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This study evaluated two forms of a resilience intervention amongst college students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilising a randomised controlled trial design, it examined the impact of a synchronous and asynchronous resilience interventions versus a control group that did a journaling intervention. Outcomes measured included coping behaviour, non-reactivity, wellbeing, stress, depression and anxiety. Participants consisted of Filipino college students randomly assigned to three groups: synchronous online resilience group (n = 135), asynchronous resilience group (n = 121) and control group (n = 127). Results revealed that students who went through the online synchronous resilience reported a significant reduction in depression at post-intervention compared to those who went through an asynchronous intervention. Post-intervention scores for nonreactivity were also higher in the synchronous group compared to both asynchronous and journaling groups. Effect sizes were small to moderate. This study suggests that online resilience interventions are viable means to address the mental health needs of students, especially in countries with limited mental health resources.

Implicit change leadership theory (ICLT) highlights the importance of determining congruence between the ideal and actual change leadership schemas of employees in successful change management. This paper utilized ICLT in exploring effective change leadership and management in secondary schools and examined how these influence teachers' commitment to change. Data were gathered from 707 secondary school teachers from both private and public high schools in the Philippines. Findings indicated that (1) teachers seem to have a more holistic and integrative view of change leadership schemas than employees of business organizations, (2) teachers' change leadership schemas significantly predicts perceived effectiveness of change management, and teachers' affective commitment to change, and (3) perceived effectiveness of change management significantly mediates the effect of change leadership schemas on teachers' affective commitment to change. This study expanded the applicability of ICLT in basic education settings and contributes to the understanding of effective change leadership and change management in schools. Implications on practice and further recommendations for school leaders are also discussed.

COVID-19 survivors experienced a spectrum of emotions as a result of surviving the said disease. Employing thematic content analysis, the researchers characterized the various emotional manifestations among recovered COVID-19 patients, which are crucial indicators of their mental well-being postinfection. From March 2020 to June 2021, data was collated from 31 Filipino COVID-19 Survivors' YouTube videos. 51.61% of the videos were posted in 2020 and 48.39% were posted in 2021 where 70.97% of the survivors were female while 29.03% were male. 579 primary codes emerged and were narrowed down into sixteen themes where Hope (18.83%) arose as the most predominant emotion followed by Gratitude (14.68%), Joy and Relief (14.16%), Faith (11.57%), Plight Response (10.88%), Sadness (10.88%), Fear (6.39%), and nine others (12.61%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the influence of chief executive officers' (CEO) demographic characteristics on the likelihood of CEO duality on boards of Philippine publicly listed corporations (PLCs). It draws on the competing perspectives of agency and stewardship, as well as human capital and upper echelon theories. It uses logistic regression on a sample of 252 active PLCs as of the end of 2021. Results indicate 30% of Philippine PLCs continue to practice CEO duality, despite the recommendation of the 2016 Code of Good Governance for Philippine PLCs to separate the roles of CEO and chairman of the board (COB). It also demonstrates that the likelihood of CEO duality is influenced by gender, tenure, and age; that is, an older, longer tenured man has more chances to hold both the position of CEO and COB. This supports the idea that CEO duality choice is associated with experience-based human capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the feasibility of a virtual peer support resilience program for Filipinos during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a mixed-method design with pre- and post-test surveys measuring adaptive coping, psychological well-being, depression, anxiety, and stress. Interviews and open-ended questions in post-program surveys also elicited reactions, learnings, and suggestions of participants. Seventy-one (71) participants, a majority of whom were female (82%), with ages ranging from 20-65 participated in the program. Paired sample t-tests revealed significant increases in adaptive coping, non-reactivity, resilience, and well-being, and significant decreases in depression and stress symptoms. Participants found the program useful, accessible, and appreciated that it was free. However, they also reported challenges related to connectivity, distractions, and time. Participants reported that the program increased their selfunderstanding, self-care, and resilience skills. Other benefits cited were increased social support, learning from peers, and improved mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined structural changes in social network influences of recovering drug users. Anchored on the theory of social influences and social network, recovering drug users' social network interactions were mapped out using social network analysis (SNA). This study utilized exploratory sequential mixed method design. A focused group discussion (n = 12) using the name generator approach was conducted to develop a survey of the recovering drug users' social network influences. This survey was administered preand post-community-based drug rehabilitation (n = 52). Results of the SNA show that members of the drug users' immediate families, their friends, and their neighborhoods were significant influencers in their social network. This study also found structural changes in the social network influence post-drug intervention. There was a significant reduction in the use and mobilization of network provisions with negative influences (i.e., stigma, maltreatment, financial aid, experiences of abandonment, carrying burdens). Participants also reported a significant increase in their recovery capital and a decrease in substance use disorder symptoms over time. As community-based programs gain wider acceptance, policy makers and interventionists should consider the dynamics of social network structure and influences when designing drug rehabilitation and aftercare programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the organizational legitimacy offered by underwriters and outside directors on firms going public. Informed by legitimacy theory, certification hypothesis, and resource dependence theory, this study investigates the association of underwriters and outside directors on the level of underpricing. Using a sample of 77 Philippine firms undertaking an initial public offering (IPO) for the 20-year period from 2001 to 2020 and cross-sectional multiple regression, results indicate that the presence of a foreign underwriter and a greater proportion of outside directors on the board reduces the level of underpricing. Their legitimizing presence allows listing firms to potentially maximize their IPO proceeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occurrences of financial distress (FD) are not readily obvious yet can span several periods. This paper examines episodes of FD using industry‐relative (IR) firm‐/ accounting‐, market‐ and macro‐level information. Mixed logit regressions reveal that firm‐ and market‐based measures, as well as macro‐level variables explain the likelihood of FD in 263 publicly listed non‐banking firms in the Philippines during the period 1995 to 2018. Rates of identification of firms in financial distressed states of close to 69 percent are obtained at a cutoff probability of 0.30 in the model with time‐varying intercept and slope. This study shows the importance of recognizing heterogeneous firm behavior. The ability to more accurately predict the probability of FD and to determine the financial health of firms can help financial institutions in allocating funds and policy makers in predicting crises episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the sexual identity management strategies employed by GLB emerging adults when interacting with their parents, siblings, and close peers. For each context, perceived acceptance of sexual orientation and relationship closeness were examined as predictors of being explicitly out. Being explicitly out was also examined as a predictor of psychological well-being. Data were collected from 98 self-identified GLB individuals, who ranged from 18 to 22 years old and were currently college students from the Philippines. Results showed significant differences in the use of sexual identity management strategies depending on who they are interacting with. There was a greater likelihood to be explicitly out to close friends rather than family members. Perceived acceptance was a consistent predictor of being explicitly out across contexts although relationship closeness was not. However, relationship closeness significantly moderated the relationship between perceived acceptance and being explicitly out to parents. As hypothesized, being explicitly out significantly predicted psychological well-being with parents and siblings. This study expands the scope of the Identity Management Theory by showing how sexual identity is managed differently across various contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate a psychosocial treatment program for prisoners incarcerated because of methamphetamine use. It compared the outcomes of prisoners who received the program while incarcerated, those who were released and received the treatment as part of community-based drug recovery program and a waitlist-control group (WC) with no treatment.Design/methodology/approach: A quasi-experimental design was use with pre- and post-test surveys administered to three groups: a WC group, a pre-release treatment-while-incarcerated (TWI) group, and a post-release outpatient treatment group (OP). Surveys measured recovery skills, life skills and substance use disorder (SUD) symptoms were administered before and after the intervention.Findings: Results revealed that at baseline OP and TWI had significant higher recovery skills compared to WC group. However, in terms of life skills, there was no significant difference observed among the WC, OP and TWI group at baseline. TWI had a significantly lower number of SUD symptoms compared to the WC group at baseline. As hypothesized, findings revealed significant changes in recovery and life skills among the OP and TWI group compared to the WC group. No significant change in SUD scores were observed for all groups.Research Limitations/implications: A major limitation of the study was the use of a quasi-experimental design because legal issues did not allow a randomized control trial. Future research using randomized controlled trial designs would provide more robust conclusions on the impact of the intervention. The study design was also limited to pre- and post-evaluation. Further studies are encouraged to look at longitudinal outcomes of appears on SUD symptoms and possibility of relapse.Practical Implications: Given that there were no significant differences in outcomes between OP and TWI groups, results suggest that the program may serve either as a pre- or post-release program for incarcerated drug users. However, results also suggest that completion is higher when the program is used as a pre-release program. Delivering the program prior to release also reduces challenges related to attrition including conflict in schedules and the lack of resources for transportation.Social Implications: The study suggests the value of psychosocial treatment as opposed to punitive approaches in dealing with drug use. In particular, delivering interventions prior to release can prepare participants for problems they may encounter during reintegration and prevent recidivism. In a country where drug-related killings are on the rise, the study presents an alternate and restorative justice approach.Originality/value: The study addresses a dearth in the literature on psychosocial intervention for methamphetamine users. It also fills a vacuum in studies from developing countries such as the Philippines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the board structure – firm performance relationships of Philippine conglomerates. Agency and stewardship theories are used to specify panel regression models. Accounting and market firm performance measures are used to analyse the relationships. Results show significant: (1) positive associations between the separation of the CEO and Chairman roles; and (2) negative association between a higher proportion of outside, independent directors, and firm performance. This study highlights the opportunity to expand and nuance governance research in emerging markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to provide a structural model of the role of ethical leadership on intent to whistle blow workplace corruption using the theory of planned behaviors. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a mixed method, sequential design. Interviews were conducted in the first phase to identify corrupt practices and validate the salience of the variables in the study. The second phase administered surveys to test the hypotheses of the study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was done to analyze structural relationships among variables. Findings: SEM results showed an adequately fit model, indicating ethical leadership predicting organizational norms and controls. It also found that ethical leadership has indirect effect toward employees' attitude toward corruption through organizational norms and control. Furthermore, ethical leadership also has indirect effect on intent to whistle blow through organizational controls. Research limitations/implications: This study was conducted in the Philippines, a high-power distance culture. In such a culture, the influence of leadership is crucial, as it dictates standard behaviors of members and the organization as a whole. Future research may wish to explore whether the findings would also apply in low-power distance cultures. Practical implications: The finding suggests that ethical leadership is crucial in shaping organizational norms and controls, which in turn, influences employees' attitude toward corruption and their intention to whistle blow. Originality/value: The study contributes to corruption literature by providing empirical evidence of the structure model how the role of ethical leadership shapes organizational norms and controls that, in turn, influences employee attitude toward corruption and intent to whistle blow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current studies on employee substance use suggest that external and internal factors explain employee substance use behavior. However, most studies fail to account for the possible relational dynamics between mental processes and the work environment. To address this gap, we conducted a study among work organizations in the Philippines to explore employee substance use using a social cognitive approach. Structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that employee attitudes relating to drinking, smoking, and/or illicit drug use mediate the relationship between company culture and employee substance use, with the former influenced by other elements of the work environment. Implications to work organizations and human resource management practice are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examined the psychometric properties of the Inventory of Attitudes Towards Seeking Mental Help (IASMHS) English and translated Filipino versions in a sample of Filipino college students and overseas migrant workers. The IASMHS three-factor solution was replicated (psychological openness, help-seeking propensity, and indifference to stigma) with both English and Filipino versions, but dropping items and adding residual covariances were needed to achieve requisites of a good model fit. Measurement invariance test indicated partial metric and scalar invariance across versions. Past use and intent to utilize mental health services were positively associated with help-seeking propensity factor, but not with psychological openness and indifference to stigma. Bivariate correlations among IASMHS factors and other help-seeking variables were also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exposure of first responders to emergencies and disaster puts them at high risk of experiencing vicarious trauma. First responders are typically male and literature suggests that a negative connotation of masculinity creates a stigma that leads to low help-seeking behaviour and poorer psychological outcomes. This study examines Filipino dimensions of masculinity namely perceived cognitive ability, sense of community, and assertive dominance and how these dimensions predict adaptive coping and its outcomes. Surveys of 135 male first responders reveal that perceived cognitive ability and sense of community positively predict adaptive coping. Results also support the hypothesis that adaptive coping mediates the relationship of perceived cognitive ability, and sense of community positively with psychological well-being. However, there was no relationship between assertive dominance and adaptive coping. Rather, assertive dominance predicted vicarious trauma. The results contribute to the literature by showing that masculinity ideologies have both positive and negative relationships with mental health. This has implications on how emergency organizations can help support first responders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article documents the development of a community-based drug intervention for low- to mild-risk drug users who surrendered as part of the Philippine government's anti-drug campaign. It highlights the importance of developing evidence-informed drug recovery interventions that are appropriate to the Asian culture and to developing economies. Interviews and consultations with users and community stakeholders reveal the need for an intervention that would improve the drug recovery skills and life skills of users. Evidence-based interventions were adapted using McKleroy and colleagues' (2006) Map of Adaptation Process (MAP) framework. The resulting intervention reflected the country's collectivist culture, relational values, propensity for indirect and non-verbal communication, and interdependent self-construal. The use of small groups, interactive and creative methodologies, and the incorporation of music and prayer also recognised the importance of these in the Philippine culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined the challenges, enablers and outcomes of organisation transformation in Philippine local governments. We combined a multi-case study research design and backward mapping approach in collecting and analysing narratives from 55 leaders in 9 Filipino local government units (LGUs) that have successfully undergone transformation. Results show that the transformations of the LGUs appear to have been catalysed by three interrelated elements: vision, LGU leadership and citizen engagement. The transformation in the local governments concentrated on multiple foci of reform including structure and systems improvement, culture change, human-resource development as well as policy and programme development. This holistic approach enabled the transformation of bureaucratic and unprofessional government service to transparent, professional and efficient public service that engendered pride, transparency and social equity. Implications of the proposed model for transforming LGUs and in developing LGU leaders for good governance are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This study examines corruption attitudes and norms in government hospitals in the Philippines. It tests a culture-building model that advocates communication of desired values, leadership role modelling, employee role modelling, alignment of systems and structures, training and evaluation, and reinforcement. Results reveal components that influence corruption attitudes and norms. Communication predicted individual attitudes or acceptability of corrupt acts. Leadership, systems, and controls predicted the prevalence of corrupt acts. Employee role modelling predicted both acceptability of and the prevalence of corrupt acts. In addition, there is a positive relationship between individual attitudes and organisation norms reinforcing the dyadic relationship between the two. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]