The Filipino character strength of utang na loob: Exploring contextual associations with gratitude

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine these two values (utang na loob and gratitude) in terms of how they are understood by Filipinos and how they are manifested in the hope of delineating meanings and establishing links between the two construct. Using qualitative responses of Filipino respondents regarding their conception of utang na loob and gratitude, the following descriptions were identified: pagkilala (acknowledgement), pagtutumbas (reciprocity), and panlipunang gampanin (social responsibility) as conceptual meanings for utang na loob; and pasasalamat (thankfulness) and pagtutumbas (reciprocity) for gratitude. Reciprocity being found to be shared by two concepts was also analyzed and contextualized.

Losing Kapwa: Colonial legacies and the Filipino American family.

“…For example, the element of reciprocity promoted in the value of utang na loob may promote a sense of obligation and can be used to maintain the image of colonizers as benefactors (Pe-Pua & Protacio-Marcelino, 2000; Yacat, 2013). Scholars (Pe-Pua & Protacio-Marcelino, 2000) clarify that utang na loob has some parallels to “gratitude or solidarity,” but is also multilayered with emotional, cognitive, and social responsibility components (Rungduin et al, 2016). Acknowledging receiving good will from another is important for both beneficiary and benefactor and repayment of such good will may be indirect or direct to the benefactor.…”

Dyadic process and dynamics of caregiving and receiving in suicide recovery among Filipino college‐aged students and their families

“…These are directly expressed in the words of Moniq when she shared, “I did not want to be ungrateful and waste that (care and support) … so I tried to cope and manage my urges” and Carl, who said, “I felt that strong urge to reciprocate … I felt the urge to pay her back for her efforts.” This gesture is akin to the Filipino value utang na loob (loosely translated as “debt of gratitude”), where the care receiver acknowledges the caregiver's efforts and feels the need to reciprocate. Utang na loob and gratitude work on the concept of reciprocity and function as a social responsibility (Rungduin et al, 2015). With this Filipino value, care receivers may have reciprocated the caregiver's care and support both as a response to the gratitude they felt and as a sociocultural responsibility.…”

“…This gesture is akin to the Filipino value utang na loob (loosely translated as "debt of gratitude"), where the care receiver acknowledges the caregiver's efforts and feels the need to reciprocate. Utang na loob and gratitude work on the concept of reciprocity and function as a social responsibility (Rungduin et al, 2015). With this Filipino value, care receivers may have reciprocated the caregiver's care and support both as a response to the gratitude they felt and as a sociocultural responsibility.…”

The ripple effect: Cancer‐related financial toxicity for family members and caregivers

“…29 Work amongst Filipino families of children with cancer has demonstrated high levels of caregiver strain, including financial strain. 30 The Filipino cultural value of utang na loob 31 -a debt held by one's inner self-often influences how much caregivers are willing to give to and sacrifice for their patients, who are often parents. Caregivers in the Philippines often take on additional responsibilities, including in-hospital errands (e.g., lining up at pharmacy, paying and settling bills, communicating doctors' orders and patient updates to relatives outside the hospital) and seeking financial assistance from public and private institutions.…”