A Service-Learning Reflection of Psychology Students on Mental Health Issues among Selected Female Residents of Barangay Cantil-e

Abstract

Service-learning as community engagement enables students to become aware of their life stories and people. Valuable knowledge and skills obtained are obtained beyond the classroom. The broad range of mental health issues combined with marital/partner domestic interactions created a complex and socially unstable home environment for women. The lack of mental health resources for marginalized communities has driven Silliman University Service-Learning (S-L) to consider the women’s mental health challenges on the family’s success. This study is a descriptive research that uses the four stages of servicelearning. The data were gained from class assessment methods and indepth interviews of female residents of Barangay Cantil-e, Dumaguete City, Philippines. The findings revealed that communication amongst spouses/partners ideally focused on lack of financial means, influencing family harmony and resulting in verbal and physical altercations. Although Psychology students who are doing service-learning can actively participate and contribute to the community’s developments, it is recommended that local government agencies establish mental health awareness and services for their overall residence well-being.