Intergenerational Mental Health Coping Mechanisms in the Philippines: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

While there has been considerable literature on mental health coping mechanisms of Filipinos, especially among different age groups, a functional analysis of these findings remains lacking. Consequently, this paper attempts to analyze mental health coping mechanisms used by Filipinos across different generations, identifying the common practices and different factors. Employing a systematic literature review methodology, twenty-nine (29) studies were analyzed through content analysis technique. The results of the study revealed seven (7) areas of common coping mechanisms categorized into mobilizing body and mind, illuminating support, nurturing self, dialogues with professionals, finding strength in faith, utilizing traditional practices, and learning and growth mechanisms, while the factors were grouped into five (5) areas - culture, attitudes, gender, economic and spiritual. The findings imply that illuminating support, finding strength in faith, and utilizing traditional practices are the most common coping mechanisms employed by the older generation and that mobilizing body and mind, illuminating support, nurturing self, dialogues with professionals, finding strength in faith and learning and growth mechanisms are commonly used by the younger generation. The inclination of Filipinos towards certain coping strategies is influenced by various identified factors which can have both positive and negative influences. These influences can lead to a reluctance to consider alternative coping methods while reinforcing a firm conviction in the efficacy of their chosen strategies.