topic for research filipino

60+ Innovative And Interesting Filipino Psychology Research Topics For Students In 2023

Filipino psychology encapsulates the unique cultural perspectives, values, and indigenous practices within the Philippines, shaping an identity distinct from Western psychological frameworks. It delves into the collective experiences, socio-cultural norms, and ancestral wisdom deeply embedded in Filipino society. Understanding Filipino psychology involves exploring its rich heritage, including the concepts of kapwa (shared identity) and pakikipagkapwa (relating to others).

Studying Filipino psychology holds immense significance in fostering cultural identity, mental health awareness, and community well-being. This blog aims to delve into the nuances of this field, guiding readers on selecting research topics, offering tips for successful research completion, and addressing challenges in the domain. Stay tuned with us to unearth a diverse array of innovative Filipino psychology research topics crucial for students in 2023, illuminating various facets of Filipino cultural psychology.

What Is Filipino Psychology?

Table of Contents

Filipino Psychology is all about understanding the way Filipinos think, feel, and behave based on their unique culture and traditions. It explores how people in the Philippines view the world, interact with others, and handle life’s challenges. This field focuses on the Filipino way of understanding the mind, emotions, and behavior, which might be different from what other cultures believe or practice.

It looks at the values, beliefs, and customs deeply rooted in Filipino society and how these shape individuals’ thoughts and actions. Filipino Psychology also emphasizes concepts like kapwa, which means recognizing the shared identity among people, and pakikipagkapwa, which refers to building harmonious relationships with others. This branch of psychology aims to uncover the distinct aspects of the Filipino mindset, highlighting the importance of cultural understanding in studying human behavior and mental processes.

Importance Of Studying Filipino Psychology

Here are some importance of studying filipino psychology: 

1. Cultural Understanding

Studying Filipino Psychology helps in understanding the unique beliefs, values, and behaviors of Filipinos. It gives insight into how culture shapes thoughts, emotions, and actions, allowing people from other backgrounds to appreciate and respect the Filipino way of life.

2. Community Well-being

Understanding Filipino Psychology aids in promoting mental health awareness within Filipino communities. By recognizing and acknowledging cultural influences on mental health, it becomes easier to develop culturally sensitive approaches for providing support and interventions.

3. Social Harmony

Exploring Filipino Psychology fosters the development of harmonious relationships among individuals. Concepts like kapwa and pakikipagkapwa emphasize the importance of interconnectedness and building positive connections, contributing to a more cohesive and compassionate society.

4. Identity Preservation

It helps in preserving and celebrating the unique identity and heritage of the Filipino people. By studying their psychology, it validates the importance of Filipino values, traditions, and indigenous knowledge systems.

5. Global Perspective

Studying Filipino Psychology offers a diverse perspective in the field of psychology, enriching the global understanding of human behavior. It contributes to a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to studying and addressing psychological phenomena across cultures.

How To Choose A Research Topic In Filipino Psychology?

Here are some simple steps on how to choose the Filpino psychology research topics:

1. Personal Interest

Select a research topic that genuinely interests you within Filipino Psychology. Consider topics related to Filipino culture, values, or societal aspects that captivate your curiosity, ensuring your engagement and enthusiasm throughout the research process.

2. Cultural Significance

Focus on topics that hold cultural significance within the Filipino context. Explore issues, behaviors, or phenomena deeply rooted in Filipino society, contributing to a better understanding of their culture and psychology.

3. Social Impact

Choose a research topic that has the potential to make a positive impact on Filipino communities. Look for areas where research findings could benefit mental health, community well-being, or promote cultural understanding and harmony.

4. Relevance and Timeliness

Opt for topics that are relevant and timely in Filipino Psychology. Consider current issues or gaps in knowledge that need exploration or further understanding, ensuring your research contributes meaningfully to the field.

5. Feasibility and Resources

Assess the feasibility of researching your chosen topic within available resources. Consider access to data, literature, and support necessary for conducting the research effectively while staying within your limitations.

In this section we will provide 60+ innovative and interesting filipino psychology research topics for students:

Cultural Psychology

• Impact of colonial mentality on Filipino identity.
• Understanding indigenous Filipino concepts of self and identity.
• Influence of Filipino cultural values on mental health perceptions.
• Acculturation experiences of Filipino immigrants.
• Cultural influences on Filipino parenting styles.
• The role of spirituality in Filipino mental health practices.

Mental Health

• Barriers to mental health care accessibility in rural Filipino communities.
• Stigma surrounding mental health issues in the Philippines.
• Psychological effects of natural disasters on Filipino communities.
• Mental health challenges faced by Filipino Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
• Prevalence and impact of depression and anxiety among Filipino youth.
• Cultural adaptations in psychotherapy for Filipinos.

Social Psychology

• Filipino concepts of pakikisama (getting along) and its impact on social relationships.
• Filipino youth’s mental health is impacted by social media.
• Perception of beauty standards and body image among Filipinos.
• Impact of social support networks on Filipino mental health.
• Filipino concepts of hiya (shame) and its role in social interactions.
• Social identity and group dynamics in Filipino communities.

Indigenous Psychology

• Exploration of Filipino indigenous healing practices.
• Traditional Filipino approaches to conflict resolution.
• Understanding Filipino indigenous concepts of wellness.
• Preservation of indigenous Filipino knowledge in modern psychology.
• Indigenous Filipino perspectives on well-being and happiness.
• Interplay between modern psychology and indigenous healing practices in the Philippines.

Developmental Psychology

• Influence of family dynamics on the development of Filipino children.
• Impact of migration on the psychological development of Filipino youth.
• Parenting practices and their effects on Filipino adolescents.
• Cultural influences on Filipino adolescent identity formation.
• Role of education in shaping Filipino children’s psychological well-being.
• Psychological challenges faced by Filipino children with OFW parents.

Clinical Psychology

• Assessment of culturally sensitive interventions for Filipino individuals with trauma.
• Filipino approaches to coping with grief and loss.
• Understanding Filipino perspectives on mental health stigma in clinical settings.
• Effectiveness of culturally adapted therapies for Filipino clients.
• Mental health help-seeking behavior among Filipinos.
• Filipino interpretations of psychological disorders and their treatments.

Gender and Sexuality

• Understanding LGBTQ+ experiences in Filipino culture.
• Gender roles and their impact on mental health in the Philippines.
• Traditional beliefs about masculinity and femininity in Filipino society.
• Intersectionality of gender and culture in Filipino psychology.
• Sexual health perceptions and practices among Filipino youth.
• Challenges faced by transgender individuals in the Philippines.

Organizational Psychology

• Work-related stressors among Filipino employees.
• Filipino leadership styles and their impact on organizational behavior.
• Cross-cultural communication challenges in Filipino workplaces.
• Workplace well-being initiatives in Filipino companies.
• Impacts of cultural values on employee motivation in the Philippines.
• Organizational strategies to promote mental health awareness among Filipino workers.

Positive Psychology

• Filipino perspectives on happiness and life satisfaction.
• Cultivating resilience in Filipino communities.
• Traditional Filipino practices that promote psychological well-being.
• Exploring Filipino concepts of gratitude and its effects on mental health.
• Positive youth development programs in the Philippines.
• Role of optimism in coping with adversity in Filipino culture.

Environmental Psychology

• Psychological connections between Filipinos and the natural environment.
• Impact of urbanization on the mental health of Filipinos.
• Community responses to environmental crises in the Philippines.
• Relationship between eco-awareness and psychological well-being in the Philippines.
• Indigenous ecological wisdom and its influence on Filipino psychology.
• Sustainable living practices and their psychological effects on Filipinos.
• Coping mechanisms and psychological resilience in the face of environmental disasters in the Philippines.

Tips For Successfully Completing The Filipino Psychology Research

Here are some tips for completing the filipino psychology research:

Tip 1: Structured Planning 

Break down the research process into smaller tasks with deadlines. Create a timeline outlining each step, from literature review to data collection, analysis, and writing, to manage your time effectively and efficiectly and stay on track throughout the project.

Tip 2: Clear Research Question 

Define a clear and specific research question in Filipino Psychology. Ensure your question is focused, achievable, and aligned with the scope of your study, guiding your research direction and methodology effectively.

Tip 3: Methodical Approach

Choose appropriate research methods and techniques tailored to your topic in Filipino Psychology. Consistently follow these methods, maintain organized records, and validate your findings to ensure credibility and accuracy in your research.

Tip 4: Seek Guidance

Regularly consult with mentors, professors, or experts in Filipino Psychology. Their feedback and guidance can offer valuable insights, refine your approach, and address any challenges or uncertainties you encounter during the research process.

Tip 5: Revision and Review

Review and revise your work diligently. Pay attention to details, refine your arguments, and ensure coherence in your writing. Seek feedback from teachers to improve the quality of your research before submission.

• Mental Health Research Topics
• Neuroscience Research Topics

Challenges Face In Filipino Psychology Research Topics And Overcome Techniques 

In Filipino psychology research, scholars encounter specific challenges that affect their progress. Understanding these hurdles is crucial for devising effective strategies to overcome them. Here are some of the challenges faced in Filipino psychology research topics and techniques to surmount them:

1. Cultural Sensitivity and Context

Balancing cultural nuances and context-specific elements within research design and interpretation poses a challenge due to the diverse nature of the Filipino culture and its regional differences.

Overcome Technique

• Engage with local communities for insights.
• Collaborate with native researchers for deeper understanding.
• Adopt a reflexive approach to acknowledge biases and cultural influences.

2. Limited Resources and Funding

Restrictions in financial support and resources hinder the comprehensive exploration of topics, limiting the scope and depth of research.

• Seek alternative funding sources like grants and fellowships.
• Collaborate with institutions or researchers with available resources.
• Optimize existing resources through collaborations and sharing.

3. Language Barriers

Navigating research literature in multiple languages, especially local dialects and Filipino languages , poses a challenge in accessing relevant information and incorporating it into studies.

• Utilize translation tools and services.
• Collaborate with bilingual researchers or translators.
• Develop language skills through courses or workshops.

4. Ethical Considerations and Indigenous Knowledge

Respecting and incorporating indigenous knowledge and ethical guidelines while conducting research can be complex, requiring sensitivity and adherence to ethical standards.

• Establish ethical review boards for guidance.
• Involve indigenous communities in the research process.
• Adopt a participatory approach to ensure ethical representation.

5. Limited Published Literature

Scarcity of published materials specific to Filipino psychology can impede the development of comprehensive literature reviews and comparative analyses.

• Expand search parameters beyond traditional databases.
• Encourage and support local research publication initiatives.
• Initiate collaborative efforts for extensive literature reviews.

Filipino psychology embodies the cultural, historical, and societal perspectives unique to the Philippines, offering a profound understanding of its people’s behaviors, beliefs, and values. Studying Filipino psychology is crucial as it fosters cultural sensitivity, aids in comprehending diverse perspectives, and contributes to global psychology discourse. Choosing a research topic in Filipino psychology involves exploring cultural nuances, societal issues, and individual experiences. 

Moreover, successful completion of such research requires meticulous planning, embracing challenges, utilizing diverse resources, and fostering collaboration. Despite challenges like limited resources or biases, overcoming them through interdisciplinary approaches and community engagement ensures comprehensive and insightful findings. The extensive list of innovative research topics provided serves as a springboard for students, encouraging exploration and contribution to this vibrant field in 2023 and beyond.

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50+ Filipino Culture Research Topics [Revised]

Filipino culture is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of tradition, diversity, and identity. From its pre-colonial roots to its modern-day manifestations, Filipino culture offers a fascinating glimpse into the collective soul of the Filipino people. In this blog, we’ll embark on a journey to explore various aspects of Filipino culture through Filipino culture research topics, from its historical and societal influences to its contemporary trends and challenges.

What Are The Values Of Filipino Culture?

Table of Contents

Filipino culture is deeply rooted in several core values that shape the attitudes, behaviors, and relationships of the Filipino people. Some of the key values include:

• Bayanihan (Community Spirit): Filipinos have a strong sense of community and cooperation, often coming together to help one another in times of need. This spirit of bayanihan emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual support.
• Utang na Loob (Debt of Gratitude): Filipinos place great value on reciprocating acts of kindness and generosity. Utang na loob entails a sense of indebtedness and obligation to repay favors, whether big or small, received from others.
• Hiya (Sense of Shame): Hiya refers to a strong sense of propriety and dignity, as well as a fear of losing face or causing embarrassment. Filipinos often prioritize social harmony and avoiding shame in their interactions with others.
• Pakikisama (Harmony and Solidarity): Pakikisama emphasizes the importance of getting along with others and maintaining harmonious relationships within social groups. Filipinos value consensus-building and avoiding conflict whenever possible.
• Pagmamalasakit (Empathy and Compassion): Pagmamalasakit encompasses feelings of empathy, compassion, and concern for others, especially those who are less fortunate. Filipinos are known for their generosity and willingness to help those in need.
• Respect for Elders and Authority: Filipinos hold great respect for elders, authority figures, and those in positions of power. This respect is demonstrated through deference, obedience, and adherence to traditional customs and protocols.
• Family-Centeredness: Family is at the heart of Filipino culture, serving as the primary source of support, identity, and social cohesion. Filipinos place a high value on close-knit family ties and prioritize the well-being and happiness of their loved ones.
• Optimism and Resilience: Despite facing numerous challenges and adversities, Filipinos maintain a positive outlook on life and a resilient spirit. They possess a strong faith in God, as well as a belief in the power of hope, perseverance, and optimism to overcome obstacles.

50+ Filipino Culture Research Topics: Category Wise

Historical and societal aspects.

• The impact of Spanish colonization on Filipino culture.
• Resistance movements during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines.
• The influence of American colonization on Filipino society and identity.
• Japanese occupation during World War II: Effects on Filipino culture.
• Post-colonial developments and their impact on contemporary Filipino culture.

Traditional Practices and Beliefs

• Indigenous Filipino belief systems and rituals.
• Analysis of Filipino festivals and their cultural significance.
• Evolution of Filipino cuisine: Influences and adaptations.
• Folklore and mythology in Filipino culture.
• Traditional healing practices in Filipino society.

Contemporary Cultural Trends

• Globalization and its effects on Filipino culture.
• Modernization and changing social norms in the Philippines.
• Emergence of Filipino youth subcultures: Trends and influences.
• LGBTQ+ representation in contemporary Filipino media and culture.
• Digital culture and its impact on Filipino society.

Arts, Literature, and Media

• Analysis of Filipino literature: Themes and influences.
• The evolution of Filipino cinema: Trends and contributions.
• Filipino visual arts: Traditions, innovations, and contemporary trends.
• Impact of social media on Filipino communication and expression.
• Music and dance in Filipino culture: Traditional forms and modern adaptations.

Identity and Representation

• The Filipino diaspora: Identity, challenges, and contributions.
• Representation of indigenous cultures in Filipino mainstream media.
• Stereotypes and misconceptions about Filipino identity.
• Filipinx identity: Exploring gender and cultural diversity.
• Intersectionality and identity politics in contemporary Filipino society.

Gender and Family Dynamics

• Gender roles in Filipino society: Traditions, changes, and challenges.
• Family structures and dynamics in the Philippines.
• Women’s rights movements in the Philippines: Progress and challenges.
• LGBTQ+ families in Filipino society: Acceptance and discrimination.
• Intergenerational relationships and their impact on Filipino families.

Education and Language

• The role of education in preserving Filipino cultural heritage.
• Language policies and challenges in the Philippines.
• Filipino languages: Diversity, preservation efforts, and revitalization.
• Indigenous education systems in the Philippines.
• The influence of English in Filipino education and media.

Environmental and Ethical Considerations

• Indigenous environmental knowledge and practices in the Philippines.
• Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies in Filipino communities.
• Ethical considerations in cultural preservation and representation.
• Conservation efforts for Philippine cultural and natural heritage sites.
• Environmental justice and indigenous rights in the Philippines.

Religion and Spirituality

• The role of religion in Filipino culture and society.
• Syncretism in Filipino religious practices.
• Religious festivals and pilgrimages in the Philippines.
• Minority religious communities in the Philippines: Challenges and resilience.
• Secularism and religious diversity in contemporary Filipino society.

Economic and Social Development

• Poverty alleviation programs and social welfare policies in the Philippines.
• Rural-urban migration and its impact on Filipino communities.
• Economic development and its effects on Filipino cultural landscapes.
• Social entrepreneurship and community development initiatives in the Philippines.
• Cultural tourism in the Philippines: Opportunities and challenges.

Health and Well-being

• Traditional medicine practices and their integration into modern healthcare.
• Mental health awareness and stigma in Filipino culture.
• Diet and nutrition in Filipino cuisine : Health implications and trends.
• Access to healthcare services in rural and marginalized communities in the Philippines.

Why Is It Important To Study Philippine Culture?

Studying Philippine culture is important for several reasons:

• Preservation of Heritage: Understanding Philippine culture helps preserve the rich heritage and traditions passed down through generations. By studying cultural practices, languages, arts, and rituals, we can ensure that they are not lost or forgotten over time.
• Cultural Identity: Exploring Philippine culture strengthens the sense of identity and belonging among Filipinos, both within the country and in the diaspora. It fosters pride in one’s heritage and promotes cultural appreciation and acceptance.
• Intercultural Understanding: Studying Philippine culture fosters intercultural understanding and appreciation among diverse communities. It encourages dialogue, empathy, and respect for cultural differences, leading to greater social cohesion and harmony.
• Historical Insights: Philippine culture offers valuable insights into the country’s history, including its pre-colonial roots, colonial experiences, and post-colonial developments. By examining cultural artifacts, traditions, and narratives, we gain a deeper understanding of past events and their impact on contemporary society.
• Social Development: Knowledge of Philippine culture informs social development initiatives and policies that are culturally sensitive and relevant to local communities. It helps address social issues, promote inclusivity, and empower marginalized groups by respecting their cultural beliefs and practices.
• Tourism and Economic Growth: Philippine culture is a significant driver of tourism and economic growth, attracting visitors from around the world who are drawn to the country’s diverse heritage, festivals, cuisine, and arts. Studying Philippine culture enhances tourism promotion efforts and supports sustainable development initiatives that benefit local communities.
• Cultural Diplomacy: Understanding Philippine culture strengthens cultural diplomacy efforts and promotes international cooperation and understanding. It serves as a bridge for building relationships, fostering collaboration, and showcasing the country’s cultural contributions on the global stage.
• Environmental Conservation: Many aspects of Philippine culture are intertwined with the natural environment, including indigenous practices, folklore, and traditional ecological knowledge. Studying Philippine culture can inform conservation efforts that protect both cultural heritage and biodiversity.

In conclusion (of Filipino culture research topics), Filipino culture is a treasure trove of traditions, diversity, and identity, offering endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. By celebrating our shared heritage and embracing our differences, we can enrich our understanding of what it means to be Filipino. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, let us never forget the rich tapestry of Filipino culture that binds us together as a people.

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211 Qualitative Research Topics For HumSS Students In The Philippines [Updated]

Are you a HUMSS (Humanities and Social Sciences) student in the Philippines, curious about qualitative research? Qualitative research is like a treasure hunt in the world of ideas. Instead of numbers, it delves into the stories, experiences, and meanings behind human behavior and social phenomena. As a student, embarking on your research journey can be both exciting and daunting. But fear not! This guide will navigate you through the vast sea of qualitative research topics for HumSS students in the Philippines.

What Is Qualitative Research?

Before diving into potential research topics, let’s grasp the essence of qualitative research. Unlike quantitative research, which deals with numbers and statistics, qualitative research focuses on understanding the nuances of human behavior, thoughts, and experiences. It involves methods such as interviews, observations, and content analysis to explore complex social phenomena.

Why Choose Qualitative Research?

Qualitative research allows you to explore topics in depth, providing rich insights into people’s lives and societal issues. It enables you to understand the “how” and “why” behind behaviors, attitudes, and cultural practices. For HUMSS students in the Philippines, qualitative research offers a platform to delve into the diverse and dynamic aspects of Filipino society and culture.

211 Qualitative Research Topics For HumSS Students In The Philippines

Cultural identity and belonging.

• Dynamics of Filipino cultural identity among urban youth
• Social media’s role in shaping Filipino cultural identity
• Impact of globalization on Filipino traditions and customs
• Cultural identity of Filipino overseas workers
• Role of festivals in preserving Filipino culture
• Perceptions of Filipino cultural identity among mixed-race individuals
• Influence of indigenous cultures on modern Filipino identity
• Cultural adaptation of Filipino migrants
• Cultural identity among Filipino Muslims
• Urban vs. rural cultural identity in the Philippines

Education and Learning

• Challenges faced by public school teachers in the Philippines
• Impact of online learning on high school students
• Role of extracurricular activities in student development
• Experiences of students in alternative learning systems
• Attitudes towards bilingual education
• Student perspectives on K-12 education reform
• Teaching strategies for multicultural classrooms
• Parental involvement in student education
• Student motivation and academic performance
• Peer influence on learning habits

Social Issues

• Teenage mental health and well-being
• Impact of family dynamics on adolescent behavior
• Bullying in Filipino schools
• Street children and their survival strategies
• Social stigma around mental health in the Philippines
• Experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in Filipino society
• Coping mechanisms of single mothers
• Social integration of persons with disabilities
• Domestic violence and its impact on children
• Substance abuse among teenagers

Community and Social Change

• Community efforts in addressing environmental issues
• Youth participation in community development
• Role of NGOs in rural development
• Impact of urbanization on local communities
• Community responses to natural disasters
• Women’s role in community leadership
• Social entrepreneurship in the Philippines
• Grassroots movements for social change
• Impact of gentrification on local neighborhoods
• Volunteerism and civic engagement among youth

Media and Communication

• Representation of Filipino culture in local films and television
• Role of traditional media in rural Filipino communities
• Influence of social media on political opinions
• Media portrayal of women in the Philippines
• Digital literacy among Filipino adolescents
• Impact of fake news on public perception
• Role of radio in community communication
• Journalism ethics in the Philippines
• Youth engagement with online content
• Influence of K-pop on Filipino youth culture

Health and Well-being

• Perceptions of health and wellness among Filipino adolescents
• Traditional medicine practices in rural Philippines
• Impact of diet and nutrition on student health
• Mental health services in Filipino schools
• Health beliefs and practices among elderly Filipinos
• Barriers to healthcare access in rural areas
• Role of family in managing chronic illnesses
• Community health initiatives
• Attitudes towards vaccination in the Philippines
• Coping strategies for stress among students

Family and Relationships

• Parent-child relationships in Filipino families
• Impact of OFW parents on children’s development
• Role of grandparents in Filipino families
• Sibling dynamics and rivalry
• Single-parent family experiences
• Influence of extended family on upbringing
• Family communication patterns
• Intergenerational conflicts and resolutions
• Marriage practices and perceptions
• Family traditions and their significance

Gender Studies

• Gender roles in Filipino households
• Experiences of working women in the Philippines
• Gender stereotypes in education
• Impact of feminism on Filipino society
• Gender equality in the workplace
• Perceptions of masculinity among Filipino men
• Women’s participation in politics
• Gender-based violence and support systems
• Representation of gender in media
• LGBTQ+ rights and social acceptance

Religion and Spirituality

• Role of religion in daily life
• Religious diversity and tolerance
• Youth participation in religious activities
• Impact of religious beliefs on health practices
• Religious festivals and their cultural significance
• Spiritual practices among indigenous groups
• Interfaith relationships and challenges
• Religion and politics in the Philippines
• Influence of Catholicism on social behavior
• Secularism and modernity

Migration and Diaspora

• Experiences of Filipino migrant workers
• Impact of migration on family structures
• Cultural adaptation in host countries
• Remittances and economic impact
• Challenges faced by returning migrants
• Social networks of Filipino diaspora
• Identity and belonging among Filipino migrants
• Migration and gender dynamics
• Educational experiences of migrant children
• Psychological impact of migration

Technology and Society

• Impact of digital technology on social interactions
• Cyberbullying among Filipino teenagers
• Technology use in rural communities
• E-commerce and consumer behavior
• Digital divide and access to information
• Social media influencers and youth culture
• Online gaming and its social impact
• Technology in education
• Privacy concerns in the digital age
• Telemedicine and healthcare access

Arts and Literature

• Contemporary Philippine literature
• Role of art in social change
• Influence of indigenous art on modern expressions
• Filipino folk music and its evolution
• Theater as a medium for social commentary
• Visual arts and cultural identity
• Literature as a reflection of societal issues
• Role of storytelling in preserving history
• Film as a tool for education
• Artistic responses to political issues

Youth and Adolescence

• Peer pressure and decision making
• Impact of extracurricular activities on development
• Adolescent views on future careers
• Role of youth organizations
• Social media and self-esteem
• Academic stress and coping mechanisms
• Youth involvement in political movements
• Identity formation during adolescence
• Teen dating and relationships
• Leisure activities and hobbies

Environment and Sustainability

• Community-based environmental conservation
• Attitudes towards recycling
• Impact of climate change on local communities
• Sustainable farming practices
• Environmental education in schools
• Role of youth in environmental activism
• Indigenous knowledge in environmental management
• Urban gardening and sustainability
• Water conservation practices
• Waste management challenges

Politics and Governance

• Youth participation in politics
• Local governance and community engagement
• Electoral behavior among first-time voters
• Role of social media in political campaigns
• Political dynasties and their impact
• Public perception of government corruption
• Grassroots political movements
• Governance in indigenous communities
• Policy impacts on rural development
• Political education in schools

Business and Economics

• Micro-entrepreneurship in rural areas
• Impact of small businesses on local economies
• Youth perspectives on entrepreneurship
• Corporate social responsibility practices
• Consumer behavior in the digital age
• Economic impact of tourism
• Financial literacy among teenagers
• Informal economy dynamics
• Role of cooperatives in community development
• Economic challenges faced by farmers

Human Rights

• Awareness of human rights among youth
• Role of NGOs in human rights advocacy
• Human trafficking and its social impact
• Rights of indigenous peoples
• Gender-based violence and human rights
• Child labor and exploitation
• Freedom of expression and media
• Rights of persons with disabilities
• Refugee and asylum seeker experiences
• Human rights education

Indigenous Studies

• Preservation of indigenous languages
• Traditional knowledge and practices
• Impact of modernization on indigenous cultures
• Land rights and indigenous communities
• Education for indigenous children
• Health practices among indigenous groups
• Indigenous art and its cultural significance
• Role of elders in indigenous societies
• Indigenous responses to climate change
• Rituals and ceremonies

Tourism and Hospitality

• Impact of tourism on local communities
• Sustainable tourism practices
• Cultural tourism and heritage sites
• Tourist behavior and local perceptions
• Development of ecotourism
• Role of festivals in tourism promotion
• Tourism and environmental conservation
• Hospitality industry and customer satisfaction
• Challenges faced by local tour guides
• Impact of tourism on traditional livelihoods

Urban Studies

• Urbanization and its social impact
• Quality of life in urban vs. rural areas
• Housing challenges in urban areas
• Urban planning and community development
• Impact of migration on urban growth
• Public transportation and commuter experiences
• Urban youth culture
• Crime and safety in urban neighborhoods
• Green spaces and urban living
• Informal settlements and housing solutions

Historical Studies

• Oral histories of WWII survivors
• Colonial history and its impact
• Evolution of Philippine education
• History of local industries
• Traditional governance systems
• Social movements in Philippine history
• Historical landmarks and their significance
• Indigenous resistance to colonization
• Role of women in historical events
• Preservation of historical sites

Sports and Recreation

• Impact of sports on youth development

Tips for Conducting Qualitative Research

• Choose a Relevant and Interesting Topic: Pick a topic that interests you and is relevant to current social issues or trends. This will keep you motivated throughout the research process.
• Use Multiple Research Methods: Combine different qualitative methods like interviews, focus groups, and observations to gather comprehensive data.
• Be Ethical: Ensure that you have the consent of your participants and respect their privacy and confidentiality.
• Be Open-Minded: Enter your research with an open mind, ready to learn and understand different perspectives.
• Organize Your Data: Keep your data well-organized to make analysis easier. Use tools like coding to identify common themes and patterns.

Qualitative research topics for HumSS students in the Philippines is a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Filipino culture, society, and issues. 

By choosing compelling topics and employing robust research methods, you can uncover valuable insights that contribute to a deeper understanding of your community and beyond.

Whether you are investigating the impact of social media on cultural identity or exploring the challenges faced by public school teachers, your research has the potential to make a meaningful impact. Happy researching!

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Filipino help-seeking for mental health problems and associated barriers and facilitators: a systematic review

Andrea b. martinez.

1 Department of Behavioral Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines

2 Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England

3 Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England

Jennifer Lau

June s. l. brown.

This systematic review aims to synthesise the evidence on behavioural and attitudinal patterns as well as barriers and enablers in Filipino formal help-seeking.

Using PRISMA framework, 15 studies conducted in 7 countries on Filipino help-seeking were appraised through narrative synthesis.

Filipinos across the world have general reluctance and unfavourable attitude towards formal help-seeking despite high rates of psychological distress. They prefer seeking help from close family and friends. Barriers cited by Filipinos living in the Philippines include financial constraints and inaccessibility of services, whereas overseas Filipinos were hampered by immigration status, lack of health insurance, language difficulty, experience of discrimination and lack of acculturation to host culture. Both groups were hindered by self and social stigma attached to mental disorder, and by concern for loss of face, sense of shame, and adherence to Asian values of conformity to norms where mental illness is considered unacceptable. Filipinos are also prevented from seeking help by their sense of resilience and self-reliance, but this is explored only in qualitative studies. They utilize special mental health care only as the last resort or when problems become severe. Other prominent facilitators include perception of distress, influence of social support, financial capacity and previous positive experience in formal help.

We confirmed the low utilization of mental health services among Filipinos regardless of their locations, with mental health stigma as primary barrier, while resilience and self-reliance as coping strategies were cited in qualitative studies. Social support and problem severity were cited as prominent facilitators.

Introduction

Mental illness is the third most common disability in the Philippines. Around 6 million Filipinos are estimated to live with depression and/or anxiety, making the Philippines the country with the third highest rate of mental health problems in the Western Pacific Region [ 1 ]. Suicide rates are pegged at 3.2 per 100,000 population with numbers possibly higher due to underreporting or misclassification of suicide cases as ‘undetermined deaths’ [ 2 ]. Despite these figures, government spending on mental health is at 0.22% of total health expenditures with a lack of health professionals working in the mental health sector [ 1 , 3 ]. Elevated mental health problems also characterise ‘overseas Filipinos’, that is, Filipinos living abroad [ 4 ]. Indeed, 12% of Filipinos living in the US suffer from psychological distress [ 5 ], higher than the US prevalence rate of depression and anxiety [ 1 ]. Long periods of separation from their families and a different cultural background may make them more prone to acculturative stress, depression, anxiety, substance use and trauma especially those who are exposed to abuse, violence and discrimination whilst abroad [ 6 ].

One crucial barrier to achieving well-being and improved mental health among both ‘local’ and overseas Filipinos is their propensity to not seek psychological help [ 7 , 8 ]. Not only are help-seeking rates much lower than rates found in general US populations [ 9 ], they are also low compared to other minority Asian groups [ 10 ]. Yet, few studies have been published on Filipino psychological help-seeking either in the Philippines or among those overseas [ 11 ]. Most available studies have focused on such factors as stigma tolerance, loss of face and acculturation factors [ 12 , 13 ].

To date, no systematic review of studies on Filipino psychological help-seeking, both living in the Philippines and overseas, has been conducted. In 2014, Tuliao conducted a narrative review of the literature on Filipino mental health help-seeking in the US which provided a comprehensive treatise on cultural context of Filipino help-seeking behavior [ 11 ]. However, new studies have been published since which examine help-seeking in other country contexts, such as Norway, Iceland, Israel and Canada [ 6 , 14 – 16 ]. Alongside recent studies on local Filipinos, these new studies can provide basis for comparison of the local and overseas Filipinos [ 7 , 8 , 12 , 17 ].

This systematic review aims to critically appraise the evidence on behavioural and attitudinal patterns of psychological help-seeking among Filipinos in the Philippines and abroad and examine barriers and enablers of their help-seeking. While the majority of studies undertaken have been among Filipino migrants especially in the US where they needed to handle additional immigration challenges, studying help-seeking attitudes and behaviours of local Filipinos is important as this may inform those living abroad [ 10 , 13 , 18 ]. This review aims to: (1) examine the commonly reported help-seeking attitudes and behaviors among local and overseas Filipinos with mental health problems; and (2) expound on the most commonly reported barriers and facilitators that influence their help-seeking.

The review aims to synthesize available data on formal help-seeking behavior and attitudes of local and overseas Filipinos for their mental health problems, as well as commonly reported barriers and facilitators. Formal psychological help-seeking behavior is defined as seeking services and treatment, such as psychotherapy, counseling, information and advice, from trained and recognized mental health care providers [ 19 ]. Attitudes on psychological help-seeking refer to the evaluative beliefs in seeking help from these professional sources [ 20 ].

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion criteria for the studies were the following: (1) those that address either formal help-seeking behavior OR attitude related to a mental health AND those that discuss barriers OR facilitators of psychological help-seeking; (2) those that involve Filipino participants, or of Filipino descent; in studies that involve multi-cultural or multi-ethnic groups, they must have at least 20% Filipino participants with disaggregated data on Filipino psychological help-seeking; (3) those that employed any type of study designs, whether quantitative, qualitative or mixed-methods; (4) must be full-text peer-reviewed articles published in scholarly journals or book chapters, with no publication date restrictions; (5) written either in English or Filipino; and (6) available in printed or downloadable format. Multiple articles based on the same research are treated as one study/paper.

Exclusion criteria were: (1) studies in which the reported problems that prompted help-seeking are medical (e.g. cancer), career or vocational (e.g., career choice), academic (e.g., school difficulties) or developmental disorders (e.g., autism), unless specified that there is an associated mental health concern (e.g., anxiety, depression, trauma); (2) studies that discuss general health-seeking behaviors; (3) studies that are not from the perspective of mental health service users (e.g., counselor’s perspective); (4) systematic reviews, meta-analyses and other forms of literature review; and (5) unpublished studies including dissertations and theses, clinical reports, theory or methods papers, commentaries or editorials.

Search strategy and study selection

The search for relevant studies was conducted through electronic database searching, hand-searching and web-based searching. Ten bibliographic databases were searched in August to September 2018: PsychInfo, Global Health, MedLine, Embase, EBSCO , ProQuest , PubMed , Science Direct, Scopus and Emerald Insight. The following search terms were used: “help-seeking behavior” OR “utilization of mental health services” OR “access to mental health services” OR “psychological help-seeking” AND “barriers to help-seeking” OR “facilitators of help-seeking” AND “mental health” OR “mental health problem” OR “mental disorder” OR “mental illness” OR “psychological distress” OR “emotional problem” AND “Filipino” OR “Philippines”. Filters were used to select only publications from peer-reviewed journals. Internet searches through Google Scholar and websites of Philippine-based publications were also performed using the search term “Filipino mental health help-seeking” as well as hand-searching of reference lists of relevant studies. A total of 3038 records were obtained. Duplicates were removed and a total of 2659 records were screened for their relevance based on their titles and abstracts.

Preliminary screening of titles and abstracts of articles resulted in 162 potentially relevant studies, their full-text papers were obtained and were reviewed for eligibility by two reviewers (AM and MC). Divergent opinions on the results of eligibility screening were deliberated and any further disagreement was resolved by the third reviewer (JB). A total of 15 relevant studies (from 24 papers) published in English were included in the review and assessed for quality. There were seven studies with multiple publications (two of them have 3 papers) and a core paper was chosen on the basis of having more comprehensive key study data on formal help-seeking. Results of the literature search are reported in Fig.  1 using the PRISMA diagram [ 21 ]. A protocol for this review was registered at PROSPERO Registry of the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination of the University of York ( https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO ; ID: CRD42018102836).

PRISMA flow diagram

Data extraction and quality assessment

Data extracted by the main author were crosschecked by a second reviewer (JB). A data extraction table with thematic headings was prepared and pilot tested for two quantitative and two qualitative studies to check data comparability. Extraction was performed using the following descriptive data: (1) study information (e.g. name of authors, publication date, study location, setting, study design, measurement tools used); (2) socio-demographic characteristics of participants (e.g. sample size, age, gender); and (3) overarching themes on psychological help-seeking behavior and attitudes, as well as barriers and facilitators of help-seeking.

Two reviewers (AM and MC) did quality assessment of the studies separately, using the following criteria: (1) relevance to the research question; (2) transparency of the methods; (3) robustness of the evidence presented; and (4) soundness of the data interpretation and analysis. Design-specific quality assessment tools were used in the evaluation of risk of bias of the studies, namely: (1) Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Checklist [ 22 ]; and (2) Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies by the Effective Public Health Practice Project [ 23 ]. The appraisals for mixed-methods studies were done separately for quantitative and qualitative components to ensure trustworthiness [ 24 ] of the quality of each assessment.

For studies reported in multiple publications, quality assessment was done only on the core papers [ 25 ]. All the papers ( n  = 6) assessed for their qualitative study design (including the 4 mixed-methods studies) met the minimum quality assessment criteria of fair ( n  = 1) and good ( n  = 5) and were, thus, included in the review. Only 11 out of the 13 quantitative studies (including the 4 mixed-methods studies) satisfied the minimum ratings for the review, with five getting strong quality rating. The two mixed-methods studies that did not meet the minimum quality rating for quantitative designs were excluded as sources of quantitative data but were used in the qualitative data analysis because they satisfied the minimum quality rating for qualitative designs.

Strategy for data analysis

Due to the substantial heterogeneity of the studies in terms of participant characteristics, study design, measurement tools used and reporting methods of the key findings, narrative synthesis approach was used in data analysis to interpret and integrate the quantitative and qualitative evidence [ 26 , 27 ]. However, one crucial methodological limitation of studies in this review is the lack of agreement on what constitutes formal help-seeking. Some researchers include the utilization of traditional or indigenous healers as formal help-seeking, while others limit the concept to professional health care providers. As such, consistent with Rickwood and Thomas’ definition of formal help-seeking [ 19 ], data extraction and analysis were done only on those that reported utilization of professional health care providers.

Using a textual approach, text data were coded using both predetermined and emerging codes [ 28 ]. They were then tabulated, analyzed, categorized into themes and integrated into a narrative synthesis [ 29 ]. Exemplar quotations and author interpretations were also used to support the narrative synthesis. The following were the themes on barriers and facilitators of formal help-seeking: (1) psychosocial barriers/facilitators, which include social support from family and friends, perceived severity of mental illness, awareness of mental health issues, self-stigmatizing beliefs, treatment fears and other individual concerns; (2) socio-cultural barriers/facilitators, which include the perceived social norms and beliefs on mental health, social stigma, influence of religious beliefs, and language and acculturation factors; and (3) systemic/structural and economic barriers/facilitators, which include financial or employment status, the health care system and its accessibility, availability and affordability, and ethnicity, nativity or immigration status.

Study and participant characteristics

The 15 studies were published between 2002 and 2018. Five studies were conducted in the US, four in the Philippines and one study each was done in Australia, Canada, Iceland, Israel and Norway. One study included participants working in different countries, the majority were in the Middle East. Data extracted from the four studies done in the Philippines were used to report on the help-seeking behaviors and attitudes, and barriers/facilitators to help-seeking of local Filipinos, while the ten studies conducted in different countries were used to report on help-seeking of overseas Filipinos. Nine studies were quantitative and used a cross-sectional design except for one cohort study; the majority of them used research-validated questionnaires. Four studies used mixed methods with surveys and open-ended questionnaires, and another two were purely qualitative studies that used interviews and focus group discussions. Only three studies recruited participants through random sampling and the rest used purposive sampling methods. All quantitative studies used questionnaires in measures of formal help-seeking behaviors, and western-standardized measures to assess participants’ attitudes towards help-seeking. Qualitative studies utilized semi-structured interview guides that were developed to explore the psychological help-seeking of participants.

A total of 5096 Filipinos aged 17–70 years participated in the studies. Additionally, 13 studies reported on the mean age of participants, with the computed overall mean age at 39.52 (SD 11.34). The sample sizes in the quantitative studies ranged from 70 to 2285, while qualitative studies ranged from 10 to 25 participants. Of the participants, 59% ( n  = 3012) were female which is probably explained by five studies focusing on Filipino women. Ten studies were conducted in community settings, five in health or social centre-based settings and 1 in a university (Table ​ (Table1 1 ).

*Quality assessment based on the criteria of EPHPP Quality Assessment Tool for quantitative studies

**Quality assessment based on the criteria of CASP Qualitative Checklist for qualitative studies

Formal help-seeking behaviors

12 studies examined the formal help-seeking behaviors of Filipinos (Table ​ (Table2), 2 ), eight of them were from community-based studies and four were from centre-based studies. Nine studies reported on formal help-seeking of overseas Filipinos and three reported on local Filipinos.

Report on formal help-seeking behaviors

Community-based vs health/social centres Data from quantitative community studies show that the rates of formal help-seeking behaviors among the Filipino general population ranged from 2.2% [ 30 ] to 17.5% [ 6 ]. This was supported by reports from qualitative studies where participants did not seek help at all. The frequency of reports of formal help-seeking from studies conducted in crisis centres and online counseling tended to be higher. For instance, the rate of engagement in online counseling among overseas Filipinos was 10.68% [ 31 ], those receiving treatment in crisis centers was 39.32% [ 17 ] while 100% of participants who were victims of intimate partner violence were already receiving help from a women’s support agency [ 8 , 32 ].

Local vs overseas Filipinos’ formal help-seeking The rate of formal psychological help-seeking of local Filipinos was at 22.19% [ 12 ] while overseas rates were lower and ranged from 2.2% of Filipino Americans [ 30 ] to 17.5% of Filipinos in Israel [ 6 ]. Both local and overseas Filipinos indicated that professional help is sought only as a last resort because they were more inclined to get help from family and friends or lay network [ 7 , 16 ].

Attitudes towards formal help-seeking

13 studies reported on participants’ attitudes towards seeking formal help. Seven studies identified family and friends as preferred sources of help [ 7 , 14 , 16 ] rather than mental health specialists and other professionals even when they were already receiving help from them [ 17 , 32 ]. When Filipinos seek professional help, it is usually done in combination with other sources of care [ 13 ] or only used when the mental health problem is severe [ 14 , 16 , 33 ]. Other studies reported that in the absence of social networks, individuals prefer to rely on themselves [ 32 , 33 ].

Community-based vs health/social centres Community-based studies reported that Filipinos have negative attitudes marked by low stigma tolerance towards formal help-seeking [ 7 , 14 , 16 ]. However, different findings were reported by studies conducted in crisis centres. Hechanova et al. found a positive attitude towards help-seeking among users of online counseling [ 31 ], whereas Cabbigat and Kangas found that Filipinos in crisis centres still prefer receiving help from religious clergy or family members, with mental health units as the least preferred setting in receiving help [ 17 ]. This is supported by the findings of Shoultz and her colleagues who reported that Filipino women did not believe in disclosing their problems to others [ 32 ].

Local vs overseas Filipinos Filipinos, regardless of location, have negative attitudes towards help-seeking, except later-generation Filipino migrants who have been acculturated in their host countries and tended to have more positive attitudes towards mental health specialists [ 10 , 13 , 15 , 34 ]. However, this was only cited in quantitative studies. Qualitative studies reported the general reluctance of both overseas and local Filipinos to seek help.

Barriers in formal help-seeking

All 15 studies examined a range of barriers in psychological help-seeking (Table ​ (Table3). 3 ). The most commonly endorsed barriers were: (1) financial constraints due to high cost of service, lack of health insurance, or precarious employment condition; (2) self-stigma, with associated fear of negative judgment, sense of shame, embarrassment and being a disgrace, fear of being labeled as ‘crazy’, self-blame and concern for loss of face; and (3) social stigma that puts the family’s reputation at stake or places one’s cultural group in bad light.

Key themes on barriers to formal help-seeking

Local vs overseas Filipinos In studies conducted among overseas Filipinos, strong adherence to Asian values of conformity to norms is an impediment to help-seeking but cited only in quantitative studies [ 10 , 13 , 15 , 34 ] while perceived resilience, coping ability or self-reliance was mentioned only in qualitative studies [ 14 , 16 , 33 ]. Other common barriers to help-seeking cited by overseas Filipinos were inaccessibility of mental health services, immigration status, sense of religiosity, language problem, experience of discrimination and lack of awareness of mental health needs [ 10 , 13 , 18 , 34 ]. Self-reliance and fear of being a burden to others as barriers were only found among overseas Filipinos [ 6 , 16 , 32 ]. On the other hand, local Filipinos have consistently cited the influence of social support as a hindrance to help-seeking [ 7 , 17 ].

Stigmatized attitude towards mental health and illness was reported as topmost barriers to help-seeking among overseas and local Filipinos. This included notions of mental illness as a sign of personal weakness or failure of character resulting to loss of face. There is a general consensus in these studies that the reluctance of Filipinos to seek professional help is mainly due to their fear of being labeled or judged negatively, or even their fear of fueling negative perceptions of the Filipino community. Other overseas Filipinos were afraid that having mental illness would affect their jobs and immigration status, especially for those who are in precarious employment conditions [ 6 , 16 ].

Facilitators of formal help-seeking

All 15 studies discussed facilitators of formal help-seeking, but the identified enablers were few (Table ​ (Table4). 4 ). Among the top and commonly cited factors that promote help-seeking are: (1) perceived severity of the mental health problem or awareness of mental health needs; (2) influence of social support, such as the presence/absence of family and friends, witnessing friends seeking help, having supportive friends and family who encourage help-seeking, or having others taking the initiative to help; and (3) financial capacity.

Key themes on facilitators in help-seeking

Local vs overseas Filipinos Studies on overseas Filipinos frequently cited financial capacity, immigration status, language proficiency, lower adherence to Asian values and stigma tolerance as enablers of help-seeking [ 15 , 30 , 32 , 34 ], while studies done on local Filipinos reported that awareness of mental health issues and previous positive experience of seeking help serve as facilitator [ 7 , 12 ].

Community-based vs health/social centres Those who were receiving help from crisis centres mentioned that previous positive experience with mental health professionals encouraged their formal help-seeking [ 8 , 17 , 31 ]. On the other hand, community-based studies cited the positive influence of encouraging family and friends as well as higher awareness of mental health problems as enablers of help-seeking [ 12 , 14 , 16 ].

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review conducted on psychological help-seeking among Filipinos, including its barriers and facilitators. The heterogeneity of participants (e.g., age, gender, socio-economic status, geographic location or residence, range of mental health problems) was large.

Filipino mental health help-seeking behavior and attitudes The rate of mental health problems appears to be high among Filipinos both local and overseas, but the rate of help-seeking is low. This is consistent with findings of a study among Chinese immigrants in Australia which reported higher psychological distress but with low utilization of mental health services [ 35 ]. The actual help-seeking behavior of both local and overseas Filipinos recorded at 10.72% ( n  = 461) is lower than the 19% of the general population in the US [ 36 ] and 16% in the United Kingdom (UK) [ 37 ], and even far below the global prevalence rate of 30% of people with mental illness receiving treatment [ 38 ]. This finding is also comparable with the low prevalence rate of mental health service use among the Chinese population in Hong Kong [ 39 ] and in Australia [ 35 ], Vietnamese immigrants in Canada [ 30 ], East Asian migrants in North America [ 41 ] and other ethnic minorities [ 42 ] but is in sharp contrast with the increased use of professional help among West African migrants in The Netherlands [ 43 ].

Most of the studies identified informal help through family and friends as the most widely utilized source of support, while professional service providers were only used as a last resort. Filipinos who are already accessing specialist services in crisis centres also used informal help to supplement professional help. This is consistent with reports on the frequent use of informal help in conjunction with formal help-seeking among the adult population in UK [ 44 ]. However, this pattern contrasts with informal help-seeking among African Americans who are less likely to seek help from social networks of family and friends [ 45 ]. Filipinos also tend to use their social networks of friends and family members as ‘go-between’ [ 46 ] for formal help, serving to intercede between mental health specialists and the individual. This was reiterated in a study by Shoultz et al. (2009) in which women who were victims of violence are reluctant to report the abuse to authorities but felt relieved if neighbours and friends would interfere for professional help in their behalf [ 32 ].

Different patterns of help-seeking among local and overseas Filipinos were evident and may be attributed to the differences in the health care system of the Philippines and their host countries. For instance, the greater use of general medical services by overseas Filipinos is due to the gatekeeper role of general practitioners (GP) in their host countries [ 47 ] where patients have to go through their GPs before they get access to mental health specialists. In contrast, local Filipinos have direct access to psychiatrists or psychologists without a GP referral. Additionally, those studies conducted in the Philippines were done in urban centers where participants have greater access to mental health specialists. While Filipinos generally are reluctant to seek help, later-generation overseas Filipinos have more positive attitudes towards psychological help-seeking. Their exposure and acculturation to cultures that are more tolerant of mental health stigma probably influenced their more favorable attitude [ 41 , 48 ].

Prominent barrier themes in help-seeking Findings of studies on frequently endorsed barriers in psychological help-seeking are consistent with commonly reported impediments to health care utilization among Filipino migrants in Australia [ 49 ] and Asian migrants in the US [ 47 , 50 ]. The same barriers in this review, such as preference for self-reliance as alternative coping strategy, poor mental health awareness, perceived stigma, are also identified in mental health help-seeking among adolescents and young adults [ 51 ] and among those suffering from depression [ 52 ].

Social and self-stigmatizing attitudes to mental illness are prominent barriers to help-seeking among Filipinos. Social stigma is evident in their fears of negative perception of the Filipino community, ruining the family reputation, or fear of social exclusion, discrimination and disapproval. Self-stigma manifests in their concern for loss of face, sense of shame or embarrassment, self-blame, sense of being a disgrace or being judged negatively and the notion that mental illness is a sign of personal weakness or failure of character [ 16 ]. The deterrent role of mental health stigma is consistent with the findings of other studies [ 51 , 52 ]. Overseas Filipinos who are not fully acculturated to the more stigma-tolerant culture of their host countries still hold these stigmatizing beliefs. There is also a general apprehension of becoming a burden to others.

Practical barriers to the use of mental health services like accessibility and financial constraints are also consistently rated as important barriers by Filipinos, similar to Chinese Americans [ 53 ]. In the Philippines where mental health services are costly and inaccessible [ 54 ], financial constraints serve as a hindrance to formal help-seeking, as mentioned by a participant in the study of Straiton and his colleagues, “In the Philippines… it takes really long time to decide for us that this condition is serious. We don’t want to use our money right away” [ 14 , p.6]. Local Filipinos are confronted with problems of lack of mental health facilities, services and professionals due to meager government spending on health. Despite the recent ratification of the Philippines’ Mental Health Act of 2018 and the Universal Health Care Act of 2019, the current coverage for mental health services provided by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation only amounts to US$154 per hospitalization and only for acute episodes of mental disorders [ 55 ]. Specialist services for mental health in the Philippines are restricted in tertiary hospitals located in urban areas, with only one major mental hospital and 84 psychiatric units in general hospitals [ 1 ].

Overseas Filipinos cited the lack of health insurance and immigration status without health care privileges as financial barrier. In countries where people have access to universal health care, being employed is a barrier to psychological help-seeking because individuals prefer to work instead of attending medical check-ups or consultations [ 13 ]. Higher income is also associated with better mental health [ 56 ] and hence, the need for mental health services is low, whereas poor socio-economic status is related to greater risk of developing mental health problems [ 57 , 58 ]. Lack of familiarity with healthcare system in host countries among new Filipino migrants also discourages them from seeking help.

Studies have shown that reliance on, and accessibility of sympathetic, reliable and trusted family and friends are detrimental to formal help-seeking since professional help is sought only in the absence of this social support [ 6 , 8 ]. This is consistent with the predominating cultural values that govern Filipino interpersonal relationships called kapwa (or shared identity) in which trusted family and friends are considered as “hindi-ibang-tao” (one-of-us/insider), while doctors or professionals are seen as “ibang-tao” (outsider) [ 59 ]. Filipinos are apt to disclose and be more open and honest about their mental illness to those whom they considered as “hindi-ibang-tao” (insider) as against those who are “ibang-tao” (outsider), hence their preference for family members and close friends as source of informal help [ 59 ]. For Filipinos, it is difficult to trust a mental health specialist who is not part of the family [ 60 ].

Qualitative studies in this review frequently mentioned resilience and self-reliance among overseas Filipinos as barriers to help-seeking. As an adaptive coping strategy for adversity [ 61 ], overseas Filipinos believe that they were better equipped in overcoming emotional challenges of immigration [ 16 ] without professional assistance [ 14 ]. It supports the findings of studies on overseas Filipino domestic workers who attributed their sense of well-being despite stress to their sense of resilience which prevents them from developing mental health problems [ 62 ] and among Filipino disaster survivors who used their capacity to adapt as protective mechanism from experience of trauma [ 63 ]. However, self-reliant individuals also tend to hold stigmatizing beliefs on mental health and as such resort to handling problems on their own instead of seeking help [ 51 , 64 ].

Prominent facilitator themes in help-seeking In terms of enablers of psychological help-seeking, only a few facilitators were mentioned in the studies, which supported findings in other studies asserting that factors that promote help-seeking are less often emphasized [ 42 , 51 ].

Consistent with other studies [ 44 , 49 ], problem severity is predictive of intention to seek help from mental health providers [ 18 , 30 ] because Filipinos perceive that professional services are only warranted when symptoms have disabling effects [ 5 , 53 ]. As such, those who are experiencing heightened emotional distress were found to be receptive to intervention [ 17 ]. In most cases, symptom severity is determined only when somatic or behavioral symptoms manifest [ 13 ] or occupational dysfunction occurs late in the course of the mental illness [ 65 ]. This is most likely due to the initial denial of the problem [ 66 ] or attempts at maintaining normalcy of the situation as an important coping mechanism [ 67 ]. Furthermore, this poses as a hindrance to any attempts at early intervention because Filipinos are likely to seek professional help only when the problem is severe or has somatic manifestations. It also indicates the lack of preventive measure to avert any deterioration in mental health and well-being.

More positive attitudes towards help-seeking and higher rates of mental health care utilization have been found among later-generation Filipino immigrants or those who have acquired residency status in their host country [ 10 , 15 ]. Immigration status and length of stay in the host country are also associated with language proficiency, higher acculturation and familiarity with the host culture that are more open to discussing mental health issues [ 13 ], which present fewer barriers in help-seeking. This is consistent with facilitators of formal help-seeking among other ethnic minorities, such as acculturation, social integration and positive attitude towards mental health [ 43 ].

Cultural context of Filipinos’ reluctance to seek help Several explanations have been proposed to account for the general reluctance of Filipinos to seek psychological help. In Filipino culture, mental illness is attributed to superstitious or supernatural causes, such as God’s will, witchcraft, and sorcery [ 68 , 69 ], which contradict the biopsychosocial model used by mental health care professionals. Within this cultural context, Filipinos prefer to seek help from traditional folk healers who are using religious rituals in their healing process instead of availing the services of professionals [ 70 , 71 ]. This was reaffirmed by participants in the study of Thompson and her colleagues who said that “psychiatrists are not a way to deal with emotional problems” [ 74 , p.685]. The common misconception on the cause and nature of mental illness, seeing it as temporary due to cold weather [ 14 ] or as a failure in character and as an individual responsibility to overcome [ 16 , 72 ] also discourages Filipinos from seeking help.

Synthesis of the studies included in the review also found conflicting findings on various cultural and psychosocial influences that served both as enablers and deterrents to Filipino help-seeking, namely: (1) level of spirituality; (2) concern on loss of face or sense of shame; and (3) presence of social support.

Level of spirituality Higher spirituality or greater religious beliefs have disparate roles in Filipino psychological help-seeking. Some studies [ 8 , 14 , 16 ] consider it a hindrance to formal help-seeking, whereas others [ 10 , 15 ] asserted that it can facilitate the utilization of mental health services [ 15 , 73 ]. Being predominantly Catholics, Filipinos had drawn strength from their religious faith to endure difficult situations and challenges, accordingly ‘leaving everything to God’ [ 74 ] which explains their preference for clergy as sources of help instead of professional mental health providers. This is connected with the Filipino attribution of mental illness to spiritual or religious causes [ 62 ] mentioned earlier. On the contrary, Hermansdottir and Aegisdottir argued that there is a positive link between spirituality and help-seeking, and cited connectedness with host culture as mediating factor [ 15 ]. Alternately, because higher spirituality and religiosity are predictors of greater sense of well-being [ 75 ], there is, thus, a decreased need for mental health services.

Concern on loss of face or sense of shame The enabler/deterrent role of higher concern on loss of face and sense of shame on psychological help-seeking was also identified. The majority of studies in this review asserted the deterrent role of loss of face and stigma consistent with the findings of other studies [ 51 ], although Clement et al. stated that stigma is the fourth barrier in deterring help-seeking [ 76 ]. Mental illness is highly stigmatized in the Philippines and to avoid the derogatory label of ‘crazy’, Filipinos tend to conceal their mental illness and consequently avoid seeking professional help. This is aligned with the Filipino value of hiya (sense of propriety) which considers any deviation from socially acceptable behavior as a source of shame [ 11 ]. The stigmatized belief is reinforced by the notion that formal help-seeking is not the way to deal with emotional problems, as reflected in the response of a Filipino participant in the study by Straiton et. al., “It has not occurred to me to see a doctor for that kind of feeling” [ 14 , p.6]. However, other studies in this review [ 12 , 13 ] posited contrary views that lower stigma tolerance and higher concern for loss of face could also motivate psychological help-seeking for individuals who want to avoid embarrassing their family. As such, stigma tolerance and loss of face may have a more nuanced influence on help-seeking depending on whether the individual avoids the stigma by not seeking help or prevent the stigma by actively seeking help.

Presence of social support The contradictory role of social networks either as helpful or unhelpful in formal help-seeking was also noted in this review. The presence of friends and family can discourage Filipinos from seeking professional help because their social support serves as protective factor that buffer one’s experience of distress [ 77 , 78 ]. Consequently, individuals are less likely to use professional services [ 42 , 79 ]. On the contrary, other studies have found that the presence of friends and family who have positive attitudes towards formal help-seeking can promote the utilization of mental health services [ 8 , 80 ]. Friends who sought formal help and, thus, serve as role models [ 14 ], and those who take the initiative in seeking help for the distressed individual [ 32 ] also encourage such behavior. Thus, the positive influence of friends and family on mental health and formal help-seeking of Filipinos is not merely to serve only as emotional buffer for stress, but to also favourably influence the decision of the individual to seek formal help.

Research implications of findings

This review highlights particular evidence gaps that need further research: (1) operationalization of help-seeking behavior as a construct separating intention and attitude; (2) studies on actual help-seeking behavior among local and overseas Filipinos with identified mental health problems; (3) longitudinal study on intervention effectiveness and best practices; (4) studies that triangulate findings of qualitative studies with quantitative studies on the role of resilience and self-reliance in help-seeking; and (5) factors that promote help-seeking.

Some studies in this review reported help-seeking intention or attitude as actual behaviors even though they are separate constructs, hence leading to reporting biases and misinterpretations. For instance, the conflicting findings of Tuliao et al. [ 12 ] on the negative association of loss of face with help-seeking attitude and the positive association between loss of face and intention to seek help demonstrate that attitudes and intentions are separate constructs and, thus, need further operationalization. Future research should strive to operationalize concretely these terms through the use of robust measurement tools and systematic reporting of results. There is also a lack of data on the actual help-seeking behaviors among Filipinos with mental illness as most of the reports were from the general population and on their help-seeking attitudes and intentions. Thus, research should focus on those with mental health problems and their actual utilization of healthcare services to gain a better understanding of how specific factors prevent or promote formal help-seeking behaviors.

Moreover, the majority of the studies in this review were descriptive cross-sectional studies, with only one cohort analytic study. Future research should consider a longitudinal study design to ensure a more rigorous and conclusive findings especially on testing the effectiveness of interventions and documenting best practices. Because of the lack of quantitative research that could triangulate the findings of several qualitative studies on the detrimental role of resilience and self-reliance, quantitative studies using pathway analysis may help identify how these barriers affect help-seeking. A preponderance of studies also focused on discussing the roles of barriers in help-seeking, but less is known about the facilitators of help-seeking. For this reason, factors that promote help-seeking should be systematically investigated.

Practice, service delivery and policy implications

Findings of this review also indicate several implications for practice, service delivery, intervention and policy. Cultural nuances that underlie help-seeking behavior of Filipinos, such as the relational orientation of their interactions [ 81 ], should inform the design of culturally appropriate interventions for mental health and well-being and improving access and utilization of health services. Interventions aimed at improving psychological help-seeking should also target friends and family as potential and significant influencers in changing help-seeking attitude and behavior. They may be encouraged to help the individual to seek help from the mental health professional. Other approaches include psychoeducation that promotes mental health literacy and reduces stigma which could be undertaken both as preventive and treatment strategies because of their positive influence on help-seeking. Strategies to reduce self-reliance may also be helpful in encouraging help-seeking.

This review also has implications for structural changes to overcome economic and other practical barriers in Filipino seeking help for mental health problems. Newly enacted laws on mental health and universal healthcare in the Philippines may jumpstart significant policy changes, including increased expenditure for mental health treatment.

Since lack of awareness of available services was also identified as significant barrier, overseas Filipinos could be given competency training in utilizing the health care system of host countries, possibly together with other migrants and ethnic minorities. Philippine consular agencies in foreign countries should not merely only resort to repatriation acts, but could also take an active role in service delivery especially for overseas Filipinos who experience trauma and/or may have immigration-related constraints that hamper their access to specialist care.

Limitations of findings

A crucial limitation of studies in this review is the use of different standardized measures of help-seeking that render incomparable results. These measures were western-based inventories, and only three studies mentioned using cultural validation, such as forward-and-back-translations, to adapt them to cross-cultural research on Filipino participants. This may pose as a limitation on the cultural appropriateness and applicability of foreign-made tests [ 73 ] in capturing the true essence of Filipino experience and perspectives [ 74 ]. Additionally, the majority of the studies used non-probability sampling that limits the generalizability of results. They also failed to measure the type of assistance or actual support sought by Filipinos, such as psychoeducation, referral services, supportive counseling or psychotherapy, and whether or not they are effective in addressing mental health concerns of Filipinos. Another inherent limitation of this review is the lack of access to grey literature, such as thesis and dissertations published in other countries, or those published in the Philippines and are not available online. A number of studies on multi-ethnic studies with Filipino participants do not provide disaggregated data, which limits the scope and inclusion of studies in this review.

This review has confirmed the low utilization of mental health services among Filipinos regardless of their locations, with mental health stigma as a primary barrier resilience and self-reliance as coping strategies were also cited, especially in qualitative studies, but may be important in addressing issues of non-utilization of mental health services. Social support and problem severity were cited as prominent facilitators in help-seeking. However, different structural, cultural and practical barriers and facilitators of psychological help-seeking between overseas and local Filipinos were also found.

Compliance with ethical standard

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interests in this work.