Philippine Journal of Psychology

December 2006, Vol. 39, No. 2

Special Issue on Peace and Political Psychology
Special Issue Editor: Ma. Elizabeth J. Macapagal

Contents

Effects of Gender and Social Status on How Filipinos Perceive Political Candidates
Ma. Elizabeth J. Macapagal

The study investigated the influences of respondent's gender and social class, and politician's gender on perceived traits of political candidates. The survey used a 2 X 3 X 2 factorial design covering 536 respondents aged 18 to 35 years old. The respondents rated a hypothetical political candidate who was either male or female using a Shah scale. Research results show that respondents perceived political candidates positively. The females and respondents from the lower social classes showed a more favorable perception of politicians. Respondents believed that female politicians are more attractive, emotional, intelligent, and religious but male politicians are more corrupt. Findings also show that identity politics seems to be present wherein females tend to view female politicians more positively. Moreover, the males from the lower classes tend to prefer male politicians. The implications of the findings for construal research, voter education, consciousness-raising, and political campaign strategies are discussed.
Typology and Correlates of Political Participation Among Filipinos
Evangeline P. Sucgang

This study sought to establish the types of political participation among Filipino citizens including some of its attitudinal and social structural-demographic correlates. Using data from the 2001 National Survey on Filipino Citizenship, 17 political participation items were subjected to an exploratory factor analysis. Two types of political involvement surfaced namely, political participation as proactive engagement in the public arena and political participation as public problem solving. Multiple regression analyses to determine possible correlates revealed the presence of two-way interaction effects for both types of political engagement. Data gathered from interviews with 20 respondents yielded 11 other forms of participation that are reflective of the evolving nature of political engagement as it is influenced by the Philippine socio-cultural and political history. A research agenda for future work on this area is also proposed.
Studying Media Bias: Print Coverage of the Top 2004 Presidential Candidates
Moniq M. Muyargas, Cristina J. Montiel, and Archimedes H. Viaje

News bias between two leading candidates, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Fernando Poe, Jr., of the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Philippine Star during the 2004 Presidential Elections were compared. Both newspapers were content analyzed extracting a specified sample of 30 issues for each, those from April 11, 2004 through May 11, 2004. The study used frequency of names of each candidate and adjectives used to describe each candidate on the publication. Results showed difference in adjective use for each candidate indicating that Philippine Star used more positive adjectives describing GMA by 86.11% compared to positive adjectives associated with FPJ which depicted 30.49%. The findings confirm the existence of media bias, particularly in print media, affirming media's significant role in Philippine society.
Stages of Collective Identification of a Freedom-Fighter: Narratives of Three Mujahedeen
Charlie M. Inzon and Cristina Montiel

This study examined stages of behavioral involvement and identity themes associated with the development of collective identification with a liberation movement. The research interviewed three former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members in Maguindanao. The researchers used the life story method to gather and analyze data. Findings showed five stages in the making of Mujahedeen: entry, engagement, assessment, disengagement-reintegration, and starting new involvement. Discussion focused on the role of social context and situation in behavioral and cognitive stages associated with collective identification, the appropriateness of life-story method in collective identification research, and implication to Mindanao problem.
Revolutionary Text: Social Psychology of Cellphone Texting during People Power II
Cristina Jayme Montiel and Ma. Regina E. Estuar

In January 2001, Filipinos toppled a corrupt president through People Power II, using one technological tool to maximum advantage—the mobile phone. The short messaging service (SMS) or text messaging provided opportunities to pass on messages rapidly to large groups of people. A content analysis of the text messages revealed three themes, namely: political information and persuasion, protest humor, and political emotions. Political information included rumors and beliefs, persuasive messages to join mass actions, and practical instructions about mobilizing huge protest rallies. Political jokes passed around permitted Filipinos to derogate President Estrada and his allies, and provided opportunities to ventilate pent-up social angers. Texting during People Power II demonstrated the mobile phone's capacity to disseminate political messages in a rapid, multiplicative, yet discreet fashion, resulting in a massive and peaceful social force.
The Relationship of Human Resource Management Roles and Practices and Organization Effectiveness
Mendiola T. Calleja

Human resource (HR) professionals are increasingly challenged to play strategic roles in organizations and demonstrate how HR functions are linked with organizational performance. This study describes the current state of human resource management practice in the Philippines through HR’s work systems and roles. It evaluates the relationship of these variables with: (a) perceptions of organizational performance, (b) employee productivity, (c) human capital depletion, and (d) financial performance. Respondents of the survey included HR and line managers in 41 firms. Results indicated that HR units in Philippine organizations are weaker in the strategic HR roles. Significant relationships were obtained with HR roles and work systems and perceptions of organizational effectiveness.
Exploring the Psychology of Children and Young People's Participation in Organizations
Jay A. Yacat

A survey among 41 children and young people's organizations, and key informant interviews and discussions among 40 officers and members of 10 selected organizations in Metro Manila and Davao were conducted in order to map the nature and processes of youth participation in organizations. It was found that participation is shaped by three contexts: the organization itself; the adult-partner organization, and the community wherein the youth organization is located. Organizational mandate, size, and roles within the organization influenced the form and level of participation in the youth organization. Three models of facilitating participation by adult-partner organizations were identified. Acceptance by local communities of youth participation is a function of the approaches and strategies employed by the adult-partner organizations.
Perceived Discrimination, Collective Self-esteem, Social Support, Locus of Control, and Well-being of MNLF Integrees
Nerissa G. Redoble-Buot

This study described the psychological experiences of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) integrees within the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The study explored the relationship of perceived discrimination and integrees' well-being. The research also determined if collective self-esteem, social support, and locus of control are potential mediators in the discrimination-well-being relationship. Finally, ethnic density was also considered if it affected their well-being. There were 98 purposively sampled Muslim integrees who answered questionnaires. Results showed that discrimination is associated with well-being. Collective self-esteem and social support are mediators in the discrimination-well-being relationship. Lastly, data revealed that the integrees' well-being is also linked with the ethnic density of their location. Contrary to prediction, results show that Muslim integrees in a predominantly Christian community achieved higher levels of well-being.
The Process of Healing War Wounds
Angelina Pacifico Herrera

This study explored the phenomenon of healing from the trauma of war through the narrative accounts of ten Filipino war survivors from the town of Pikit, North Cotabato, Philippines. Using a phenomenological approach, the study identified the deeper and qualitative dimensions of the healing and reconciliation process including the long-term experiences beyond coping and recovery. The study revealed six interconnected major themes with regard to healing from war trauma. Healing is: (1) a process of repairing and making whole again, (2) a process of coming home, (3) a spiral process, (4) a complementary and cyclical process, (5) a process with a spiritual and divine dimension, and (6) peace come to life.