https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3212 2026-04-05T19:36:17Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3763 "Balancing books and burdens": Narratives of low-income students in a private higher educational institution De Guzman, Isra Jenylle D.; Lapidante, Janelle Patrice H.; Cabalum, Marcela H.; Geroy, Arla Lyn E.; Magluyan, Babylyn A.; Piolo, Alyssa Jane G. This study explored the lived experiences of low-income students in a private higher education institution. Guided by a social constructionist and interpretivist framework, the study employed narrative inquiry to document and interpret how students make sense of their academic, financial, and social realities. Six participants aged 18-25 were selected through snowball sampling, all of whom are self-identified as coming from a low-income household and were enrolled in a private institution. Data were gathered through semi structured interviews, transcribed verbatim, and analyze using Braun and Clarke’s(2006) six-phase thematic analysis. Five key themes emerged from the narratives, Vulnerability (Difficulties), Determination, Coping or Survival Mechanisms, Institutional Support (or Lack Thereof), lastly Social Stigma and Exclusion. Findings revealed that while poverty poses persistent barriers to academic success. Low-income students exhibit strong resilience, faith, and self-determination in facing and overcoming adversity. Their narratives reveal that persistence in higher education is anchored on three key factors: personal determination, social and family support, and institutional assistance. The study recommends that educational institutions and policy makers strengthen scholarship programs, support, and design inclusive academic policies to ensure equity and student retention. This research highlights that education for low income students is not merely an ambition, but a profound act of resilience, sacrifice and hope for a better future. Abstract only 2025-10-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3717 Lived experiences of parent-caregivers: Life with a child with Schizophrenia Cabatian, Bhea Marie; Flores, Genevy; Larruder, Cashey; Silarde, Thea Shaine; Tordesillas, Trisha Czarina This phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of Filipino parent-caregivers raising a child diagnosed with schizophrenia. Drawing from the epistemological framework of social constructivism and interpretivism, the research delves into the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of caregiving. Guided by the Stress Process Model and Self-Determination Theory, it examines how caregiving affects parents' well-being, motivations, and coping mechanisms within a cultural context that often stigmatizes mental illness. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with four parent-caregivers from rural and urban areas in Iloilo, Guimaras, and Antique. Thematic analysis revealed multifaceted challenges, including emotional exhaustion, financial strain, social isolation, and strained family dynamics. Despite these, caregivers also reported personal growth, strengthened faith, and profound familial bonds as sources of hope and resilience. Findings highlight the urgent need for systemic support, caregiver inclusive mental health programs, and culturally sensitive interventions. The study offers critical insights into the nuanced caregiving journey, underscoring the importance of recognizing and empowering parent-caregivers in the broader discourse of mental healthcare in the Philippines. Abstract only 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3613 The relationship between personality traits and social media use of college students in a private higher education institution Dalugdugan, Reivonne Angela J.; Purzuelo, Nica Carmen C.; Barcelona, Genchris E.; Bolambot, Mary Grace O.; Selorio, Angel Edralyn S. The study sought to investigate the correlational relationship between personality traits and social media use, utilizing a sample population of 231 college students across all years studying in a private higher education institution. The study uses the “Big Five” or “Five-Factor Theory” as a theoretical basis. The respondents were chosen through stratified random sampling and the data gathered included the respondents’ prevalent trait according to the Big Five Personality Traits, their social networking site most used, and their average daily time spent on social media. The researchers hypothesized no significant relationship between personality traits and social media use. Analyzing the relationship between respondents’ Personality Traits and Average Daily Time Spent on Social Media using the Chi-square Likelihood Ratio yielded p=0.052, thus rejecting the null hypothesis and indicating a significant relationship between the two variables, opposing the original hypothesis. Similarly, association of the Respondents' Personality Traits and Social Networking Site Used resulted in a value of 0.039, likewise suggesting a significant relationship between the two variables and contradicting the previous hypothesis. Ultimately, the researchers found that there is a positive correlation between the Big Five Personality Traits and the Average Daily Time Spent on Social Media, as well as Personality Traits and Social Networking Site Used. Full text available 2025-06-01T00:00:00Z https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12852/3598 Career awareness and perceived employability of BS Psychology students in a private higher education institution Echeche, Jullyn Ross S.; Alasa, Ma. Shanen S.; Azucena, Sarah Jane D.; Gabao, Aizel Joy Z.; Toling, Rhea Mae P.; Dacles, Prince Joash L. This descriptive-correlational study examined the perceived employability and career awareness of 231 Bachelor of Science in Psychology students at a private university in Iloilo City, Philippines. It investigated the relationship between career awareness and perceived employability, as well as whether these levels differ depending on the highest level of education attained by their parents. The Career Awareness Scale (CAS) and the Self-Perceived Employability Scale (SPES) were used to gather data. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage), one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and Pearson's r correlation coefficient were used for analysis. The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents' parents were college graduates. Overall, the BS Psychology students exhibited a "high level" of both career awareness (M=3.85, SD=.505) and perceived employability (M=3.63, SD=.462). While contrary to some prior research, the one-way ANOVA from this study indicated no statistically significant differences in students' career awareness (Mother's Education: F=1.508, p=.213; Father's Education: F=1.055, p=.369) or perceived employability (Mother's Education: F=0.190, p=.903; Father's Education: F=0.332, p=.802) when grouped according to their parents' highest educational attainment. However, a statistically significant moderate positive correlation (r=.486, p=.000) was found between the students' career awareness and their perceived employability, suggesting that higher awareness of career-related information is associated with greater confidence in securing employment. The study concludes that while BS Psychology students in this institution possess high levels of career awareness and perceived employability, these are not significantly influenced by their parents' educational attainment. The significant positive relationship between career awareness and perceived employability emphasizes the importance of fostering career awareness to enhance students' perceived employability, aligning with the Social Cognitive Career Theory. It is recommended for higher education institutions, faculty, guidance counselors, students, and future researchers to continue supporting student career development and explore other influencing factors. Abstract only 2025-05-01T00:00:00Z