THE Filipino Personality PDF

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Subject : THEORIES OF PERSONALITYFocus : The Filipino Personality By : Benny S. Soliman, MA Ed., RGC.Learning Objectives At the end of the lecture, the participants are expected to: identify relevant indigenous/ Filipino concepts in understanding personality; describe the strengths and weaknesses of...

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THEORIES OF PERSONALITY The Filipino Personality Benny S. Soliman, MA Ed., RGC.

Learning Objectives At the end of the lecture, the participants are expected to: 1. identify relevant indigenous/ Filipino concepts in understanding personality; 2. describe the strengths and weaknesses of the Filipino character; and 2. gain a deeper appreciation of the Filipino pagkatao;

Introduction Filipino psychologists have felt the need to re-examine several of the psychological theories (and their applications) that were proposed as though they were universally applicable. A development that has caught fire among many circles is that of indigenization. Dr. Virgilio G. Enriquez noted that while various indigenization approaches can be developed, there are basically two kinds of indigenization that can occur: indigenization from within and from without. Indigenization from without- refers to research studies applying western theoretical models and methodologies to the local setting. Indigenization from within- refers to indigenous research utilizing the local’s own methods to elicit and study culture-specific social behaviors. While both types of indigenization processes are aimed at making psychological concepts, theories, and methods more culturally meaningful, the process of indigenization from within is superior to that from without. When culture is the source of indigenous knowledge, a model toward global psychology through a cross-indigenous perspective becomes more possible.

Part I. Filipino Psychology Concepts and Methods Filipino Psychology- it is an indigenous psychology. The scientific study of the ethnicity, society and culture of a people and the application to psychological practice of indigenous knowledge rooted in the people’s ethnic heritage and consciousness (Enriquez, 1994). Distinctions among the forms of Psychology in the Philippines 1. Sikolohiya sa Pilipinas (Psychology in the Philippines) refers to a series of events related to the field of psychology in the Philippines. (e.g. number of degree programs and journals, the amount of research conducted). Ito ang pinakamalaki o kabuuang anyo ng sikolohiya sa kontekstong Pilipino. 2. Sikolohiya ng mga Pilipino (Psychology of Filipinos) refers to any theories or knowledge of Filipino nature regardless of source, Western or local. Ito ang palasak na anyo sapagkat pinakakaraniwan o madaling makita. 3. Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Filipino Psychology) refers to a psychology based on the Filipino’s true thoughts, feelings, behaviors and must be derived from indigenous Filipino sources, language, and methods. Ito ang nilalayong anyo, sikolohiyang bunga ng karanasan, kaisipan at oryentasyong Pilipino. Kapwa: A core concept in Filipino Psychology Enriquez (1978) defined kapwa as “the unity of the self and others, a recognition of shared identity, an inner self shared with others.” The ako (ego) and the iba-sa-akin (others) are one and the same in kapwa psychology: “Hindi ako iba sa aking kapwa (I am no different from others).” Once ako starts thinking of

himself as different from kapwa, the self, in effect, denies the status of kapwa to the other (Enriquez, 1978). From the concept of shared inner self in kapwa emanates the social behavior of pakikipagkapwa. This means “accepting and dealing with the other person as an equal.” This also means “a regard for the dignity and being of others.” Enriquez (1989) also linked the core value of kapwa (shared identity) to the sociopersonal value of kagandahang-loob (shared humanity) and other social values like karangalan (dignity), katarungan (justice), and kalayaan (freedom). Pakikiramdam: The Pivotal Aspect of Kapwa Pakikiramdam refers to heightened awareness or sensitivity. An active process involving a great care and deliberation manifested in “hesitation to react, inattention to subtle cues, and non-verbal behavior in mental role-playing” The Different Concepts in the Theory of Kapwa and their Interrelationships CORE VALUE KAPWA “shared identity” Pivotal Interpersonal value Pakikiramdam “shared inner perception” Accommodative surface value

Hiya “propriety/ dignity” Utang na loob “gratitude” Pakikisama “companionship”

Associated behavior pattern

Biro “joke” Lambing “sweetness” Tampo “affective disappointment”

Confrontative surface values

Bahala na “determination” Sama/lakas ng loob “resentment/guts” Pakikibaka “resistance”

Part II. Filipino Concepts in Understanding Personality In defining the concept of Filipino personality, Enriquez (1994) notes that we have actually a long tradition of theorizing. Three reflections on the Filipino personality which he listed are as follows: 1. the Ma’aram concept of pagkatawo (personhood), which contains five elements: ginhawa (vital principle), buot (perception), isip (mind), Dungan (sleep spirit), and kalag (life spirit); 2. Baltazar’s bait (sanity), muni (reflection), and hatol (judgment); and 3. Covar’s concept of Filipino personhood based on four elements: kaluluwa (spirit), budhi (conscience), katauhang panlabas (external appearance), and katauhang panloob (innermost being). Focusing on Covar’s conceptualization of Filipino personality, Enriquez goes on to say that “the kaluluwa is life’s source, while budhi guides a person in his actions and judges the life he leads. Katauhang panlabas refers to the physical characteristics associated with body parts and its related meanings. Loob refers to the innermost feeling of an individual. The complex interrelationship among these elements embodies fulfillment” (Enriquez, 1994, p. 55). Filipino Concept of Loob Concept Utang na loob Ipagkaloob Lagay ng Loob Lakas-loob

Definition Debt of gratitude to entrust mood, state of the mind or feeling Courage

Tibay ng loob Tining ng loob Kababaang loob Kabutihang loob Kusang loob Payapang loob Kapalagayang loob Pampalubag loob Saloobin Masama ang loob Masamang loob Mahina ang loob Labag sa kalooban Maluwag sa kalooban

inner strength, resilience clarity of thinking and feeling Humility good naturedness initiative calm; at peace confidant something given to soothe inner feeling or thoughts angry, holding a grudge crook (one belonging to criminal class) coward unwilling willing

Part III. Indigenous Research Methods In the article of Santiago and Enriquez (1982) titled “Tungo sa Makapilipinong Pananaliksik,” they noted the importance of using one’s own language to capture the nation’s true culture. A major theme of the article is why western research methods may not be sufficient for studying Filipino behavior. Those who possess the true spirit or soul of the Filipino are the masses and the poor, who are often neglected in psychological research in favor of college students in an urban setting. Status of Filipino psychological Research (Santiago and Enriquez, 1982) 1. Most topics in Filipino psychological research are chosen based on the interest, goals, and problems of the researcher rather than of the respondents who are the main focus of the study. Most of the time, the research problem chosen has nothing to do with the respondents. 2. Aside from the choice of topics, the method of data gathering is sometimes inappropriate because the measures used are from western cultures. Recommendations/ Suggestions (Santiago and Enriquez, 1982) 1. Topics chosen must emanate from among the respondents themselves. 2. To use the two scales available to the Filipino researcher, namely, the Iskala ng Mananaliksik (researcher/method scale) and the Iskala ng Patutunguhan ng Mananaliksik at Kalahok (researcher-participant relationship scale).

Scale 1. The Iskala ng Mananaliksik includes research methods ranging from the unobtrusive to the research-participative. The unobtrusive methods include: a. pagmamasid (looking-around) b. pakikiramdam (sensing, feeling what is happening) From these two, more obtrusive methods may spring and be used which include: c. pagtatanong-tanong (unstructured, informal questioning) d. pagsubok (start talking/working with respondents). The highest levels of research participation include: e. pagdalaw-dalaw (visits to respondents’ home) and f. pakikisangkot (deep involvement in the respondents’ activities) Other research methods in this scale include pagmamatyag, pagsusubaybay, pakikialam, pakikilahok, pakikisangkot, pakapa-kapa (suppositionless approach-groping, searching, and probing) (Torres, 1982), pakikipanuluyan, pakikipagkwentuhan (Nicdao-Henson, 1982), and the ginabayang talakayan (Galvez, 1986).

Scale 2. The Iskala ng Pagtutunguhan ng Mananaliksik at Kalahok is based on the Filipino view of equality between the researcher and the respondents (Church & Katigbak, 2002). This scale includes the degrees of relationship between researcher and study participants. The scale includes: a. pakikitungo (transaction civility) b. pakikisalamuha (interaction) c. pakikilahok (participating, joining) d. pakikibagay (conforming with) e. pakikisama (being along with) f. pakikipagpalagayang-loob (understanding, acceptance) g. pakikisangkot (getting involved) h. pakikiisa (being one with) Santiago (1979) identified an underlying dimension to these interaction patterns and came up with two summary categories: a. Ibang-tao or outsider category (pakikitungo, pakikisalamuha, pakikilahok, pakikibagay, and pakikisama). b. Hindi-ibang-tao or insider category (pakikipagpalagayang-loob, pakikisangkot, and pakikiisa). Indigenous Personality Test/Scales The Philippines has been a leader in the development of indigenous instruments and research methods. Enriquez (1994) credits Sinforoso Padilla with the development of the first local test, the Philippine Mental Abilities Test, which was developed in the1950s (Carlota, 1999). Ortega and Guanzon-Lapeña (cited in Guanzon-Lapeña, Church, Carlota, & Katigbak, 1998) noted that more than 200 local measures have now been developed. But according to Bernardo (1997), many of these measures have not been described in published sources, so they are not readily available and the extent to which they are valid and culture-specific is unclear. The following are just some of the numerous indigenous personality tests/scales. 1. Panukat ng Ugali at Pagkatao or PUP (Enriquez, 1975)- in its present form, the 160-item PUP is in Filipino with English translations for all of its items. Respondents indicate their level of agreement with each item using a 5-point bipolar scale (Hinding-hindi or definitely no, Hindi or no, Walang masabi or nothing to say, Totoo or true, and Totoong totoo or definitely true). 2. Panukat ng Pagkataong Pilipino or PPP (Carlota, 1985)- the most recent version of PPP has 210 items and is available in English and three other Philippine languages. Katigbak, Church, Guanzon-Lapen˜a, Carlota, and del Pilar (2002) found that some ofthe PPP dimensions were related to self-reported problem behaviors. PPP Honesty negatively correlated with smoking and drinking habits, PPP Thoughtfulness negatively correlated with the tendency to gamble, and PPP Intelligence and Creativity negatively correlated with accident proneness. In contrast, PPP Sensitiveness positively correlated with accident proneness. Other dimensions measured by the the PPP are the following: Emotional Stability, Sociability, Risk Taking, Cheerfulness, and Respectfulness. 3. Panukat ng mga Katangian ng Personalidad or PKP also known as the Philippine Trait Rating Form (Church, Reyes, Katigbak, & Grimm, 1997)- it measures the seven dimensions that were supposed to be a complete representation of Filipino personality: Conscientiousness, Concern for Others versus Egotism, Religiosity, Temperamentalness, Self-Assurance, Intellect, and Gregariousness. Two additional dimensions, Negative Valence and Positive Valence, were also included in the latest empirical study of the PKP. It was found that some of the dimensions in the 253-item version of the PKP were correlated with self-reported problem behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and gambling. 4. Student Rating Form (Katigbak, Church, & Akamine, 1996)- a multidimensional measure based on Filipino college students’ conceptions of healthy and unhealthy personality....