Abstracts of the Plenary Presentations @ IPCAP 5th National Convention

Plenary # 1, Topic 1: “The Status and Prospects of Mediation Work in the Philippines”
Speaker: Susanna Velasco, PhD, RGC and Fr. Bernard Collera, SVD, RGC

Abstract: It is a common knowledge that the civil courts in the Philippines are clogged with cases which need judgments and resolutions. With the enactment of a law requiring “mediation before litigation,” many of these cases have been submitted to mediation that has resolved thousands of cases thereby reducing the difficulties of those involved in the cases. This study dares to explore on the current status of the practice, as well as show that Guidance Counselors are in a very good position to act as Mediators since they have a training and practice that may best facilitate mediation among those involved in certain cases.



Plenary # 1, Topic 2: “The Practice of Family Mediation”
Speaker: Cris Sapnit and Dr. Ernesto Chio

Abstract: The presentors are practitioners in the field of family mediation. A brief description of the history of Family Mediation in the US, Europe and Asia and the Philippines shall show the development of the practice. They shall likewise show the difference(s) of Counseling from Mediation The sociological and psychological factors involved in separation/divorce processes, parenting and the consequences for and adjustment of children of separation/divorce shall then be presented. The processes, principles, techniques, and significance of family mediation and how they apply to its proper praxis and effectivity shall be discussed.



Plenary # 1, Topic 3: “Towards the Development of the Spiritual Intelligence Inventory – 45 (SIII-45)”
Speaker: Sally I. Maximo, RGC

Abstract: The Spiritual Intelligence Indicators Inventory –45 (SIII-45) was developed as an incidental output of the author’s interest and studies on Spiritual Intelligence. The paper describes the nine factors measured by the tool as a result of Factor Analysis confirming the construct validity of the tool. Its reliability measure is very high at 0.95 (Alpha Coefficient). Reliability for each of the nine factors is also acceptable ranging from Alpha Coefficients 0.61 to 0.88. Concurrent studies reveal significant positive relationship with Stress Management and Religious Commitment. Despite limitations in sampling, the assessment capacity of the tool is hopeful and it may be useful in other research undertakings. Further studies on the said inventory are likewise highly recommended.



Plenary # 2, Topic 1: “Effects of Encouraging Songs on Selected Grade Three Students with Average to Elevated Levels of Anxiety”
Speaker: Marie Gethsemanie P. Hilario, MA Ed

Abstract: This study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of encouraging songs on grade three students with average to elevated anxiety levels. Alfred Adler attributed the cause of anxiety to feelings of insecurity (Macauley, 2003). A pattern of chronic worry is set up when they feel unsafe and are awash in self-doubts. Feelings of rejection may come in greater force because they are sensitized for signs of rejection. Insecurity breeds anxiety (Parrott, 2003). Music has been shown as producing a positive effect on healing and promoting change in physiological as well as emotional well-being, a possible method of intervention in addressing the anxiety levels of the children, particularly the use of songs with encouraging lyrics. As observed in the classroom, children tend to be naturally drawn to music especially upbeat ones that readily catch their attention. The use of encouraging songs may be among the repertoire of interventions that could be used to address the multitude of challenges present in the schools. The brevity, creativity and structure of using encouraging songs in several sessions for intervention may enable the counselors to help and reach out to a number of students enabling them to express their emotions in more acceptable manner, respond positively to life’s challenges, function at their best and enjoy life to the fullest. Given the findings and conclusions of the study, it is recommended that the guidance office integrate the use of encouraging songs in its programs to help reduce anxiety levels of students. Similarly, results suggest that possibly longer exposure (8 to 10) sessions more to encouraging songs would be more substantial in effect. Finally, the researcher recommends further research in the effectiveness of the use of encouraging songs among different Filipino students from different socio-economic (SES) backgrounds.


Plenary # 2, Topic 2: “Composites of Emotional Intelligence Among Gifted and Talented Filipino Children”
Speaker: Jemerson N. Dominguez, MA

Abstract: The study identified the composites of emotional intelligence (EI) among forty-five gifted and talented Filipino freshman students. The researcher utilized the triangulation of data among the three disparate groups using the Emotional Intelligence Scale for the students, and parallel instruments for the teachers and parents/guardians. Overall, the students manifest a moderate level emotional intelligence. The findings have important implications to instruction, guidance and counseling, ecological concerns and values formation.
Learning is an emotional as well as a cognitive process. Knowing the students’ emotional intelligence will be useful in the selection of the curricular content, the instructional strategies and materials. In guidance and counseling, the use of data on students’ emotional intelligence cannot be overemphasized. Meanwhile, the school’s program on ecological concerns to help the students acquire needed competencies for growth and change, social competence, and leadership abilities can definitely make use of information on the students’ emotional intelligence. Obviously, the development of emotional literacy among the students as part of values formation leans heavily on emotional intelligence.



Plenary # 3, Topic 1: “Emotional-Social intelligence, Self-Efficacy and Life Satisfaction of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Students”
Speaker: Remedios Moog

Abstract: Academic Institutions have become more aware of the challenges faced by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. They experience varied needs and challenges that may have an impact on their emotional stability, social functioning, as well in the performance of tasks and life satisfaction. The researchers of this study acknowledge the significance of providing holistic assistance to all students regardless of their sexual orientation and gender identity. LGBT students deserve to be given equal opportunities and rights in the academic institutions. This paper thus intends to determine the level of emotional-social intelligence, self-efficacy (general self-efficacy and social self-efficacy) and life satisfaction of LGBT students, to find out the relationships among the said variables and to investigate the effects of support intervention program.



Plenary # 3, Topic 2: “Difficulties Experienced by Counselors in a State of Mid-Life Crisis: A Basis for a Proposed Intervention Program”
Speaker: Joy Alvi Aranas, PhD, RGC

Abstract: This research study used the descriptive case analysis to provide an overview on the difficulties experienced by counselors in a state of midlife crisis. Further, a proposed intervention program was developed based on the findings of this study with the hope that it would optimize individual potentials. The conceptual framework covered the individual profile of the respondents in terms of age, gender, civil status, and years of service as counselors as part of the input. The process involves the difficulties experienced on the following aspects: emotional aspect, interest aspect, mental aspect, physical aspect and social aspect. The output will provide insight to formulate an enhancement program for counselors experiencing middle life crisis. The respondents of this study were guidance counselors in middle adulthood whose age ranges from 35 years to 60 years and working in Cavite and Manila areas in the Philippines.




Plenary # 3, Topic 3: “Emotional Labor and Workplace Well-being Among Service
Industry Employees ”
Speaker: Paul Hilario, PhD

Abstract: The tertiary sector of the economy or the service industry is the largest sector in the world. The service sector contributes more than half of overall Philippine economic output. The industry has been both praised and criticized for its emergence as a job option for Filipinos. One issue that arises is the potential effects of emotional labor on workplace well-being and ultimately their tenure. The study targeted 1000 employed respondents from different service industries. Two instruments, the 18-item Emotional Labor Scale (Chu, 2002) and the 31– item Workplace Well-being Questionnaire (Parker and Hyett, 2011) were used for the study. Tenure was measured in terms of the total number of years reported by the respondents. The results indicate a strong negative correlation between emotional labor rendered by call center agents and their subsequent workplace well-being r(641) =-.778, p<.01 and tenure r(641) =-.436, p<.01. The implications of the findings in relation to organization-based intervention were discussed.