Research

As the national university, we champion and support innovative research that addresses the country’s most pressing challenges.

13 Feb 2024

UP Visayas

Oysters and mussels may contain high loads of bacteria by the time they reach consumers which makes them unsafe for raw consumption

Oysters and mussels are widely cultured shellfishes in the Philippines mostly intended for local consumption. After harvesting, they are transported...

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12 Feb 2024

UP Diliman, UP Mindanao

Davao City’s dual thoroughfares have good landform, light and color, and vegetation, and are relatively peaceful according to quantitative study

This study sought to assess the visual quality of dual thoroughfare streetscapes in Davao City, specifically identifying existing visual components...

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08 Feb 2024

UP Manila

Vaccination significantly reduces the chances of getting long-COVID and, in some cases, improves existing long-COVID symptoms

The emergence of COVID-19 brought about a global health crisis of unprecedented proportions. As vaccination campaigns were rolled out, researchers...

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07 Feb 2024

UP Los Baños

Higher education, marriage and abstaining from smoking lower risk of undernutrition whereas being female increases likelihood of overnutrition

Malnutrition in multiple forms is a public health crisis in many countries. The different forms of malnutrition affects numerous countries...

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06 Feb 2024

UP Diliman

Researchers modify the Friedmann equation and predict unique signs for the current era of the universe for the first time

Moments near the Big Bang, the universe underwent rapid and accelerated expansion called inflation. Any two objects that were 1...

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05 Feb 2024

UP Manila

Before intervening in SOGIE-based harassment, bystanders consider the type of harassment, risks to their safety and victim’s need for help

In the Philippines, there have been rising incidences of harassment directed at Filipinos who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans,...

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02 Feb 2024

UP Cebu

Filipino students value competence the most in business leaders whereas Finnish students prefer friendliness

This article sets out to examine cultural differences in perceiving leaders’ visual and non-verbal behavior. It examines and compares how...

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01 Feb 2024

UP Diliman

Embodying the Filipino “transpersonal worldview” can remind us of our relationship with nature and promote respect for it

In the indigenous Filipino belief, nature is filled with spirits. After we pass on, we return to nature, becoming anito....

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31 Jan 2024

UP Diliman

The Libingan ng mga Bayani is a social space where epitaphs signal social relationships and realities

In this paper, I looked at the epitaphs found on grave markers in Libingan ng mga Bayani. I investigated how...

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30 Jan 2024

UP Manila

Review explores how genetic and social factors contribute to the development of gender-based cancer differences among Asians

Cancer is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. Sex differences in cancer are evident in death rates and...

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29 Jan 2024

UP Los Baños

Researchers develop an ergonomic keyboard that eases typing in English, Tagalog and even Taglish

In the Philippines nowadays, English and Tagalog languages are alternately used for formal written communications;  in a school setting, English...

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26 Jan 2024

UP Diliman

Study introduces an easy physics experiment for students to do at home, providing learning opportunities with minimal teacher involvement

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a challenge for laboratory classes to keep students engaged amidst the limitations of a fully remote...

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Research

This research explores a vital aspect of a student’s life during their first year at university. It examines how the relationships students have with their parents and friends affect their ability to adjust to university life. The study is based on two key theories: the attachment theory which looks at how our early relationships shape our later life, and the theory of emerging adulthood, a stage of life where young people experience significant changes and explore their identity. Researchers surveyed first-year university students to understand the role of these relationships in their adjustment to university life.

The findings are intriguing. While both parental and peer attachments are important, they play different roles. A strong, trusting relationship with parents helps students feel secure as they navigate the new challenges of university. On the other hand, good communication with peers is crucial as students spend more time with friends and rely on them for day-to-day support. Secure attachment to parents is associated with positive academic views and motivation while peer attachment plays a more influential role during university years.

This shift from parental to peer attachment is a natural part of development. The transition to university is viewed as both an ecological and a personal developmental transition, crucial for emerging adults. This period demands autonomy, responsibility, and the ability to manage new challenges and pressures, including the exploration of self-identity. The findings reveal that while both parental and peer attachments are important, they function differently in enhancing identity exploration.

The significance of this research lies in its practical applications. For university administrators and policymakers, it underscores the importance of developing programs that foster both strong familial ties and healthy peer relationships. This can help students transition smoothly into university life, promoting their overall well-being and academic success.

In simple terms, the study reveals that for a student stepping into the world of higher education, both their families back home and the friends they make on campus play crucial roles in helping them adjust, grow, and succeed.

Authors: Walton Wider (Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University), Cloyd M. Tanucan (College of Teacher Education, Cebu Normal University), Jiaming Lin (Faculty of Business and Communications, INTI International University), Leilei Jiang (Faculty of Education and Liberal Arts, INTI International University), Lester Naces Udang (School of Liberal Arts, Metharath University/College of Education, University of the Philippines Diliman)

Read the full paper: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0294658