research title about filipino culture

• DOI: 10.21013/JMSS.V3.N3.P30
• Corpus ID: 145817478

Cultural Beliefs and Practices of Ethnic Filipinos: An Ethnographic Study

• Published 5 July 2016
• IRA-International Journal of Management & Social Sciences

13 Citations

The ethnoastronomical beliefs of mangyan indigenous people: case of iraya tribe in occidental mindoro, maternal and infant care beliefs and practices of aeta mothers in central luzon, philippines, ayta’s indigenous healthcare practices: a descriptive-qualitative study.

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The Aeta At the Mt. Pinatubo, Philippines : A Minority Group Coping with Disaster

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Identity Crisis: A study on the different perceptions of Filipinos on a concrete national identity (2015)

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Budhi: A Journal of Ideas and Culture

Noelle Leslie Dela Cruz

I present a philosophical analysis of collective identity based on the arguments and related assumptions aired in recent public conversation about the Chinese in the Philippines. How is “Filipino identity” constructed and negotiated? What is revealed by the mere asking of the question, “Who counts as (a true) Filipino?” In exploring these issues, I hope to arrive at a preliminary ethical framework derived from metaphysical and ontological considerations.

Almond Aguila

Defining Filipinoness has been problematic throughout history. Previous studies have focused on the persistent impact of the colonial experience on Filipinos (Bernad, 1971; Constantino, 1977; Enriquez, 1992; Yacat, 2005). Some scholars have framed their understanding vis-a-vis the search for a national consciousness resulting in a unif ied Filipino identity (Anderson, 1983; Constantino, 1969). But in the age of globalization, statehood and nationhood have become questionable concepts (Adamson & Demetriou, 2007; Ahmad & Eijaz, 2011; Guéhenno, 1995; Omae, 1995). Who has the Filipino become amid a modern-day diaspora? I propose an analysis of history not as archival and disconnected from the present but as part of an ongoing story of identity formation. Recognition is given to kapwa, a view of self-and-other as one. This indigenous ontology offers a postmodern lens to understand the complexities of being Filipino through time and space. For contemporary Filipinos, identity formation may involve a continuing resistance against colonialism now set amid the diaspora in the digital age. This article further presents an alternative view of Filipinoness by arguing that diasporics remain Filipino despite physical estrangement from the Philippines. An essential point echoed from other scholars is how cultural identity should not be seen as singular and unchanging (Hall, 1990; Said, 1993/2012). Rather, Filipinoness may refer to evolving, varied and fluid Filipino identities. This evolution involves a past that folds into the present and impacts the future in locations around the world.

Second International Conference on Advances in Management, Economics and Social Science - MES 2015

Orazio Licciardello

This qualitative study explored how 36 undergraduate students from the University of the Philippines who were born, raised and currently residing in the Philippines make sense of their “pagka-Pilipino” (being Filipinos). Using the method of ginabayang talakayan (indigenous facilitated discussions), it was found that notions of “being Filipino” were shaped by any of three factors: a sense of shared origins (pinagmulan); growing up in a similar cultural milieu (kinalakhan) and a shared consciousness (kamalayan). This may suggest uniformity in the participants’ definitions of “who the Filipino is” but analysis reveals that different people and groups tend to place different emphases on the three factors in their own attempts to come to terms with their identities as Filipinos. Hence, “Filipino” and “being Filipino” may evoke different meanings among different people

Journal of Asian American Studies

Martin Manalansan

Rolando M Gripaldo

Cultural identity evolves with historical development. Sometimes the evolution is so slow that the cultural identity of a community is identified as virtually the same as that of centuries ago. This is usually the case for primitive ethnic or tribal identities. In another case, the evolution is fast compared with the first case such that the cultural identity of a community contains many foreign cultural elements although it is still identified with many important ethnic cultural traits. In the third scenario, the evolution is much faster than the second case such that the cultural identity of the group assumes most of the foreign cultural traits, usually those brought about by Westernization. In the last scenario, the evolution is fastest such that the cultural identity of the community is very similar to the Western cultural identity although slight vestiges of its ethnic or racial origin may still be noticeable. The Philippine case belongs to the fourth scenario and the purpose of the paper is to philosophically explain how such a scenario comes about. Certainly, the current usage of the term “cultural identity” is contextual and will have different meanings in different contexts. This is especially true when one migrates to another country and, depending upon the context, he or she will be culturally identified as of ethnic, racial, national, etc., identity. This paper will argue that Filipino cultural identity is still something in the making within the greater purview of the Western culture—a positive cultural identity which Filipinos can be proud of and which foreigners can affirm in a favorable light.

Francis Dagatan

Randy Gonzales

of a Dissertation Submitted to the Graduate School of The University of Southern Mississippi in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy

Gerry Lanuza

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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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How ‘hiya,’ ‘kapwa’ and other cultural values play a role in Filipino American mental health

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Lauren Soriente’s grandfather told her that he expected her to pay for her younger sister’s college tuition. When he was growing up in the Philippines, the oldest sibling paid for their younger siblings’ tuitions, he said.

Soriente’s mother, meanwhile, has been unclear about what financial support her parents expect from her — and unwilling to have a serious conversation about it. Years ago, the 27-year-old felt pushed by her family into pursuing accounting. It’s a field that offers financial stability, but it’s not something the Northern Virginia resident is passionate about.

“I guess looking back now, I realize, did they make me do this so I would be their retirement fund?” she said.

The possibility that she might have to financially provide for her family adds to the existing stressors she faces, with student loans, wage stagnation and inflation.

Soriente’s experience is common among Filipino Americans, who place a high value on looking after their families. The indebtedness Soriente feels and the expectations her family has are rooted in the cultural value of utang na loob , which translates to “debt of gratitude.” It refers to reciprocity and doing what’s good for the collective. In a listening session with 16 Filipino Americans from across the U.S., the majority of participants shared similar experiences about the pressure of putting family first as a common source of tension.

Christine Catipon, a senior staff psychologist at the UC Irvine Counseling Center, sees the effect of utang na loob in almost all her Filipino students. They often feel pressured not only to pay their parents back for all they’ve done but also to support them for the rest of their lives. For Soriente, she attributes the indebtedness she feels for her family to a strong sense of duty and close connection to family members. Also to the expectations they have of her, in part because they’ve fulfilled her basic needs.

More from this project: Mental health in the Filipino American community

This is a collection of articles about mental health in the Filipino American community and the factors that influence it.

Oct. 27, 2022

What’s known about the nuances of Filipino American mental health is limited by a dearth of resources and researchers dedicated to studying it. One 1995 study found that 27% of Filipino American respondents had a major depressive episode or clinical depression of varying severity, more than three times that of the general U.S. population . Another study, published in 2017 , found that Filipino American youths were at higher risk of depressive symptoms during adolescence and young adulthood compared with their Chinese American peers.

Dr. Joyce Javier, a pediatrician and researcher at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and an associate professor of clinical pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, has conducted research on suicidal ideation in Filipina American teens. She said the group has been shown to have higher rates of suicidal ideation compared to other ethnicities .

Despite the fact that much is unknown, Catipon said a good place to start is understanding the role cultural values play when it comes to mental health.

Kevin Nadal, a professor of psychology at the City University of New York and author of “Filipino American Psychology,” cited four main cultural values that may affect Filipino Americans’ mental health. In addition to utang na loob , there are:

• kapwa , a sense of connectedness with one another.
• pakikisama, the idea of social conformity, the need to be accepted and for there to be peace and harmony among others.
• hiya , shame, which is “governed by the notion that the goal of the individual is to represent oneself or one’s family in the most honorable way,” Nadal writes in “Filipino American Psychology.”

“It’s so important to acknowledge that these values are generally good and positive values, and that they are the reasons why we have a strong sense of community, why Filipinos generally are a collective,” Nadal said. “They put others before themselves, are kind, hardworking and all these other things.

“And at the same time, these values might contribute to the nuanced reasons why some Filipino Americans may have difficulty navigating mental health issues.”

Catipon said that these values, which are familiar in the Philippines, might not be as obvious in Filipino Americans who were raised in the U.S., but they are often internalized.

Kapwa could prevent someone from seeking therapy, Nadal said, particularly if it involves going to a hospital or an area where a family member works. It’s a value that’s related to hiya . There is still a stigma attached to admitting you are having mental health issues, and this can lead people to avoid seeking therapy for fear of bringing shame to the family, community and themselves.

“It’s also the shame that people might feel that leads to things like depression,” Nadal said. “So if you feel shame that you didn’t graduate from college, or if you feel shame that you didn’t get married before you had a kid or you haven’t gotten married and you’re 40 years old, there might be lots of mental health issues that are attached to that.

“But maybe people aren’t connecting to those things or talking about those things because they just don’t want to admit to that — because talking about shame is hard and painful.”

If a family situation benefits the collective but causes an individual pain or suffering, that person might choose not to say anything because it might be received negatively by the entire group, Nadal said. This is related to the value of social harmony, or pakikisama .

He added that a person who does talk about it could be punished and be questioned about why they are causing trouble.

“This is why some Filipinos might internalize a lot of problems — because they don’t want to cause problems for others and their families or in their communities,” Nadal said.

The value of utang na loob, feeling indebted to others, can also contribute to suicidal ideation, Catipon said.

“There’s this inherent, ‘I did this for you, you owe me’ kind of feeling,” she said. “And if that’s your purpose, if you can’t pay them back, then what value does your life have?”

Javier said it’s difficult to pinpoint specific causes for high rates of suicidal ideation among Filipino Americans, but she cited three risk factors associated with it: depression, academic strain and family conflict.

“That’s a really important one, because family conflict can be a risk factor. But on the flip side, family closeness is a protective factor,” she said. “So there’s a lot of things that we can do to really help address suicide.”

Suicide prevention and crisis counseling resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, seek help from a professional and call 9-8-8. The United States’ first nationwide three-digit mental health crisis hotline 988 will connect callers with trained mental health counselors. Text “HOME” to 741741 in the U.S. and Canada to reach the Crisis Text Line .

Michelle Binoya, 33, a resident of Palmdale, was 15 when she first recognized she had depression. She also deals with suicidal ideation daily. She has often had to put the needs of her family before her own, including caring for her dad, who has schizophrenia. That came at a large cost to her and her family: Her mom wasn’t able to finish school and didn’t learn how to drive. Meanwhile, Binoya has repeatedly delayed graduating from college and doesn’t see herself getting married or having kids because she has prioritized attending to her father.

“I’ve always known that part of my issue with my mental health is my family,” she said. “And I don’t know how to love my family and maintain my wellness. And that’s the hard truth.”

She said her therapist has told her she should move out of the home she shares with her parents. Yet even with all the challenges that come with a parent who has episodes that can become violent, she’s determined to make her living situation work.

“At the end of the day, that core value [of family] is super important to me. I don’t know how it stuck with me, but it did. And I’m happy. There is a part of me that’s super happy and proud that I stuck it through.”

Catipon said many of her Filipino American clients withhold their mental health concerns from their parents because being “crazy” might make their parents feel like they’ve done a bad job of raising them.

Many participants in the focus group said they were taught to keep their emotions to themselves and not show others when they were struggling. Some also had their feelings dismissed growing up or didn’t talk about feelings.

That may prevent people from talking about suicidal ideation, Nadal said. Suicide is often so taboo that people won’t even label it as such, he said.

“Suicide among Filipino families — especially in the Philippines — tends to be covered up or hidden due to the stigma,” he said. “In fact, the Philippines generally reports a lower incidence than other Western countries, probably due mostly to the stigma leading to underreporting.”

Another part of the stigma of suicide stems from a misconception that Catholicism — which teaches that believers “ should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives” — considers death by suicide a sin that without exception bars entry into Heaven. This can also contribute to people’s fear of discussing it.

Southern California mental health resources for Filipino Americans

SIPA (Search to Involve Pilipino Americans) (213) 382-1819, Ext. 125 Center for the Pacific Asian Family (800) 339-3940 APAIT Health Center (213) 375-3830 (L.A. office) (714) 636-1349 (Orange County office) OCAPICA (Orange County Asian Pacific Islander Community Alliance) (714) 636-9095 Pacific Asian Counseling Services (310) 337-1550 Change Your Algorithm (323) 663-8882

In an effort to reduce suicidal ideation, Javier partnered with community organizations, schools, churches, community members and local officials 11 years ago to create the Filipino Family Health Initiative , a culturally responsive solution to address Filipino American mental health. It does so by teaching parents how to build stronger parent-child relationships and pass down positive cultural values to their children, among other things. The organization runs workshops on effective communication, special time with children, and social and emotional coaching.

She also said that research shows that a child’s or teen’s pride in their culture and ethnicity is associated with more positive mental health outcomes.

“So if someone can associate being Filipino as something positive, then that is very protective for their mental health,” she said.

Catipon said younger generations of Filipino Americans appear more willing to seek therapy compared with a decade ago. It allows them to learn healthy ways of communicating and expressing their feelings, which reduces some of the shame around it.

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Tess Paras talks about filmmaking, mental health and her Filipino American family

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“Even if they might not be able to express this with their family, they can at least not take responsibility for the ways that other people are going to choose to respond to them,” she said. “My clients are all about, ‘I want to learn how to take responsibility for my stuff and to recognize what’s not my stuff. [My family’s] doing the best that they can, but I’m learning how to do better.’”

Soriente said she experiences both negative and positive aspects of her cultural values on her mental health. She feels she’ll never fully meet her family’s expectations of her, but she’s working on accepting that.

At the same time, she acknowledges that it’s utang na loob that keeps her family strongly connected. She loves talking to her family about Filipino culture and food. She has also started learning Tagalog. She chats with her grandfather about her classes, and her mom helps her with her homework.

“I was raised by my grandparents, and I’ve always felt like their house is something I can always come back to,” she said. “Like, no matter what happens, I’ll always have my room in their house. I’ll always be able to go there for dinner.”

How the Philippines’ colonial legacy weighs on Filipino American mental health

The impact of the value placed on Eurocentric features, such as lighter skin, in the Filipino community is one of the most prominent examples of the impact of the Philippines’ colonial history on Filipino American mental health.

Oct. 12, 2021

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Agnes Constante is a freelance journalist whose work highlights communities of color. Her bylines have appeared in NBCNews.com, KCET, Women’s Health and Prism. Agnes was previously a staff reporter for Asian Journal. Her work has been recognized by the Los Angeles Press Club and Philippine American Press Club. Follow her on Twitter @agnesconstante .

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OCTOBER 27, 2022

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From kapwa to hiya: What our language reveals about being Filipino

• BY Madeleine O. Teh
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Project Sikodiwa by psychologist Carl Lorenz Cervantes explores the Filipino psyche through language

What defines being Filipino? Is it your passport? Or perhaps, where your parents are from? Is it determined by where you grew up?

As Filipinos find themselves in different corners of the globe—and as various ideas and cultures make their way to the Philippines through international media—what it means to be Filipino is in flux. National Artist and writer Nick Joaquin once said, “The identity of a Filipino today is of a person asking what is his identity.”

The answer to this question lies in something we use every day: language. For the past few years, university lecturer and psychologist Carl Lorenz Cervantes has been dissecting Filipino terms, like “kapwa” and “utang ng loob,” through his project Sikodiwa.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Carl Lorenz Cervantes (@sikodiwa)

A portmanteau of “sikolohiya” (psychology) and “diwa” (spirit), Sikodiwa sheds light on Filipino psychology and mysticism through beautifully crafted Instagram posts, blog articles, and podcast episodes. Cervantes’ foray into Filipino psychology stemmed from his graduate thesis research on telepathy. During the 2020 lockdowns, he connected with digital communities focused on spirituality. 

“I was always into magic and mythology,” Cervantes says. “Growing up, my grandfather had this hallway of books on psychic phenomena, pop psychology, and mysticism.” In 2022, he merged his lifelong interest in spirituality with his background in psychology to give birth to Sikodiwa.

Spiritual influences allow Cervantes to explore belief systems that permeate today while empirical psychology research lets him connect these frameworks with everyday life. Sikodiwa offers an unexpected take on learning about Filipino behavior through careful reflection on language.

Uncommon ways of looking at common Filipino words

Cervantes excavates the meaning of Filipino words to introduce deeper themes of Filipino psychology. “These words are just access points,” he notes. Words are cultural signposts for communities and our vocabulary highlights patterns we deem as important. 

Take the term “tao po . ” We say this when we knock on doors to show we’re human and not a malicious spirit. In one Instagram post , Cervantes explains the meaning behind this practice. “I am human, looking for the humanity within you.” Of course, Filipinos are also considerate of spirits. Whenever we pass by a mystical place, we say “tabi-tabi” po to tell the spirit we’re passing through. Sikodiwa notes in one post, “Our relationship with invisible beings and forces is an extension of our social dynamics: They are our kapwa.”

The Tagalog term “kapwa” roughly translates to “kindred” or “fellow humans.” Yet Cervantes stresses that the English translation only skims the surface of the term’s importance in Filipino culture. “Kapwa, in its most spiritual form, means you are part of a breathing ecology of nature, community, and spirit.” Togetherness extends beyond human relationships and bleeds into connection with the natural world and the divine. 

“Tao po,” “kapwa,” and the structure of words like “kapitbahay” and “kaibigan” all emphasize relationships. “Kapitbahay,” which means neighbor, consists of the words “grip” (kapit) and “bahay” (home.) While “kaibigan” (friend) consists of the prefix “ka – ” (to be with) and the word “ibig” (love). Filipino even has two words for “us”: “tayo” (where the listener is included) and “kami” (where the listener is excluded). The nuances found in these terms reveal Filipino culture as relational . We prioritize how we connect with other humans, places, and “diwata” — as opposed to self-sufficiency.

Revisiting toxic Filipino traits

Being in a relationship-driven society is great until it’s not. Yes, we enjoy family gatherings… until we receive unsolicited comments about our body or our love life (or, lack thereof). Those annoyances barely scratch the surface of much-controversial toxic Filipino traits. 

Utang na loob goes deeper than its literal translation of “inner debt.” It refers to a moral obligation to reciprocate an instance of “malasakit” ( empathy and concern). Inability to express utang na loob is regarded as “nakakahiya” (shameful).

“Hiya” (shame) looms over every facet of contemporary Filipino life. We mutter “walang hiya” (shameless) when we see another act out of line, whether it’s jumping the (literal) line at the supermarket or boldly going against familial and societal expectations. It’s “nakakahiya” to accept lavish gifts or confront someone after a slight. “Hiya’s” grip on us results in confrontation avoidance, preserving relationships at the cost of individual peace. 

Cervantes asks us to take a step back and see these characteristics in the context of our history. “These traits helped our ancestors survive through hardships, colonialism, and environmental disasters,” Cervantes explains. “‘Bayanihan,’ ‘kapwa,’ and ‘utang ng loob’ helped us get to where we are.”

Instead of immediately writing off a trait as toxic, let’s think about the environment surrounding how we express these characteristics. As mentioned earlier, collectivist Filipino culture prioritizes interpersonal relationships and group harmony . Individualistic cultures, such as American culture, celebrate self-reliance and uniqueness. A trait that’s celebrated in one culture could be discouraged in another. As urban Filipino communities become more individualistic , traditional traits tend to take on different expressions.

Diasporic dialogue

When Cervantes launched Sikodiwa on Instagram, most of his first followers were Filipinos living in the United States, Canada, Australia, and beyond. These diasporic Pinoys saw Sikodiwa as an avenue to connect with their heritage. It was only in mid-2023 that the number of those living in the Philippines matched the number of the diaspora following Sikodiwa. 

Cervantes cites the interest in Filipino folklore as one of the main gateways to find his work. “When you tell these stories to someone from a culture where the intuitive side is not encouraged, they sound paranormal. But, it’s not unusual to know someone who sees ghosts, or to experience ‘kutob.’”

While Sikodiwa offers insights into Filipino psychology and heritage, Cervantes’ audience also introduces him to new ideas. “I learned the term ‘decolonization’ through these conversations.” Decolonization refers to the undoing of colonial rule in colonized countries. Now, the term also applies to challenging colonial mentality in more abstract ways, sometimes through art and media.  

Most importantly, Sikodiwa fosters dialogue between Filipinos in the Philippines and Filipinos in the diaspora. Ideas and values from various places spread through one cultural network. In a blog post, Cervantes reflects on the multitude of identities we take on: “Over-categorizing culture reduces something to static. Let us think of culture as dynamic—an identity in motion.” 

Speaking Filipino

The Philippines is home to over 130 languages , making our country one of the most linguistically rich in the world. Yet, the national language Filipino is based on Tagalog, which is mainly spoken in southern Luzon. Filipino, while spoken and understood throughout the country, represents a small section of the Filipino people.

“People think that Filipinos should speak in Filipino or Tagalog,” Cervantes, who has roots in the Visayas and Mindanao, says. “But, that limits it in terms of scope. It shows a geographical bias. For me, as long as you are coming from an authentic place, how you express yourself is up to you.”

The language you use reveals your community, heritage, and even class. For all the power of language, Cervantes issues a caveat: “These terms are just access points. People think that just because “kapwa” and “bayanihan” are Filipino words, they must be exclusively Filipino. These words represent universal experiences that can be experienced by everyone.”

“Kapwa” manifests feelings of awe when walking through nature, such as in the Japanese practice of forest bathing . American culture also practices “bayanihan” through grassroots advocacies, block parties, and marches. And “kilig” isn’t a phenomenon exclusive to Filipinos. Who doesn’t get butterflies in their stomach when their crush walks by?

Finding belonging through language

In the Biblical story of Babel, God created different languages to prevent humanity from building a tower so high it reaches the heavens. Language divides. But, it’s time to reframe how we see language. Instead of hampering communication, language highlights what each culture finds important from relationships to individuality. After all, we only give someone or something a name if it’s relevant to us. 

Learning more about our language, whether through Sikodiwa or self-directed study, lets us recognize what we love. Learning other languages helps us recognize what those around us value. 

With all that’s said and done, what makes a Filipino? Well, write your own definition. 

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