February 3, 2015

PSY 220L
TEST CONSTRUCTION LABORATORY

OUTPUT 3
(BAHALA NA SUMMARY FILIPINO AND INTERNATIONAL LITERATURE)

MEDRIANO, KATHLEEN KAYE

SAMPANG, JONAH MAE
SAN DIEGO, ALGA MAE
TO, JACQUELINE
3PSY5

BAHALA NA AS A SITUATIONAL EXPRESSION

The bahala na expression is very common to Filipinos. Different situations allow us to
construe the term bahala na in many ways. Gripaldo (2005) in his analysis of the term,
provided numerous situations when bahala na is used. Often, when a person feels uncertain of
his/her situation, he/she decides to (1) leave everything to God. Another notion of the bahala
na (2) focuses on the ability of the speaker to take care of the situation despite the uncertainty
of the results. A third meaning of the term speaks of a (3) situation where the person is left to do
what is needed or what he wants but must be prepared to face the consequences of the action.
The first three situations give emphasis on the utterance of bahala na by the speaker for the
his/her own purpose. However, Gripaldo (2005), in his analysis, still provided situations where
bahala na is contextualized with the intent of referring to another person. Bahala na siya is
used when (4) a person decides to tolerate another person for doing whatever he/she wants.
Lastly, bahala na could be expressed with the (5) intent of warning someone, such is when
bahala ka sa buhay mo is stated.
The identified circumstances give evidence to the importance of looking at bahala na in
reference to a situation. It is therefore only logical to emphasize the Filipino culture when
understanding the term. One of the earliest literatures on the bahala na orientation looked at it
as fatalistic. Bostrom (1968) hypothesized that the Filipino bahala na has a counterpart in
American fatalism. In her study, bahala na was described as fatalism, reliance on fate,
resignation and avoidance of responsibility. However, this pessimistic view of the expression
fails to take into account the Filipino attitude tied when bahala na is expressed. According to
Gorospe, as cited in Lara (1998), fatalism presents a withdrawal from commitment or avoidance
of responsibility. If such is the case, then viewing bahala na as fatalism reduces the meaning of
the term and fails to highlight one of the most fundamental notion tied to the bahala na
expression, that is taking initiative even when facing uncertainty.
BIPOLARITY OF BAHALA NA
The earlier discussed fatalistic conception of Bahala na was the definition proposed by
Bostrom. Lagmay (1977) on the other hand emphasizes an optimistic view of the bahala na
expression. In his study, Lagmay (1977) proposed that the bahala na response is evoked when
(1) it is difficult to have a foresight of results or consequences, (2) information, resources and

even personal capabilities are lacking, (3) when one is unprepared, (4) support or help from
others are not present and (5) when one wishes to assess his capabilities, strengths and
weaknesses. In all the identified situations, one could say that future, whether distant or near,
because of some deficiency or other, is basically uncertain. Lagmay (1977) proposes that this
uncertainty is central to every bahala na situation. From this, he said, we can piece out
carefully a definition of the bahala na attitude, which takes into account the Filipino culture, as
well as a definition which explains the dynamics of the bahala na attitude in a way that is
significant for a psychological theory. Thus, an optimistic perspective sees bahala na as an
inner strength to dare, to take risk, to initiate and move, to take up challenge and to assume
responsibility.
This two views evoke an issue whether bahala na should be defined in an optimistic
way or a pessimistic way. This shows that bahala na expression could tone either of
hopelessness or confidence (Lara, 1998). Positively viewed, bahala na could refer to the
acceptance of past events, belief in ones capabilities and taking initiative. On the other hand,
negatively viewed, bahala na speaks of a predisposition to inactivity, irresponsibility, laziness,
lack of foresight and determination (Lara, 1998).
BAHALA NA AS A VALUE DEEPLY ROOTED IN FILIPINO CULTURE
Much of the dynamics of bahala na is deeply embedded in the use of the term. Only
prolonged exposure to the Filipino culture could give a substantive understanding of the term.
This then necessitates that understanding bahala na orientation must be done with reference to
the Filipino culture.

Thus, in measuring the bahala na orientation, a guiding definition of the

term must be that, first, it is a response to a distant or somewhat distant future, which is caused
by a perceived sense of incapacity for the moment and lack of substantial information for
determining the possible consequences or result of a situation. Second, it is an expression of
acceptance of things as they are. This shows that people with the bahala na orientation can
tolerate ambiguity and has an implicit trust in him/herself (Lagmay, 1977).

FACTORS DEFINING BAHALA NA

1. DETERMINATION
According to Tiangco (2006), survival as a core value includes surface values such as
determination and bahala na. Bahala na is a factor for survival since it is depicted as a defense
mechanism from harsh realities. To gear away from the sad truth, people adapting the bahala
na would be willing to distort their perceptions, enabling them to maintain a better state of mind
(Tiangco, 2006). This act of self-preservation enables them to find no need to strive harder and
instead establish a happy-go-lucky attitude.
2. RISK TAKING
The Filipino courageousness to take risks is supported by their idea of invulnerability, as
they have this optimistic view that they are immune from the consequences of their behaviors.
On the other hand, others view risk-taking as the point of complete vulnerability, reaching to the
extremes of hopelessness. The bahala na orientation encourages them to take risks because
they believe that there is nothing more to lose, nor there is a future at stake (Alampay, Liwag &
Dela Cruz, ????). Bahala na therefore is taken as the last resort, or escape mechanism for such
a hopeless state, and is seen as one way of regulating intense emotions that transpire through
the transitions of a Filipinos life.
3. COURAGE
4. TOLERANCE FOR AMBIGUITY
5. LOCUS OF CONTROL
Generally, people will more likely manifest defensiveness, than coping when faced with a
complicated situation. Vickers, Conway, & Haight (1983) showed in their correlational study
that the orientation of external locus of control is negatively correlated to coping styles, but is
positively correlated with defensiveness. The resignation of fate to Powerful Others is an
indication of defensiveness. Many Filipinos use predominant Catholic and Christian
practices, and consider a Supreme Being as a significant external source of strength to
manage daily challenges. Bahala na in this notion is being used as a defense measure
which may be translated as its in the hands of God, or leave it unto God (Lagman, Yoo,
Levine & Donnel, 2014).

6. SELF-EFFICACY
Bahala na provides avenues for visualization for a person with high self-efficacy will
more likely perceive scenarios where he/she will acquire success. This orientation considers
not only the risks and consequences for ones actions, but also ones capacity to perform
tasks satisfactorily. Bahala na operates as an implicit trust in ones capacity to face the
future situation (Menguito & Teng Calleja, 2010). Perceptions of self-efficacy allows a
person to formulate realistic assessments of the future, including the limitations a task may
set. Fortunately, for a person with high self-efficacy, passive acceptance of limitations is not
an option because it is instinctual for him to utilize his inherent capabilities.
7. HOPEFULNESS
8. OPTIMISM
Menguito and Teng-Calleja (2010), sees optimism as an effective counteraction to the
fatalistic adaptation of the term bahala na, as optimists do not indulge in activities that
promote self-blame, nor do they engage in escapist activities. Instead, they use humor,
positive reframing and problem-focused coping as tools to deal with unfortunate events.
Casino (200?) on the other hand, views optimism that is produced by the bahala na attitude,
when taken to the extremes, may have devastating effects, since it urges Filipinos to be
complacent about their work, or their future.

References:
Bostrom, L. (1968). Filipino bahala na and American fatalism. Silliman Journal, 15.
Gripaldo, R. M. (2005). Bahala na: A Philosophical analysis. In R. Gripaldo (Ed.), Filipino
cultural traits: Claro R. Ceniza lectures (pp. 203-220). Washington, DC: The Council for
Research in Values and Philosophy.

Lagmay, A. V. (1977). Bahala na. In L. F. Antonio, L. L. Samson, E. S. Reyes

& M. A. Paguio (Eds.), Ulat ng ikalawang pambansang kumperensya sa
sikolohiyang Pilipino [Proceedings of the second national conference in
Filipino

psychology],

(pp.120-130),

Quezon

City,

Philippines:

Pambansang Samahan sa Sikolohiyang Pilipino [National Association of

Filipino Psychology].
Lara, D. T. (1998). Bahala na : an experimental study. Unpublished thesis.
Menguito, M. & Teng-Calleja, M. (2010). Bahala na as an expression of Filipinos courage, hope,
optimism, self-efficacy and search for the sacred. Philippine Journal of Psychology.,43
(1),
1-26.
Resurreccion, R., & Reyes, J. (2007). Validation of the panukat ng mga katangian ng
personalidad (PKP) Self-Assurance (Tiwala sa Sarili) Subscale. Philippine Journal of
Counseling Psychology, 9(1), 128-140.
Tiangco, J.A.N. (2006). Convergence between Filipino philosophy and Taoism on the value of
resiliency: Katatagang-loob and the way of the Tao. Shu-Te University Online Journal of
Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(1), 19-35.