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Concept Paper Writing - SikoPil

The document discusses the development of the Utang na Loob Scale (UNLS), a 24-item questionnaire designed to measure the Filipino cultural value of Utang na Loob, which reflects gratitude and moral obligation. The study identifies seven dimensions of this value and highlights the need for a reliable measurement tool to better understand its impact on social behavior, mental health, and community ties. Recommendations include expanding the sample demographics and exploring generational shifts in the understanding of Utang na Loob.

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45 views4 pages

Concept Paper Writing - SikoPil

The document discusses the development of the Utang na Loob Scale (UNLS), a 24-item questionnaire designed to measure the Filipino cultural value of Utang na Loob, which reflects gratitude and moral obligation. The study identifies seven dimensions of this value and highlights the need for a reliable measurement tool to better understand its impact on social behavior, mental health, and community ties. Recommendations include expanding the sample demographics and exploring generational shifts in the understanding of Utang na Loob.

Uploaded by

prey
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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NAME: ELUNAH MAE L RAYANDAYAN INSTRUCTOR : RACHEL NACIONALES

YEAR & COURSE: BS PSYCH 2E

THE CONCEPT OF UTANG NA LOOB IN THE PHILIPPINES:


UTANG NA LOOB SCALE

Concept/Construct/Variable Author Year Published Source Findings Gap/Recommendation


Utang na Loob Scale Gundran, Manalo,et al. 2021 Antorcha Vol. 8, No. 1 Developed a 24-item scale Sample restricted to late
and 2 measuring Utang na Loob adolescents in one
across 7 factors (e.g., institution.
Open-Relational, Recommendations:Expand
Gratitude, Give-and- to broader demographics
Take). Reliability (e.g., clinical populations,
(Cronbach’s α = 0.829) older adults) and validate for
and validity practical applications.
(construct/convergent) Further explore
were confirmed. Tested generational/cultural shifts
on Letran students in Utang na Loob.
(N=192), primarily aged
18–20.

INTRODUCTION

Utang na Loob, a deeply rooted Filipino cultural value, reflects a strong sense of gratitude and moral obligation to return acts of kindness. It is grounded in the idea of
kapwa (shared identity), which emphasizes connections and mutual care rather than transactional relationships. This value strengthens social ties and promotes long-term trust.
While earlier studies (Kaut, 1961; Pe-Pua, 2000) have explored its cultural and philosophical meanings, there is still a lack of research that measures Utang na Loob in a more
structured, scientific way.

This study fills that gap by developing the Utang na Loob Scale (UNLS)—a tool that captures how this value is felt and expressed today, especially among young
Filipinos. Originally built around five key ideas—Closeness, Obligation, Reciprocity, Respect, and Satisfaction—the tool was tested among college students and analyzed through
statistical methods like factor analysis and reliability testing. Interestingly, results showed that these ideas could be further refined into seven clearer dimensions. This scale
offers a reliable way to understand how Utang na Loob influences behavior, particularly in situations where family and social expectations are changing.

General Objectives

1. Define and measure Utang na Loob across five core ideas: Closeness, Obligation, Reciprocity, Respect, and Satisfaction.

2. Test the reliability and structure of the UNLS using statistical tools.

3. Use the tool to better understand Filipino social behavior in different contexts.

RATIONALE

Utang na Loob (debt of gratitude) remains a core part of Filipino life, shaping how people relate to family, friends, and their communities. Although it plays a big role
in maintaining harmony and social balance, most studies so far have focused on stories, interviews, or theories. These give deep insights, but they don’t offer a clear way to
measure or compare how people experience this value.

Without a reliable tool, it’s hard to study how Utang na Loob affects things like mental health, family pressure, or social support. That’s why this study developed the
Utang na Loob Scale (UNLS)—a 24-item questionnaire that turns these ideas into measurable factors. It was tested through processes like factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha (a
test of reliability) to make sure the tool gives accurate results.

This work is important beyond research. Policymakers and educators can use this tool to design culturally sensitive programs that support family ties, emotional well-
being, and community cooperation. In today’s fast-changing world, where Filipino values can sometimes be overlooked, the UNLS helps keep this meaningful tradition alive and
relevant. It also empowers Filipino researchers to center their own perspectives in academic and social discussions.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This study is based on three Filipino cultural theories that help explain Utang na Loob:

1. Kapwa Theory (Enriquez, 1978) – Emphasizes shared identity. When someone helps you, it’s not just about favors—it’s a part of a shared self, making gratitude a moral duty.
2. Reciprocity Norms (Kaut, 1961) – Suggests that Filipinos repay kindness over time, not just immediately. These acts of support build trust in relationships.

3. Smooth Interpersonal Relationships (Jocano, 1997) – Highlights how Utang na Loob helps avoid conflict and preserve peace by encouraging people to honor their debts with
respect.

Key Concepts

Utang na Loob: A deep sense of gratitude that leads someone to repay kindness, not out of obligation alone, but from genuine appreciation.

Five Initial Dimensions:

1. Closeness – Bonds with people who inspire help and support.

2. Obligation – The felt responsibility to give back, often lifelong.

3. Reciprocity – Giving back in a way that strengthens the relationship.

4. Respect – Showing honor and value to those who have helped.

5. Satisfaction – Personal fulfillment from upholding this value.

These ideas guided the creation of the 24-item Utang na Loob Scale (UNLS). Questions like "I feel responsible to repay kindness shown to me" helped turn cultural
beliefs into measurable responses. Later, factor analysis suggested refining these five ideas into seven clearer factors, such as Gratitude and Consideration (showing thanks
through actions) and Open-Relational (helping even beyond close relationships).

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Past research shows that Utang na Loob is central to Filipino identity. Pe-Pua (2000) connects it to pakikipagkapwa (shared humanity), noting how it builds strong
communities but may also cause stress if people feel forced to return favors. Ryan (2013) calls this the "invisible debt"—when people carry emotional burdens from unreturned
kindness, especially within families. Jocano (1997) emphasizes that this value keeps peace in families, like when children care for aging parents out of gratitude. Still, these
studies have limitations. Most rely on storytelling or interviews, not tools that can measure how strongly people feel Utang na Loob. Also, ideas like Obligation and Reciprocity
often get mixed up, making it hard to study their unique effects.To address this, the UNLS was developed and tested. Analysis revealed seven factors instead of five, such as
Gratitude and Consideration and Open-Relational. The tool showed strong reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.829), though some questions may need revision due to overlaps. The scale
was also compared with existing tools like the MAATFO (measuring family obligation) and PRPR (measuring respect), showing that the UNLS is valid and useful in understanding
how Utang na Loob affects real-life behavior within Filipinos.

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