Construction and Validation of a Culturally-Grounded Personality Test for Filipino Adults (CGPT-FA)

Travail de Recherche , 2025 , 66 Pages

Psychologie - Psychologie de la personnalité

ABSTRACT

The Culturally-Grounded Personality Test for Filipino Adults (CGPT-FA) is a psychological assessment tool specifically developed to capture personality traits and emotional tendencies deeply rooted in Filipino cultural values and lived experiences. Unlike Western-based instruments, the CGPT-FA addresses the unique socio-emotional landscape of Filipino adults by measuring ten culturally salient dimensions: Bayanihan (communal spirit), Pakikisama (social harmony), Hiya (shame/self-consciousness/sense of propriety), Relational Harmony (pagkakasundo sa relasyon), Hospitality (pagkamapagpatuloy o pagiging maasikaso), Resilience (katatagan o pagtatagumpay sa kabila ng pagsubok), Empathy (pakikidama or pakikiramay), Faith and Spirituality (pananampalataya at espiritwalidad), Emotional Control (kontrol sa emosyon), and Optimism (positibong pananaw). The instrument aims to provide culturally relevant insights into Filipino personality functioning, enhance psychological assessment practices, and contribute to the development of context-sensitive interventions in mental health, counseling, and community work. It demonstrates excellent reliability, with Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.839 to 0.907 across all ten dimensions, indicating high internal consistency. This means the items within each dimension consistently measure their intended traits, such as Pakikisama (α = 0.907), Resilience (α = 0.895), and Emotional Control (α = 0.885). These strong reliability scores suggest both temporal and contextual stability and contribute to the overall validity of the tool. High internal consistency ensures accurate assessment of culturally relevant traits and supports the scale’s use in research, interventions, and comparative studies. The reliability of the CGPT-FA enhances confidence in its findings and supports its broader applicability and generalizability.

Keywords Filipino personality, indigenous psychology, psychometric validation

Introduction

The development of personality and emotional assessments often faces significant challenges when applied across different cultural contexts. Standardized tests that are developed in Western settings may not adequately capture the unique cultural nuances that shape psychological constructs like personality and emotional expression in non­Western societies. This is particularly true for the Filipino context, where values such as Bayanihan (communal unity), Pakikisama (smooth interpersonal relationships), and Hiya (shame) play a pivotal role in how individuals express emotions and develop personality traits. As such, there is a pressing need to create culturally relevant psychological assessments that are specifically tailored for Filipino adults. The proposed test will address this gap by designing a 100-item inventory, encompassing ten dimensions that reflect the Filipino cultural framework of personality and emotion. This culturally grounded tool will improve the accuracy and validity of psychological assessments, especially in clinical, educational, and research settings.

Understanding the Cultural Context of Filipino Personality

Cultural frameworks are crucial for interpreting personality traits and emotional responses, as they influence how individuals perceive themselves and their social environment. In the Philippines, collective cultural values, such as Kapwa (shared identity), Bayanihan, and Pakikisama, significantly shape how people express and regulate emotions (Enriquez, 1992). Kapwa, for instance, emphasizes the interconnectedness between individuals and their environment, guiding Filipinos to focus on the welfare of others over personal gain. Consequently, personality traits like empathy, resilience, and social harmony are not merely individual tendencies but are culturally prescribed behaviors linked to group cohesion and well-being (David, 1995). Understanding these dimensions is essential when creating culturally valid psychological assessments for Filipino adults.

Existing Gaps in Western-Centric Psychological Tests

Standard Western psychological tools, such as the Big Five Personality Test, Emotional Intelligence (EI) scales, and other global assessment instruments, are often criticized for their limited application in non-Western cultures. These tests were developed based on assumptions and norms from Western individualistic societies, where personal achievement and autonomy are highly valued (McCrae & Costa, 2004). In contrast, Filipino culture is more collectivist, prioritizing family, community, and social harmony over individual success. These cultural discrepancies highlight the need for new measures that more accurately reflect Filipino personality traits and emotional expressions (Schwartz, 2016). Therefore, developing a culturally bound personality and emotion test that addresses these cultural nuances is crucial for psychological research in the Philippines.

Theoretical Framework: Filipino Values and Personality

Filipino personality and emotional patterns are intricately linked to traditional cultural values. According to scholars like Enriquez (1992), Filipino social identity is often defined by the values of Pakikipagkapwa-tao (humaneness) and Bayanihan. These values influence how Filipinos respond to social situations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships and avoiding interpersonal conflict. This sense of interconnectedness extends to emotional regulation, where emotions like shame (Hiya) and respect (Utang na Loob) play vital roles in guiding social behavior. By integrating these Filipino values into the theoretical framework, the proposed personality and emotional test will provide a more culturally accurate assessment of Filipino individuals.

Filipino Emotional Expression and Regulation

Emotional expression in Filipino culture is significantly shaped by cultural expectations around social harmony and respect for others. Research suggests that Filipinos tend to suppress certain negative emotions, such as anger or frustration, to avoid disrupting social harmony (David, 1995). This emotional regulation, rooted in the concept of Hiya, influences how emotions are experienced and expressed. For example, a person who is perceived as overly emotional or confrontational may be viewed as socially inappropriate. Understanding the role of emotional suppression and expression in Filipino culture is essential when designing a culturally valid emotional intelligence scale that measures emotional control, empathy, and resilience in Filipino adults (Goleman, 1995).

Resilience as a Filipino Trait

Resilience is a key personality trait among Filipinos, shaped by their historical and socio-economic challenges. Resilience is often defined in terms of an individual’s capacity to bounce back from adversity, and it is deeply rooted in Filipino cultural practices such as Bahala Na (trust in fate) and Sikap (perseverance). These values allow Filipinos to adapt to difficult circumstances and maintain hope even in the face of hardship. Studies have shown that resilience in Filipino adults is frequently tied to religious beliefs, strong family support systems, and community solidarity (Lu, 2019). Therefore, including resilience as a dimension in the proposed test will allow for a comprehensive understanding of Filipino emotional functioning.

The Role of Faith and Spirituality in Filipino Emotion

Religion and spirituality play an essential role in emotional well-being in Filipino culture. The majority of Filipinos are Roman Catholic, and religious practices such as attending Mass, praying, and celebrating religious holidays are central to their daily lives. Spirituality provides emotional comfort and guidance, especially in times of crisis (Cruz, 2020). The incorporation of faith and spirituality into the test will enable the assessment of how religious beliefs influence emotional regulation and resilience. Additionally, the ability to find meaning in suffering and hardship through spiritual beliefs is an important coping mechanism for many Filipinos (Lloyd et al., 2021).

Communal Identity and Social Relationships in Filipino Culture

Filipino identity is fundamentally communal rather than individualistic. This communal orientation manifests in various aspects of daily life, such as the importance placed on family ties, friendships, and social networks. Pakikisama, or the importance of social harmony, dictates how Filipinos navigate relationships, often prioritizing group interests over individual desires. The proposed test will assess social harmony as a key personality dimension, measuring how well individuals maintain positive relationships and navigate social expectations (Church, 2019). Such an approach acknowledges the cultural significance of interdependence and collective well-being in Filipino emotional and personality dynamics.

Emotional Control and Social Expectations in Filipino Culture

In Filipino culture, emotional control is highly valued, particularly in public settings. Filipinos are taught from an early age to exhibit restraint and politeness, often masking strong emotions like anger or frustration. The concept of Hiya is central to this emotional regulation, as it functions as a social check on inappropriate behavior (David, 1995). This makes emotional control an important dimension in understanding Filipino emotional responses. The test will measure not only the capacity for emotional suppression but also the social and cultural factors that contribute to the Filipino tendency to regulate emotions for the sake of group harmony and personal dignity.

Optimism and Coping in Filipino Adults

Optimism is another important trait in Filipino culture, closely tied to resilience. Despite experiencing poverty, natural disasters, and political instability, Filipinos are known for their hopeful outlook and ability to find joy in life’s small pleasures. Optimism, underpinned by religious faith and a strong sense of community, allows Filipinos to persevere through challenging circumstances. Studies have shown that optimism is linked to better psychological well-being, improved health outcomes, and more effective coping strategies in the Filipino population (Bautista & Aguirre, 2020). Incorporating optimism into the personality and emotion test will capture this crucial aspect of Filipino emotional resilience.

Psychometric Considerations in Test Development

The development of a reliable and valid personality and emotional test for Filipino adults requires rigorous psychometric evaluation. Reliability testing will focus on ensuring internal consistency (using Cronbach’s alpha) and test-retest reliability to confirm stability over time. Validity will be assessed through content validity, ensuring that the test accurately measures the dimensions of Filipino personality and emotion, and construct validity, by correlating test scores with established psychological measures of similar constructs. Factor analysis will be employed to determine the underlying structure of the test and confirm that the proposed dimensions align with the data (Tabachnick & Fidell, 2019). Through these psychometric methods, the test will be refined to ensure it provides accurate and culturally relevant results.

Rationale for Developing this Test for Filipinos

Many established personality and emotional assessments, such as the Big Five Personality Traits (Costa & McCrae, 1992) and the Emotional Intelligence (EI) model (Goleman, 1995), were developed in Western cultural contexts and often fail to account for cultural variations in how personality and emotions are expressed and regulated. These tests, while valuable in their own right, predominantly reflect individualistic cultural frameworks, where traits like autonomy, self-expression, and personal achievement are prioritized. In contrast, cultures such as those in the Philippines emphasize collectivist values such as Bayanihan (communal unity), Pakikisama (smooth interpersonal relationships), and Hiya (shame), which profoundly influence emotional regulation and personality traits (David, 2015). As a result, these Western-based tools may not adequately assess the personality and emotional functioning of individuals in the Philippines, where social harmony and community-oriented values play a central role. This project aims to address this gap by creating a culturally sensitive personality and emotional test specifically designed for Filipino adults, integrating Filipino cultural norms, emotional responses, and relational dynamics.

The Cultural Context of Personality in the Philippines

Personality and emotional expressions are deeply shaped by cultural norms that vary across different societies. In Filipino culture, the expression of emotions is often governed by social expectations and the desire to maintain harmonious relationships. Unlike Western cultures, which value emotional authenticity and individual self-expression, Filipinos typically prioritize the well-being of the group over personal emotional expression (David, 2015). For instance, emotional restraint, particularly in public, is highly valued, and behaviors that could disturb social harmony, such as open conflict or emotional outbursts, are generally discouraged. This unique cultural approach to emotion regulation requires an assessment tool that can accurately reflect these tendencies, as current standardized tests often overlook the role of collectivist values in shaping emotional responses and personality traits (Gonzales et al., 2020).

Limitations of Western-Based Emotional Intelligence Models

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is widely studied in the Western psychological literature, with Goleman’s (1995) model being one of the most influential frameworks. However, this model’s reliance on self-awareness, self-regulation, and motivation may not adequately capture the emotional dynamics in collectivist societies like the Philippines, where emotional intelligence is often expressed in relational terms. For example, in Filipino culture, emotional intelligence is not solely about personal control or self-awareness but is also linked to understanding and managing relationships, maintaining social harmony, and showing empathy towards others (Gonzales et al., 2020). As such, existing EI scales may not capture the full range of emotional competencies essential for Filipino individuals. This research seeks to develop a culturally appropriate EI scale that better reflects how Filipinos experience and regulate emotions in a community context.

Incorporating Filipino Values into Psychological Assessment

Filipino personality and emotional responses are rooted in values such as Pakikisama, which emphasizes the importance of smooth interpersonal relationships, and Bayanihan, which underscores collective support during times of need (Enriquez, 1992). These values promote behaviors that favor cooperation, social harmony, and empathy, all of which are important aspects of Filipino emotional expression. However, current personality models, such as the Big Five, do not adequately capture these cultural nuances. For example, the trait of agreeableness in the Big Five may only partially represent Pakikisama, as it does not consider the cultural emphasis on group well-being and relational harmony. By integrating Filipino values into the test, this project will provide a more comprehensive understanding of personality and emotional functioning in the Filipino context (Alvarez & Hegarty, 2020).

Emotional Regulation and Cultural Differences in Coping Styles

One of the key differences between Filipino and Western emotional regulation lies in the use of emotional suppression as a coping mechanism. Filipinos, due to their strong cultural orientation towards maintaining social harmony, often regulate their emotions by suppressing negative feelings such as anger or frustration, especially in public settings (David, 2015). In contrast, Western cultures, which tend to value emotional expression as a sign of authenticity, may see emotional suppression as maladaptive. This cultural difference is crucial when developing personality and emotional assessments, as the tendency to suppress emotions may not be adequately captured in traditional Western models of emotional regulation (Karazsia et al., 2020). Therefore, the proposed test will need to assess not only emotional awareness and expression but also culturally specific forms of emotional regulation, such as emotional suppression, and their impact on well-being.

Addressing the Research Gap: Culturally Grounded Psychological Tools for Filipinos

Existing research underscores the limitations of Western-centric psychological assessments when applied to Filipino individuals. Studies show that personality models developed in Western contexts often fail to capture the full spectrum of Filipino psychological experiences, particularly in terms of communal relationships, emotional dynamics, and cultural expectations (Bautista & Aquino, 2020). Moreover, the application of these tests in Filipino populations may lead to misinterpretations of psychological health and behavior due to cultural differences in emotional expression and personality traits. To address this gap, the development of a culturally grounded personality and emotional test for Filipino adults is essential. This test will not only provide more accurate assessments for psychological counseling and research but also contribute to the growing field of cross-cultural psychology, which seeks to develop tools that are both universally applicable and culturally relevant (Schwartz, 2020).

Theoretical Foundation

The development of a culturally grounded personality and emotional assessment for Filipino adults draws on a combination of key psychological and cultural theories that help explain how Filipino values and societal structures influence personality and emotional expression. The integration of these theories forms the basis for understanding Filipino personality traits and emotional responses, and how these differ from Western frameworks that dominate psychological assessments.

1. Filipino Value System (FVS)

The Filipino Value System (FVS), as articulated by Enriquez (1992) and David (1995), highlights core values such as Bayanihan (communal unity), Pakikisama (smooth interpersonal relationships), and Hiya (shame), which are deeply ingrained in Filipino social life. These values play a crucial role in shaping the personality and emotional behaviors of Filipinos. Bayanihan, for example, emphasizes group solidarity and mutual assistance, fostering an orientation toward collectivism rather than individualism. This cultural trait influences emotional responses, where group harmony and interpersonal cohesion are prioritized over personal desires. Pakikisama reflects the importance of maintaining smooth relationships, which can often result in Filipinos suppressing negative emotions, such as anger or frustration, to avoid conflicts (Gonzales et al., 2020). Meanwhile, Hiya governs Filipino behavior by establishing a strong sense of shame and social propriety, influencing emotional regulation and the desire to conform to societal expectations. The integration of these values into a psychological assessment allows for the recognition of emotional and personality traits that are distinctly Filipino and are often overlooked in Western models.

2. Cultural Psychology

Cultural psychology, as advanced by scholars like Shweder (1990), emphasizes the idea that personality and emotional expressions are inherently shaped by cultural frameworks and social structures. In the case of Filipinos, cultural norms rooted in collectivism, such as the importance of social harmony, respect for authority, and group cohesiveness, significantly influence how emotions are experienced and expressed. According to cultural psychology, emotions cannot be fully understood without considering the cultural context that defines them. Filipino emotional expression, for instance, is often indirect and controlled to avoid disrupting group cohesion, which is a key cultural norm (David, 2020). This understanding challenges traditional Western theories, which tend to emphasize individualistic emotional expression and self-regulation. In Filipino culture, emotional regulation is often motivated by a desire to maintain peace and avoid shame rather than by personal autonomy or individual emotional mastery. This cultural framework must be incorporated into the test design to capture the full range of Filipino emotional responses.

3. Ecological Systems Theory

Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) Ecological Systems Theory posits that individuals develop within multiple layers of environmental influence, including family, community, and societal structures. These systems interact dynamically and impact the development of personality traits and emotional responses. For Filipinos, key environmental factors such as family, religion, and community play a central role in shaping both personality and emotional regulation (Lu, 2021). The family, as the primary social unit, provides emotional support and guidance, while religious beliefs offer moral frameworks for interpreting emotional experiences. Furthermore, the community, through its collective values, contributes to the individual’s sense of self and emotional responses. These contextual influences are essential when designing a test for Filipino adults, as they shape not only personality traits but also how emotions are expressed, regulated, and valued. The proposed test will incorporate these ecological factors by considering how family dynamics, religious beliefs, and community ties influence emotional functioning and personality development in Filipino adults.

4. Intersection of Values, Culture, and Environment

The intersection of Filipino values, cultural psychology, and ecological systems theory creates a multifaceted framework for understanding Filipino personality and emotional responses. For instance, while the Pakikisama value influences interpersonal relationships, the family and religious contexts provide a deeper layer of emotional support and regulation. This dual influence of cultural values and ecological systems highlights the complexity of Filipino emotional lives, which are shaped by both internal values and external environmental factors (Bautista & Aquino, 2020). To capture the full complexity of Filipino emotional expression and personality, the test must account for these interconnected layers, ensuring that both individual and collective experiences are recognized. The integration of these theoretical perspectives allows for a more nuanced understanding of Filipino personality traits, such as empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation, which are central to Filipino culture but often underrepresented in Western models of personality and emotion.

5. Cultural Sensitivity in Psychological Measurement

Incorporating these theoretical perspectives into the design of a psychological assessment highlights the importance of cultural sensitivity in psychological measurement. Research indicates that culturally bound psychological tools are more likely to yield accurate and meaningful results when they reflect the cultural context of the target population (Schwartz, 2020). Applying Western-based personality and emotional tests in non-Western cultures like the Philippines often results in inaccurate assessments, as these tools fail to account for the cultural dimensions that shape behavior and emotional responses. By developing a test that incorporates Filipino values, cultural psychology, and ecological systems theory, this project seeks to ensure that the assessment is not only valid and reliable but also culturally appropriate for Filipino adults. This approach will contribute to the development of cross-cultural psychology by offering a model for creating culturally relevant psychological tools that can be adapted to diverse cultural contexts.

Ten (10) Dimensions of Culturally-Grounded Personality of Filipino Adults

This test aims to assess ten key dimensions of personality and emotional tendencies that are particularly relevant within Filipino cultural contexts. Each dimension reflects specific values, behaviors, and emotional traits that are shaped by the unique cultural, social, and historical influences of Filipino society.

1.Bayanihan(Communal Spirit)

Bayanihan refers to the Filipino value of helping others and promoting the welfare of the group, often exemplified through collective action in times of need. This dimension captures the extent to which individuals are willing to offer assistance to others, especially in a group context. In Filipino culture, this value is strongly associated with cooperation and collective effort, often seen in community work and mutual aid (David, 2020). Bayanihan underscores the importance of social solidarity and the collective good, promoting group cohesion and a sense of shared responsibility. Research suggests that communal values like Bayanihan influence individuals' propensity to engage in prosocial behaviors and prioritize the group's needs over personal desires (Gonzales et al., 2020).

2.Pakikisama(Social Harmony)

Pakikisama involves the Filipino tendency to maintain smooth, harmonious relationships and avoid conflict. This dimension reflects an individual’s preference for maintaining peace in social interactions, often at the cost of personal expression. The importance of Pakikisama in Filipino culture can lead to self­suppression of negative emotions like anger or frustration, in favor of maintaining group harmony (David, 2020). Studies have shown that in Filipino society, Pakikisama is crucial for maintaining social connections and is often prioritized over individual desires (Enriquez, 1992). Maintaining social harmony can sometimes come at the expense of honesty, as Filipinos may avoid confrontation to prevent social embarrassment or conflict (Gonzales et al., 2020).

3. Hiya(Shame/Self-Consciousness/Sense of Propriety)

Hiya refers to a deep sense of shame and self-consciousness or sense pf propriety about one’s actions, particularly in relation to how they are perceived by others. This dimension assesses the emotional experience of embarrassment, shyness, and concern for one’s social image. Hiya is a key Filipino cultural value that regulates behavior, guiding individuals to act in ways that align with social expectations (David, 2020). The role of Hiya in emotional regulation is central to Filipino interpersonal relationships, often functioning as a tool for social control and self-restraint. Research suggests that Hiya plays a pivotal role in how Filipinos navigate social dynamics, with individuals often moderating their behavior to avoid being seen as socially inappropriate or dishonorable (Bautista & Aquino, 2020).

4. Relational Harmony (Pagkakasundo sa Relasyon)

This dimension measures an individual’s ability to maintain positive relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. In the Filipino context, relational harmony is essential for social functioning and emotional well-being. The importance of maintaining strong, positive bonds is underscored by the Filipino value of Kapwa, which emphasizes a shared sense of self in relation to others. Relational harmony reflects both emotional competence in managing relationships and a tendency to nurture connections, which are central to Filipino social interactions (David & Yamanaka, 2021). Maintaining relational harmony is often seen as crucial for social and familial success, influencing both personal happiness and group dynamics.

5. Hospitality (Pagkamapagpatuloy o Pagiging maasikaso)

Filipino hospitality is renowned worldwide, and this dimension assesses an individual’s openness and warmth in social settings. Hospitality reflects a cultural trait where individuals go out of their way to ensure the comfort and happiness of guests. Filipino hospitality is characterized by generosity, kindness, and an inherent desire to make others feel welcome and valued (Gonzales et al., 2020). This cultural tendency has implications for emotional expression, as it encourages individuals to show warmth and care in social interactions, often going beyond what is expected to ensure others' well-being. Recent studies show that hospitality contributes significantly to the maintenance of social networks and emotional well­being in the Filipino community (Gonzales et al., 2020).

6. Resilience (Katatagan o Pagtatagumpay sa kabila ng pagsubok)

Resilience, in the Filipino context, refers to the emotional strength and adaptability required to overcome adversity, a crucial trait given the country's susceptibility to natural disasters, economic challenges, and socio-political instability. This dimension reflects the ability to persevere through hardship while maintaining a sense of hope and strength. Filipino resilience is often framed within the cultural context of Bayanihan and Kapwa, emphasizing collective strength in facing difficulties (David, 2020). Research shows that resilience is closely linked to optimism, social support, and coping strategies within Filipino culture, where a positive outlook on life is often seen as a means to overcome personal and societal challenges (Lu, 2021).

7. Empathy (Pakikidama or Pakikiramay)

Empathy in the Filipino context is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, particularly within interpersonal and communal settings. This dimension is influenced by the Filipino emphasis on emotional expressiveness and connection with others. Filipino emotional expressiveness is often more outwardly visible in close family and social circles, where empathy is not only an emotional skill but a cultural necessity for building and maintaining relationships (David, 2020). Recent research underscores the importance of empathy in Filipino culture, particularly in fostering community cohesion and offering emotional support during times of need (Gonzales et al., 2020).

8. Faith and Spirituality (Pananampalataya at Espiritwalidad)

Religion and spirituality play a significant role in Filipino life, and this dimension assesses the role of religious beliefs and practices in emotional well-being and coping mechanisms. Filipino culture is deeply influenced by Catholicism, and spirituality is often viewed as an essential source of emotional support. The importance of faith in dealing with life’s difficulties and uncertainties is reflected in the Filipino capacity for hope, prayer, and spiritual resilience (David & Yamanaka, 2021). Recent studies suggest that Filipino spirituality contributes to emotional stability, offering individuals a framework for understanding suffering and fostering a sense of peace and hope during difficult times (Bautista & Aquino, 2020).

9. Emotional Control (Kontrol sa Emosyon)

Emotional control in the Filipino context refers to the ability to regulate one’s emotions, especially in public settings. This dimension is particularly important in Filipino culture, where emotional suppression, especially of negative emotions like anger, is common in order to avoid disrupting social harmony. Filipino emotional control is tied to the value of Pakikisama, which prioritizes social harmony over the expression of personal feelings (David, 2020). Research suggests that emotional control is vital for maintaining respect and avoiding social conflicts in the Filipino community, where emotional restraint is often considered a sign of maturity and respect (Gonzales et al., 2020).

10. Optimism (Positibong Pananaw)

Optimism in Filipino culture refers to the general outlook on life and the tendency to expect positive outcomes despite adversity. Optimism is closely linked to resilience and is considered a crucial trait for coping with the challenges posed by socio-economic and environmental factors (David, 2020). Filipinos are often characterized by a hopeful attitude, even in the face of hardship, which allows them to maintain emotional stability and continue working toward better outcomes (Lu, 2021). This dimension assesses the extent to which an individual maintains a positive perspective on life and future opportunities, drawing from the Filipino cultural emphasis on hope and perseverance.

The Culturally-Grounded Personality Test for Filipino Adults (CGPT-FA) is a psychological instrument designed to assess 10 dimensions of personality and emotion that are relevant to Filipino cultural norms and emotional experiences. These dimensions are:

1. Bayanihan (Communal Spirit)
2. Pakikisama (Social Harmony)
3. Hiya (Shame/Self-Consciousness/Sense of Propriety)
4. Relational Harmony (Pagkakasundo sa Relasyon)
5. Hospitality (Pagkamapagpatuloy o Pagiging maasikaso)
6. Resilience (Katatagan o Pagtatagumpay sa kabila ng pagsubok)
7. Empathy (Pakikidama or Pakikiramay)
8. Faith and Spirituality (Pananampalataya at Espiritwalidad)
9. Emotional Control (Kontrol sa Emosyon)
10. Optimism (Positibong Pananaw)

This test is intended for adult Filipino individuals (ages 18-65) and aims to provide insights into how Filipino cultural values shape personality traits and emotional responses.

Purpose of the Test

The primary purpose of the CGPT-FA is to provide a culturally relevant tool for measuring the personality traits and emotional tendencies of Filipino adults. By understanding the relationship between culture and emotional expression, this tool can be useful for:

1. Psychological Assessment: To aid in understanding the emotional well­being and personality of Filipino individuals.
2. Cultural Research: To gather data on Filipino cultural values and emotional tendencies.
3. Psychological Counseling: To help counselors understand the emotional landscape of their Filipino clients.
4. Educational Applications: To support programs aimed at improving emotional intelligence and social harmony within Filipino communities.

Instructions for Test Administration

The CGPT-FA should be administered under standardized conditions to ensure reliability and validity. Below are detailed instructions for administering the test.

Preparation for Test Administration

• Target Population: The test is designed for Filipino adults aged 18 to 95, irrespective of gender, socioeconomic background, or educational level.
• Test Environment: The test should be administered in a quiet, comfortable setting that allows the participant to focus on the questions without distractions. It is important to ensure that the room is well-lit, free from noise, and the seating is comfortable.
• Test Duration: The entire test takes approximately 45 minutes or more to complete, depending on the individual's pace.
• Materials Needed:

o Printed or Digital Copy of the CGPT-FA questionnaire
o Pens/Pencils for printed versions or devices for digital responses
o Instructions Sheet for participants
o Consent Form (for research purposes or ethical clearance)

2. Administering the Test

Introduction: Begin by explaining the purpose of the test and how it can help measure aspects of personality and emotional responses related to Filipino culture. Emphasize that the test is voluntary and that responses will remain confidential.

o Example introduction: “This test aims to understand how your personality and emotional responses relate to Filipino cultural values. There are no right or wrong answers, so please respond honestly.”

Consent: If the test is being administered for research or clinical purposes, ask participants to read and sign a consent form that outlines the purpose of the test, confidentiality terms, and any possible risks.

Instructions for Completion:

o Explain the 5-point Likert scale used to rate the items. Emphasize that each item should be rated according to how strongly the statement applies to the participant's behaviors and emotional responses.

o

5 = Very much like me ( Lubos na katulad ko)
4 = A lot like me ( Malaking bahagi ay katulad ko)
3 = Sometimes like me ( Minsan ay katulad ko)
2 = Not much like me ( Hindi gaanong katulad ko)
1 = Not like me at all ( Hindi ako katulad nito kahit kaunti)

o Participants should answer each item based on how they generally feel, rather than how they feel on any given day.
o Review and Clarification: Provide the participants with the opportunity to ask for clarification if needed.

• Monitor Test-Taking: Ensure that participants are following the instructions and completing the questionnaire in the allotted time. Check that they are not rushing through the items or skipping any questions.

Ethical Considerations

• Confidentiality: All test results should be kept confidential. Personal information should never be shared without the participant's explicit consent.
• Informed Consent: Participants should be fully informed about the purpose of the test, the process, and how their data will be used.
• Voluntary Participation: Participation in the test should be voluntary, and individuals should be allowed to withdraw at any time.

Development Process:

1. Item Generation:

o Initial Brainstorming: Items were developed from local sources, including folklore, Filipino literature, and discussions with cultural experts and local psychologists. Items were drawn from real-life scenarios and culturally relevant contexts.
o Translation & Adaptation: Items were translated into Filipino (Tagalog) and adapted using methods such as Back Translation to ensure linguistic and cultural equivalence. Local idioms and colloquialisms were used to make the test more accessible.

2. Content Validation:

o Expert Review: A panel of Filipino psychologists, cultural experts, and educators reviewed the items for cultural relevance and clarity.
o Pilot Testing: A preliminary version were tested on a sample of Filipino adults from various demographic backgrounds (urban vs. rural, age, socio-economic status) to assess clarity and cultural relevance.

3. Reliability & Validity Testing:

o Internal Consistency: Cronbach’s alpha will be computed for each dimension to assess the reliability of the items.
o Construct Validity: Correlations with other established personality and emotional intelligence tests (e.g., Big Five, EQ-i) will be assessed to establish validity.

Scoring and Interpretation:

The test will be scored on a 5-point Likert scale with more descriptive wording), with scores on each dimension providing statements into the individual’s personality traits and emotional tendencies in a Filipino context.

5 = Very much like me ( Lubos na katulad ko)
4 = A lot like me ( Malaking bahagi ay katulad ko)
3 = Sometimes like me ( Minsan ay katulad ko)
2 = Not much like me ( Hindi gaanong katulad ko)
1 = Not like me at all ( Hindi ako katulad nito kahit kaunti)

Illustrations are not included in the reading sample

1. Interpretation of Bayanihan (Communal Spirit)

Illustrations are not included in the reading sample

2. Interpretation of Pakikisama (Social Harmony)

Illustrations are not included in the reading sample

3. Hiya (Shame/Self-Consciousness/Sense of Propriety)

Illustrations are not included in the reading sample

4. Interpretation of Relational Harmony (Pagkakasundo sa Relasyon)

Illustrations are not included in the reading sample

5. Interpretation of Hospitality (Pagkamapagpatuloy o Pagiging maasikaso)

Illustrations are not included in the reading sample

6. Interpretation of Resilience (Katatagan o Pagtatagumpay sa kabila ng pagsubok)

Illustrations are not included in the reading sample

7. Interpretation of Empathy (Pakikidama or Pakikiramay)

Illustrations are not included in the reading sample

9. Interpretation of Faith and Spirituality (Pananampalataya at Espiritwalidad)

Illustrations are not included in the reading sample

10. Interpretation Emotional Control (Kontrol sa Emosyon)

Illustrations are not included in the reading sample

Culturally-Grounded Personality Test for Filipino Adults (CGPT-FA)

Directions Thank you for participating in this assessment. The Culturally-Grounded Personality Scale for Filipino Adults (CGPT- FA) is designed to measure personality traits that are shaped by Filipino cultural values, behaviors, and emotional tendencies.

Instructions: Please read each statement carefully and rate how strongly it applies to your typical behaviors, thoughts, and emotional responses. Use the following scale to indicate your level of agreement:

5 - Very much like me
4 - A lot like me
3 - Neutral / Sometimes like me
2 - Not much like me
1 - Not like me at all

It is important that you answer each item based on how you generally feel and behave, rather than how you feel on any specific day or situation. There are no right or wrong answers—simply choose the response that best reflects your experiences.

Please respond to all items honestly and thoughtfully. Your answers will help provide a meaningful understanding of personality traits within the Filipino cultural context.

Illustrations are not included in the reading sample

VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY

The reliability of the constructs in this dataset is highly indicative of the internal consistency of the factors measured. The Cronbach's alpha values for each dimension range from 0.839 to 0.907, which indicates a very high level of internal consistency across all the factors. A Cronbach’s alpha value above 0.8 is considered excellent and suggests that the items within each dimension are strongly correlated and collectively measure the intended concept. For example, "Pakikisama (Social Harmony)" with an alpha of 0.907 demonstrates that the items included in this dimension work together very well to assess social harmony. This reliability suggests that the scale is likely capturing a meaningful and stable construct, which is crucial for making valid comparisons and interpretations across individuals or groups.

Furthermore, the consistent high reliability across various dimensions, such as "Resilience" (0.895) and "Emotional Control" (0.885), supports the notion that the constructs are not only internally consistent but also likely to remain stable over time and in different contexts. High Cronbach's alpha values enhance the confidence in the data, especially when norming or comparing scores within a group. When developing psychological or sociocultural scales, ensuring such high reliability allows for the establishment of solid norms, as individuals' scores are more likely to reflect their true characteristics rather than measurement errors. Thus, the results from these reliable constructs provide a strong foundation for future research, interventions, or assessments aimed at understanding and improving traits like resilience, empathy, or optimism within this population

Additionally, the high reliability of the constructs enhances the overall validity of the tool used to measure these dimensions. Since Cronbach's alpha gauges how well the items within a factor measure the same underlying concept, a high alpha value suggests that the instrument is capturing the intended dimensions of communal values, emotions, and social behaviors with accuracy. This ensures that any conclusions drawn from the data, such as group comparisons or assessments of personal growth, are based on solid, dependable measurements. Furthermore, a reliable instrument allows for consistent replication in future studies or applications, enabling the tool to be used across different populations or settings while maintaining the same level of measurement precision. Therefore, the strong reliability of this construct increases the confidence in both the utility and the generalizability of the findings derived from this scale.

Table 1 The 10 Dimension of CGPT-FA

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Tables 1 shows the following mean and standard deviation if 10 dimension

1. Bayanihan (Communal Spirit) - Mean: 4.47 (High Score)

This dimension reflects the strong cultural value of communal unity and cooperation in Filipino society. A mean score of 4.47 suggests that respondents generally identify with this trait, demonstrating a high level of willingness to help others and work together for the common good.

2. Pakikisama (Social Harmony) - Mean: 4.59 (Very High Score)

Pakikisama refers to maintaining smooth interpersonal relationships and avoiding conflict. The mean score of 4.59 falls within the "Very High Score" range, indicating that respondents highly value social harmony and strive to maintain positive interactions with others.

3. Hiya (Shame/Self-Consciousness/Sense of Propriety) - Mean: 4.63 (Very High Score)

Hiya represents a sense of propriety, self-consciousness, and sensitivity to social norms. A very high score suggests that respondents strongly uphold cultural expectations, demonstrating an awareness of proper behavior in social settings.

4. Relational Harmony (Pagkakasundo sa Relasyon) - Mean: 4.63 (Very High Score)

This reflects the importance of maintaining peaceful and cooperative relationships. The high mean score indicates that respondents place great emphasis on avoiding conflicts and fostering harmonious interactions with others.

5. Hospitality (Pagkamapagpatuloy o Pagiging Maasikaso) - Mean: 4.60 (Very High Score)

Hospitality is a well-known Filipino trait, showcasing warmth and generosity towards guests. A very high score suggests that respondents strongly identify with being welcoming, accommodating, and considerate toward others.

6. Resilience (Katatagan o Pagtatagumpay sa Kabila ng Pagsubok) - Mean: 4.65 (Very High Score)

This reflects the ability to overcome challenges and persist despite adversity. The very high score suggests that respondents see themselves as highly resilient, able to bounce back from difficulties with determination.

7. Empathy (Pakikidama or Pakikiramay) - Mean: 4.67 (Very High Score)

Empathy relates to emotional sensitivity and concern for others' well-being. With a very high score, respondents demonstrate a strong tendency to understand and share others' emotions, showing deep compassion.

8. Faith and Spirituality (Pananampalataya at Espiritwalidad) - Mean:

4.67 (Very High Score)

Faith plays a central role in Filipino culture. The very high score indicates that respondents strongly identify with their spiritual beliefs, suggesting that religion or faith is a major influence in their lives.

9. Emotional Control (Kontrol sa Emosyon) - Mean: 4.64 (Very High Score)

Emotional control involves managing one's feelings effectively. The very high score suggests that respondents are generally capable of regulating their emotions and avoiding impulsive reactions.

10. Optimism (Positibong Pananaw) - Mean: 4.58 (Very High Score)

• Optimism reflects a positive outlook on life and future expectations. A very high score indicates that respondents tend to maintain hope and positivity despite challenges.

Summary of Interpretation:

• The total mean score of 4.61 falls within the "Very High Score" range.
• This suggests that respondents strongly identify with the Filipino cultural values represented by these dimensions.
• The highest-scoring dimensions are Empathy and Faith & Spirituality (4.67), suggesting that these are the most prominent characteristics among respondents.
• The lowest-scoring dimension, Bayanihan (4.47), still falls within the high range, indicating that all traits are generally well-represented.

Table 2 Bayanihan Inter Item Correlation

Bayaniham Inter-Item Correlation Matrix

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The Bayanihan Inter-Item Correlation Matrix provides insights into how each item within the Bayanihan scale relates to the others. The values range from -0.181 to 0.827, with many positive correlations indicating that the items are generally measuring a cohesive construct. Higher positive correlations (e.g., Item 10 and Item 18 at 0.827 and Item 10 and Item 20 at 0.757) suggest strong inter-item relationships, meaning these items may tap into very similar aspects of the communal spirit. On the other hand, negative correlations (e.g., Item 12 and Item 19 at -0.181) suggest that these particular items may be measuring slightly different or even opposing elements within the construct. The average correlation values are moderate to strong, which is ideal for a reliable scale—too high might indicate redundancy, while too low could signal weak internal consistency.

The distribution of correlations also highlights a few items with consistently stronger relationships across the matrix, such as Item 10, Item 18, and Item 17, which have multiple correlations above 0.60. These items may serve as core indicators of Bayanihan, representing the central themes of communal unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility. Conversely, some items with weaker or negative correlations (e.g., Items 1, 6, and 12) might require further analysis to determine if they measure a distinct subdimension or if they should be revised for clarity. Overall, the matrix suggests that the Bayanihan scale has strong internal consistency, with most items aligning well to define the construct, reinforcing the cultural importance of collective effort and mutual support in Filipino society.

Table 3 Pakikisama Inter Item Correlation

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The Pakikisana Inter-Item Correlation Matrix reveals the relationships among the 20 items intended to measure the construct of Pakikisana (social acceptance and adaptability in group settings). The correlation values range from -0.122 to 0.888, with many moderate to strong positive correlations, indicating that the scale items generally align with the intended construct. High correlations, such as Item 33 and Item 37 (0.888) and Item 24 and Item 36 (0.836), suggest that these items may be measuring very similar aspects of Pakikisana, possibly related to social harmony, cooperation, or inclusivity. Conversely, weak or negative correlations, such as Item 22 and Item 35 (-0.122) and Item 32 and Item 21 (­0.104), indicate that some items may not be as strongly related to the overall construct or could be assessing a distinct subdimension.

The overall pattern of correlations suggests that the Pakikisana scale has good internal consistency, with most items demonstrating meaningful relationships. Items that have consistently high correlations across the matrix, such as Items 36, 37, and 38, may serve as core indicators of Pakikisana, reinforcing key themes of group cohesion and mutual respect. Meanwhile, items with weaker or inconsistent correlations may require further evaluation to determine whether they assess a different facet of Pakikisana, need rewording, or should be reconsidered for inclusion in the scale. Overall, the results suggest that the scale effectively captures the essence of social connectedness and adaptability in interpersonal relationships.

Table 4 Hiya Inter Item Correlation

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The Hiya Inter-Item Correlation Matrix shows relationships among 20 items measuring the Filipino cultural value of Hiya (social propriety, sensitivity, and shame). Several items exhibit strong positive correlations, such as Item 41 & Item 45 (0.93) and Item 45 & Item 51 (0.987), indicating that these items measure closely related aspects, possibly linked to social expectations, embarrassment, or self-consciousness. Similarly, Item 42 & Item 48 (0.956) suggest a strong connection, likely capturing themes of social conformity and propriety. However, some items, like Item 55 & Item 42 (-0.506), show negative correlations, suggesting they might be measuring an opposing or distinct dimension of Hiya, such as resisting social embarrassment or personal autonomy.

Overall, the matrix indicates good internal consistency, with most items displaying moderate to strong positive correlations, supporting the idea that they measure the same construct. However, weak or negative correlations in some items (e.g., Item 55, Item 60) suggest potential subdimensions within Hiya that warrant further investigation. To refine the scale, a factor analysis could help determine whether Hiya consists of multiple underlying dimensions, such as social shame, self-restraint, or social conformity, and whether any items need rewording or removal for better conceptual clarity.

Table 5 Relational Harmony (Pagkakasundo sa Relasyon)

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The Relational Harmony (Pagkakasundo sa Relasyon) Inter-Item Correlation Matrix examines how 20 items relate to each other in measuring interpersonal harmony. Several items show strong positive correlations, such as Item 61 & Item 63 (0.897), Item 65 & Item 77 (0.93), and Item 67 & Item 77 (0.943), suggesting they capture closely related aspects of relational harmony, possibly mutual respect, understanding, or cooperation. However, some items have negative correlations, like Item 61 & Item 62 (-0.183) and Item 64 & Item 73 (-0.34), indicating they may be measuring opposing or distinct aspects, such as conflict resolution versus avoidance.

Overall, the matrix suggests strong internal consistency, as most items exhibit moderate to strong positive correlations, reinforcing the idea that they measure a shared construct. However, weak or negative correlations in some items (e.g., Item 80 with multiple items) indicate possible subdimensions within relational harmony, such as conflict resolution, emotional support, or social agreement. Further analysis, like factor analysis, may help determine if these items cluster into different dimensions and if any items need modification or removal to enhance the scale’s accuracy and reliability.

Table 6 Hospitality (Pagkamapagpatuloy o Pagiging maasikaso)

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The inter-item correlation matrix for the Hospitality (Pagkamapagpatuloy o Pagiging Maasikaso) scale presents the relationships between different items measuring the construct. Positive correlations suggest that the items are measuring similar aspects of hospitality, while negative correlations indicate potential divergence in meaning or interpretation. Strong positive correlations, such as between Item 83 and Item 100 (0.87) or Item 96 and Item 98 (0.904), imply that these items are highly related and contribute to a cohesive measure of hospitality. Conversely, weaker correlations or negative values, such as Item 82 and Item 83 (-0.25) or Item 99 and Item 100 (-0.286), suggest some level of distinction between these aspects, which may reflect different dimensions of the construct.

Notably, many items exhibit moderate to strong correlations, indicating overall consistency within the scale. This suggests that the scale effectively captures the essence of hospitality while allowing for some variation in how different aspects are expressed. For instance, Items 85 and 87 show a high correlation (0.933), suggesting a close conceptual link between them. However, some negative correlations, such as Item 81 and Item 84 (-0.2), may indicate that these items measure opposing tendencies within hospitality, such as reserved behavior versus proactive

Table 7 Resilience (Katatagan o Pagtatagumpay sa kabila ng pagsubok)

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The inter-item correlation matrix for the resilience construct provides insights into the relationships among the individual items measuring resilience. Strong positive correlations (e.g., 0.93, 0.922, 0.884) suggest that several items are closely related and likely measure similar aspects of resilience, such as perseverance, adaptability, and emotional strength in facing adversity. However, there are also several negative correlations (e.g., -0.277, -0.294, -0.31), which may indicate that some items assess resilience from a different perspective or reflect opposite tendencies, such as vulnerability or lack of perseverance in challenging situations. The presence of highly consistent values across multiple items suggests that the scale is reliable and captures a cohesive construct, though further validation might be needed to ensure all items contribute meaningfully to the overall resilience measurement.

Notably, some items exhibit very high correlations (close to 1), indicating redundancy, which might suggest the need for refinement of the scale to avoid repetitive or overlapping items. Conversely, consistently negative inter-item correlations, such as those around -0.277 and -0.31, warrant examination to determine whether these items are inversely related to resilience or if they should be reworded for better alignment with the construct. The strong positive correlations between certain items and slightly lower correlations with others highlight the multidimensional nature of resilience, suggesting it encompasses both personal endurance and adaptability. Overall, this matrix provides useful preliminary data for evaluating the internal consistency of the resilience scale, but further factor analysis may be necessary to confirm its structural validity.

Table 8 Empathy (Pakikidama or Pakikiramay)

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The inter-item correlation matrix for empathy (Pakikidama or Pakikiramay) highlights several strong positive correlations among the items, suggesting that most items in the scale are strongly related and likely measure similar aspects of empathy. For instance, items such as 121, 125, 127, 133, and 139 show very high correlations (ranging from 0.791 to 0.882), indicating that they are highly aligned in terms of their assessment of empathetic feelings and behaviors. These positive correlations are expected for items designed to capture different facets of empathy, such as emotional understanding, sharing in others' suffering, and offering emotional support. Additionally, the matrix indicates that some items like 123, 125, and 129 display consistent associations with each other, suggesting that these aspects of empathy may overlap or reinforce each other.

On the other hand, there are several negative correlations present, such as -0.351 between items 121 and 134, and -0.374 between items 125 and 136. These negative correlations suggest that some items might be measuring contrasting aspects of empathy or possibly capturing dimensions of empathy that are not always congruent. While these negative correlations are relatively modest, they could indicate some degree of variation in how participants respond to certain items. In general, the overall pattern of inter-item correlations suggests that the empathy scale captures a broad yet nuanced range of empathy-related behaviors and feelings, with a few items possibly tapping into distinct or inverse aspects. To refine the scale, further examination of the negative correlations may be needed to ensure that all items are aligned with the overarching concept of empathy.

Table 9 Faith and Spirituality (Pananampalataya at Espiritwalidad)

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On the other hand, the matrix also reveals some moderate negative correlations, such as between item 141 and item 142 (-0.263) or item 145 and item 146 (-0.249). These negative correlations, although not very strong, could suggest that certain dimensions of faith and spirituality may conflict or diverge in how they are perceived by respondents. For example, some items that assess belief in spiritual practices might be negatively correlated with items assessing individual faith experiences or specific spiritual actions. Such negative correlations may point to nuances in how different facets of spirituality are related, suggesting that some dimensions of faith might not always align perfectly with others. Further analysis could help determine if these negative relationships reveal distinct subcomponents of spirituality or reflect potential discrepancies in item wording or interpretation.

Table 10 Emotional Control (Kontrol sa Emosyon)

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The inter-item correlation matrix for Emotional (Positibong Pananaw) shows a strong consistency among the items, with many pairs exhibiting high positive correlations. Items such as 161, 163, 165, and 167, for example, show correlations of 1, indicating that they are highly related and likely assess similar emotional traits or aspects of a positive outlook. Items 162, 164, 166, and 168 also exhibit perfect correlations with one another, suggesting that they measure a consistent emotional construct. Furthermore, the matrix reveals some very high correlations, such as between item 161 and item 179 (0.973) and item 162 and item 178 (0.957), demonstrating that certain items within the scale are closely linked and represent overlapping dimensions of emotional positivity or perspective.

However, there are some negative correlations between specific items, which suggest a degree of divergence in how respondents perceive certain aspects of emotional outlook. For example, items such as 169 and 170 exhibit a negative correlation of -0.162, and item 172 correlates negatively with item 173 (-0.115). These moderate negative correlations might point to subtle differences in how the emotional traits are expressed or understood, indicating that while the overall construct of emotional positivity remains consistent, some nuanced emotional dimensions might not always align with others in the responses. Overall, the matrix shows that while a broad emotional positivity is being captured, there are still variations in how individual items are related within this framework.

Table 11 Optimism (Positibong Pananaw)

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The inter-item correlation matrix for Optimism (Positibong Pananaw) highlights a mixture of both strong positive correlations and moderate negative relationships across the items. Many items, such as Item 181, 183, and 185, exhibit strong positive correlations, with values above 0.8, indicating that they assess closely related dimensions of optimism. Items 181 and 185, for example, show a very high correlation of 0.895, suggesting that these items are highly consistent in measuring optimism. Similarly, Item 182 and Item 184 also display high correlations (0.932), emphasizing their shared aspects of positive outlook. This pattern of positive correlations suggests that most of the items are well-aligned in capturing different facets of optimism.

On the other hand, there are a number of moderate negative correlations between certain pairs of items, such as between Item 181 and Item 182 (-0.248), or Item 196 and Item 198 (-0.332). These negative correlations may indicate that, while the overall scale measures optimism, some specific items might tap into subtly different emotional or cognitive elements that are inversely related in certain contexts. For example, the negative correlations could reflect differences in how optimism is expressed in certain situations or the relative strength of optimism across various circumstances. However, the majority of the correlations are positive, suggesting a consistent underlying construct of optimism with some nuanced variation in the way different dimensions of optimism are experienced or reported.

Table 12. Cronbach's Alpha Value of the 10 Dimensions or Factors

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Table 12 presents the Cronbach’s Alpha values for different dimensions or factors measured in the study, indicating the internal consistency and reliability of the items within each construct. Cronbach’s Alpha is a widely used statistic to assess the reliability of a scale, with values above 0.70 generally considered acceptable and values above 0.80 indicating good reliability. The overall number of items in the study is 200, distributed across ten key Filipino cultural and psychological dimensions.

Bayanihan (Communal Spirit)

Bayanihan refers to the Filipino value of communal unity and cooperation. The Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.839 suggests a high level of internal consistency, meaning the items measuring this factor are closely related. This value indicates that respondents likely interpreted the questions about bayanihan in a similar manner, reinforcing the idea that the concept is well understood and measurable.

Pakikisama (Social Harmony)

With a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.907, Pakikisama has the highest reliability score among all the factors. This high value suggests that the items measuring social harmony are highly correlated and effectively capture the essence of Pakikisama. This reflects the importance of maintaining smooth interpersonal relationships in Filipino culture, where avoiding conflict and promoting group cohesion are prioritized.

Hiya (Shame, Self-Consciousness, or Sense of Propriety)

The Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.841 indicates that the items measuring Hiya are reliable and consistent. Hiya plays a significant role in Filipino behavior, influencing decision-making, social interactions, and adherence to cultural expectations. The strong reliability score suggests that respondents answered consistently when evaluating their sense of self-consciousness and propriety.

Relational Harmony (Pagkakasundo sa Relasyon)

The 0.875 Cronbach’s Alpha for relational harmony demonstrates strong internal consistency, indicating that the items measuring relational harmony effectively capture the ability to maintain peaceful and harmonious relationships. This suggests that Filipinos highly value maintaining peace and balance in interpersonal relationships.

Hospitality (Pagkamapagpatuloy o Pagiging Maasikaso)

Hospitality is a well-known Filipino trait, reflected in the Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.853, which confirms the strong reliability of the items measuring this dimension. The consistency in responses suggests that hospitality is a well-defined cultural concept, with clear expectations about how it manifests in Filipino social behavior.

Resilience (Katatagan o Pagtatagumpay sa Kabila ng Pagsubok)

Resilience is a defining characteristic of Filipinos, especially in times of hardship. The Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.895 indicates that the items measuring resilience are highly consistent, suggesting that respondents had a shared understanding of what it means to persevere through adversity. This highlights the cultural significance of endurance and strength in the face of challenges.

Empathy (Pakikidama or Pakikiramay)

With a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.874, the Empathy factor demonstrates strong reliability. This suggests that respondents consistently assessed their ability to understand and share the feelings of others, which is central to Filipino social interactions, particularly in times of crisis or grief.

Faith and Spirituality (Pananampalataya at Espiritwalidad)

Faith and spirituality are deeply ingrained in Filipino culture. The Cronbach’s Alpha value of 0.883 indicates a high level of internal consistency, reinforcing the notion that spiritual beliefs and practices are widely shared and interpreted consistently among respondents.

Emotional Control (Kontrol sa Emosyon)

Emotional control is crucial in Filipino culture, as individuals are expected to manage their emotions to maintain social harmony. The Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.885 suggests that respondents had a consistent interpretation of the items measuring emotional control, highlighting its significance in Filipino social interactions.

Optimism (Positibong Pananaw)

Optimism, or maintaining a positive outlook, has a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.865, demonstrating strong internal reliability. This suggests that the concept of optimism is widely understood and consistently measured among respondents, reflecting the cultural emphasis on hope and positivity.

Overall Reliability of the Scale

The study measures 200 items across 10 dimensions, all of which demonstrate strong reliability (a > 0.80). This suggests that the instrument is highly reliable for measuring Filipino cultural and psychological traits. The high overall reliability of the factors indicates that they are cohesive and measure well-defined constructs.

Importance of High Cronbach’s Alpha Scores

Since all alpha values exceed 0.80, this indicates that the questionnaire effectively captures the psychological and cultural traits it aims to measure. High reliability ensures that the instrument can be used confidently in future studies to assess these dimensions.

Implications for Filipino Psychology

The high internal consistency of these dimensions confirms the importance of Filipino indigenous values in understanding psychological well-being. This validates the use of culturally relevant frameworks instead of solely relying on Western psychological measures.

Cultural Significance of Bayanihan and Pakikisama

The high reliability of the items measuring Bayanihan and Pakikisama emphasizes the deep-rooted nature of communal living and social harmony in Filipino society. These values guide interpersonal relationships, work environments, and community interactions.

The Role of Hiya and Emotional Control

Hiya and emotional control shape how Filipinos navigate social expectations. The high Cronbach’s Alpha values suggest that these constructs are well-defined and consistently perceived, reinforcing their significance in Filipino interpersonal behavior.

Faith and Resilience as Protective Factors

Faith and resilience are strong protective factors against stress and adversity. The high alpha values confirm that these constructs are highly reliable, supporting previous research that highlights their role in Filipino coping mechanisms.

Hospitality as a Cultural Identity

The strong reliability of hospitality as a factor suggests that it is a well- established cultural trait. Filipinos take pride in welcoming others warmly, and this construct is consistently understood across respondents.

The Need for Future Studies

Although the scale demonstrates strong reliability, future research should explore the validity of these dimensions in different contexts, such as among overseas Filipinos or across various age groups, to further confirm their applicability.

Practical Applications of the Scale

This reliable scale can be used in mental health interventions, cultural assessments, and educational programs to better understand Filipino values and psychological resilience. It provides a comprehensive tool for researchers and practitioners working with Filipino populations.

In general, the high reliability of the ten dimensions highlights their cultural and psychological importance in Filipino society. The scale provides a robust framework for understanding Filipino traits, ensuring that these cultural factors are accurately measured and appreciated in research and practice.

Norming of Population

To establish a norming table for a group of 30 sample, compute the normed score for each factor or dimension, using the Cronbach's alpha values and the number of items in the respective factors.

Since the number of items varies for each factor, we can consider using Cronbach's alpha to measure internal consistency and reliability, which will help us evaluate the norming performance. However, to define norms, we typically need more specific benchmarks or scales (e.g., percentiles, standard deviations, or raw scores converted to standardized scores).

Table 13 The Cronbach’s Alpha value of each factors

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Table 13 that shows each factor's Cronbach's alpha, number of items, and we can discuss potential norms based on those values. This will serve as a foundational norming structure.

Interpretation for Norming:

• Cronbach’s Alpha Values: These values range from 0.839 to 0.907, which is generally considered very good (above 0.8) and indicates high internal consistency for each factor.
• Number of Items: Each factor has a varying number of items (from 1 to 200). The reliability seems consistent across the range of items.

To establish a more detailed understanding of norming, we can consider the process through which we categorize the group of 30 samples based on their scores for each dimension. First, norming involves taking the raw data from participants and transforming it into a standardized form so that we can compare scores across different dimensions with consistency. By calculating the mean and standard deviation for each dimension within the group of 30, we create benchmarks to classify individual scores as below average, average, or above average. These norms can help in understanding how a particular sample or individual performs relative to others in a population. For example, if most individuals score above the mean in a dimension such as "Resilience," we might consider that dimension to be one of strength for that group.

The Cronbach's Alpha values provided in the table suggest that each of the factors demonstrates a high degree of internal consistency, with values above 0.8 for all dimensions. This reliability is crucial in the context of norming, as it indicates that the items within each factor are measuring a similar construct. For example, in a dimension like "Pakikisama (Social Harmony)" with a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.907, we can be confident that the items in this category are strongly related to the concept of social harmony. The consistency means that the results we derive from our sample of 30 individuals are reliable and can be used to establish valid norms. The high alpha values also suggest that even with smaller sample sizes, such as the 30 samples in this case, the reliability of our norming process will still hold.

In addition to the reliability, we also need to consider the number of items in each factor when norming. Dimensions with more items, such as "Optimism" (with 181-200 items), are likely to provide a more detailed and nuanced view of the construct, potentially resulting in more stable and accurate scores. However, this does not necessarily mean that shorter dimensions (e.g., "Bayanihan" with only 1­20 items) will have weaker norms, as their reliability, as indicated by Cronbach’s alpha, still remains high. The process of norming should also take into account the different lengths of dimensions and adapt the scoring or comparison accordingly. Overall, the norming process allows for a systematic way to understand how individuals compare to each other across the various dimensions, giving insight into strengths and areas for improvement in a given group or population.

Further enhancing the norming process involves not only establishing benchmarks for individual scores but also considering the distribution of scores within the sample group. This is particularly important when dealing with a sample size of 30, as small sample sizes can sometimes lead to skewed or non­representative data. By analyzing the frequency distribution of scores for each factor, we can identify patterns such as whether scores are concentrated in the middle of the scale (indicating a normal distribution) or if they are heavily skewed towards the higher or lower ends. This distribution will allow us to adjust our norming to better reflect the realities of the group being studied. If, for example, the majority of respondents score highly on the "Hospitality" factor, the norm might shift such that a higher score is considered more average compared to other groups with a wider spread.

Another important consideration when norming is the cultural and contextual relevance of the factors. In this case, the factors such as "Bayanihan" (communal spirit) and "Pakikisama" (social harmony) are culturally specific to Filipino values, and norming should reflect the ways these values manifest within the group being studied. For example, if the majority of the sample comes from a community where these values are highly emphasized, it might skew the scores in a way that wouldn't be typical in a more individualistic society. Understanding this cultural context allows for more accurate interpretation of the norming process, ensuring that results are meaningful within the specific cultural framework being examined. Norming should thus consider cultural norms and expectations to ensure the final interpretation aligns with the unique characteristics of the group.

Additionally, longitudinal norming can be a helpful strategy to further refine these norms. Rather than relying solely on cross-sectional data from a single sample of 30 individuals, longitudinal studies would track individuals over time to observe changes in their scores on each dimension. By doing so, we could identify trends, shifts in values, and individual growth patterns that wouldn't necessarily be apparent in a one-time survey. This extended process of norming helps to create more robust standards, reflecting the dynamic nature of human behavior and how dimensions such as resilience, social harmony, and spirituality evolve in response to personal and societal changes. In this sense, norming becomes not just a static comparison but a continuous, evolving framework that adapts over time, offering deeper insights into individual and group progress.

In creating percentile rank table for the data and establish norms, we need to calculate the percentile ranks for each dimension based on the distribution of scores within the group of 30 samples. Since you provided Cronbach's alpha values and the number of items in each factor, we can establish general guidelines for what the percentile ranks might look like, though exact percentile ranks would require specific data points from the 30 samples.

In a typical percentile rank table, each percentile represents the percentage of scores that fall below a certain value. Here’s how we might structure the percentile ranks for each dimension based on typical score distributions:

Steps to Determine Percentile Ranks:

1. Identify Mean and Standard Deviation: If actual data from the 30 samples were available, we'd calculate the mean and standard deviation for each factor.
2. Determine Percentile Cutoffs: Using these statistical values, we'd determine the corresponding percentile ranks for each score.
3. Map Scores to Percentiles: For each dimension, scores would be classified as falling into certain percentile bands, such as the 1st-10th, 11th- 25th, 26th-50th, 51st-75th, 76th-90th, and 91st-100th percentiles.

Table 14 Percentile Rank Table

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Interpretation of Percentile Ranks:

1. 90th to 100th Percentile: These scores are considered exceptionally high within the sample group. If a dimension falls into this range, it suggests that individuals are scoring well above most of the other participants, demonstrating strong characteristics in that area.
2. 75th to 89th Percentile: Scores in this range are also above average, indicating that participants exhibit strong levels of the dimension, but they are not at the very top. This range would indicate good performance or characteristics.
3. 50th to 74th Percentile: These scores are average. Individuals scoring in this range demonstrate typical levels of the characteristic, meaning they are neither particularly strong nor weak in this area compared to the overall sample.
4. Below 50th Percentile: Scores in this range indicate below average performance in the given dimension. Those in this range may require further support or development to improve their standing.

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• Auteur: PhD, RPsy, LPT Josephine Manapsal (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2025
• Pages: 66
• N° de catalogue: V1592992
• ISBN (PDF): 9783389143018
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Filipino personality, indigenous psychology, psychometric validation