Lapeña noted that more • Measures the seven dimensions that were (6) PHILIPPINE THEMATIC APPERCETION TEST
than 200 local measures have now been supposed to be a complete representation of (PTAT)
developed. Filipino personality: (1) Conscientiousness, Author: Alfredo Lagmay
• But according to Bernardo (1997), many of these (2) Concern for Others vs. Egotism, Purpose: Application of TAT in the Philippines.
measures have not been described in published (3) Religiosity, (4) Temperamentalness, High factor loading
sources, so they are not readily available and the (5) Self-Assurance, (6) Intellect, and (7) PHILIPPINE CHILDREN APPERCEPTION TEST
extent to which they are valid and culture-specific (7) Gregariousness. Author: N/A
is unclear. • Two additional dimensions, Negative Purpose: Researchers and clinicians in
• The following are just some of the numerous Valence and Positive Valence, were also personality assessment/psychotherapy. 12 years
indigenous personality tests/scales. included in the latest empirical study of the old & below.
(1) PANUKAT NG UGALI AT PAGKATAO (PUP) PKP.
[Enriquez, 1975] • It was found that some of the dimensions in
• In its present form, the 160-item PUP is in the 253-item version of the PKP were PART IV:
Filipino with English translation for all of its correlated with self-reported problem STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS OF THE
items. behaviors such as smoking, drinking and FILIPINO CHARACTER
• Respondents indicate their level of gambling. I. Overview
agreement with each item using a 5-point • Ambivalence characterizes Filipino character. It
bipolar scale. (4) STUDENT RATING FORM (Katigbak, Church means that Filipinos tolerate a double standard
• Ex. Hinding-hindi or definitely no, Hindi or and Akamine, 1996) mentality.
no, Walang masabi or nothing to say, Totoo • A multidimensional measure based on • Fr. Gorospe (1969) as cited by Palispis (1995)
or true, and Totoong-totoo or definitely true. Filipino college students’ conceptions of says, “Filipino values are ambivalent in the sense
healthy and unhealthy personality. that they are potential for good or evil”.
(2) PANUKAT NG PAGKATAONG PILIPINO • They may help hinder personal or national
(PPP) [Carlota, 1985] V. Some Well-Known Filipino Tests/Scales development depending on how they are
• The most recent version of the PPP has 210 (1) PANUKAT NG KATALINUHANG FILIPINO understood or practiced or lived.
items and is available in English and three (PKF)
other Philippine languages. Author: Aurora R. Palacio II. Strengths of the Filipino Character
• Some of the PPP dimensions were related to Purpose: To measure the ability of Filipinos both (1) PAKIKIPAGKAPWA-TAO
self-reported problem behaviors. verbal and nonverbal from 16 years old and • This refers to PAKIKIRAMAY or to the
• PPP HONESTY negatively correlated with above. Filipino’s ability to empathize with others,
smoking and drinking habits. (2) PANUKAT NG UGALI’T PAGKATAO (PUP) intimating helpfulness and generosity in times
• PPP THOUGHTFULNESS negatively Author: Virgilio G. Enriquez of need.
correlated with the tendency to gamble. Purpose: Filipino-oriented traits, behaviors, • BAYANIHAN or mutual assistance which
• PPP INTELLIGENCE AND CREATIVITY attitudes. Primarily inventive talent reflects the sensitivity to other people’s
negatively correlated with accident (3) PANUKAT NG PAGKATAONG PILIPINO (PPP) feelings and needs, is also a generally
proneness Author: Anna Daisy J. Carlota accepted trait of the Filipino.
• In contrast, PPP SENSITIVENESS positively Purpose: Screening tool for employment • PAKIKIRAMDAM and PAGTITIWALA or trust
correlated with accident proneness. programs and counseling. Assesses 19 traits from are also aspects of the Filipino’s
• Other dimensions measured by the PPP are 13 years old and above. pakikipagkapwa-tao.
the following: Emotional Stability, Sociability, (4) MASAKLAW NA PANUKAT NG LOOB (MAPA) • UTANG NA LOOB: a sense of gratitude or
Risk Taking, Cheerfulness, and Author: Gregorio E.H. Del Pilar norm of reciprocity. Filipinos are expected by
Respectfulness. Purpose: Operationalizes Five Factor Model in their neighbors to return favors – whether
the Philippines. these were asked for or not – when it is
(3) PANUKAT NG MGA KATANGIAN NG (5) FILIPINO TRAIT AND PERSONALITY needed or wanted.
PERSONALIDAD (PKP) / THE PHILIPPINE PSYCHOLOGY
TRAIT RATING FORM [Church, Reyes, Author: A. Timothy Church & Marcia S. Katigbak (2) FAMILY ORIENTATION
Katigbak & Grimm, 1997) Purpose: N/A • Concern for the family is shown by the
Filipino’s high regard accorded to the elderly,
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the care given to women and children, • “Many Filipinos are what I call Sunday-religious, • Another is the PALUSOT SYNDROME and the
sympathy towards relatives and the sacrifices that is they go to church every Sunday, take in PUEDE NA YAN SYNDROME.
they endure for their family’s well-being. confession and communion, but the rest of the • Another is the NINGAS COGON attitude,
week they bribe and do corrupt deeds.” which simply means starting out projects with
(3) SENSE OF HUMOR – Dr. Pura Santillan-Castrence full vigor and interest which will abruptly die
• The Filipino’s sense of humor is shown in his • The failure to instill the Christian Values despite of down, leaving things unfinished, resulting to
ability to laugh event at worst circumstances. the efforts by the Church waste of time and resources.
• This trait singles out the Filipino’s infections, • “Two set of learned reflexes side by side” • The MAÑANA HABIT or MAMAYA NA HABIT
joyful disposition in almost all types of varying • SPLIT LEVEL: claiming to be Christian by or SAKA NA YAN ATTITUDE, the habit of
situations. unbecoming a Christian. putting off what they need to do which leads to
• Ex.: Social teachings and Social Justice issues an inefficient and wasteful work system,
• EX.: The modern Catholic principles of justice violations of rules, leading to more serious
(4) FLEXIBILITY, ADAPTABILITY, CREATIVITY versus a feudal attitude that the Lord may wrongdoings, and casual work ethic leading to
• Creativity, resourcefulness and being a quick tax those whom He protects carelessness and lack of follow-through.
learner mark out the Filipino’s success in his • Coexistence within the same person of two or
chose field. more thought and behavior systems which are (4) COLONIAL MENTALITY
• His propensity to improvise new systems and inconsistent with each other. • This is made up of two dimensions: lack of
products out of whatever resources available • But split-levelling involves the absence of a sense patriotism, and an actual preference for foreign
makes him famous of guilt, or the presence of only a very minimal things like fashion, entertainment, lifestyle,
• His flexibility makes him easily adaptable to amount. technology, consumer, and so forth.
the foreign work environment. • TALAGANG GANYAN ways which are part of • This is manifested by the Filipino’s penchant
“reality”. for buying imported goods instead of locally-
(5) HARD WORK OR INDUSTRY made goods.
• Hard work or industry as a Filipino trait is IV. Weakness of the Filipino Character
considered superior to most nations. (1) EXTREME PERSONALISM (5) KANYA-KANYA SYNDROME
• This is not only proven by the Filipino’s • This is manifested in the tendency to give • This attribute is related to the so-called “crab
willingness to take risks to work abroad but personal interpretations to actions such as mentality” (referring to the tendency of crabs in
also by his stubborn will and effort to survive in PAKIUSAP (request), PALAKASAN (power a basket to pull each other down).
the most challenging times abroad. and influence), NEPOTISM and • Filipinos have the propensity to put others
FAVORITISM down through gossips and destructive
(6) SPIRITUALITY • Extreme personalism leads to graft and criticism resulting in disunity and hindering
• The Filipino’s strong faith in God gives him a corruption, which is now pronounced in group cooperation in the workplace.
strong moral conscience. Philippine society.
• Ex. Workers maintain their motivation to work (6) LACK OF SELF-ANALYSIS AND
by God’s unending mercy. (2) EXTREME FAMILY CENTEREDNESS SELF-REFLECTION
• The sayings, “Nasa Diyos ang awa, nasa tao • Political dynasty, “compadreism”, “kamag-anak • The Filipinos emphasis on form rather than
ang gawa”, “Bahala na ang Diyos”, and “God incorporated” are conspicuous manifestations substance misleads them into believing that
will provide” seem to govern their decisions of this dysfunctional Filipino values. impossible things can be or are already made
especially in times of uncertainties and • It is ever so strongly evident in the public possible.
difficulties. sphere that even the private organization are • Public as well as private lives are filled with
not spared from its negative influence. flowery, but meaningless arguments and
(7) ABILITY TO SURVIVE assumptions.
• The Filipino’s has the ability to survive and to (3) LACK OF DISCIPLINE
live through the most challenging economic • Lack of discipline encompasses several
and political situations. He has the ability to related characteristics
remain strong despite worst disasters. • We have the so-called “FILIPINO TIME”,
which is considered as poor time
III. Fr. Jaime Bulatao, S.J.: Split-Level Christianity management.
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