Anxiety and Coping Mechanisms of Radiologic Technology Professionals Working Overseas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20553506Keywords:
Anxiety, coping mechanisms, problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, social and religious coping, overseas employment, psychological well-being, pre-departure preparation, cultural adjustment.Abstract
This study explored the levels of anxiety and coping mechanisms among Filipino Radiologic Technology (RT) professionals working overseas, with the aim of proposing a program to strengthen coping capacity and psychological well-being for future graduates. The respondents comprised 32 RT professionals, including graduates of the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (UPHSD) Calamba Campus, who were currently employed abroad. Data were collected using a structured survey that measured demographic profile, anxiety levels across cultural adjustment, workload, separation from family, and overall well-being, as well as coping strategies categorized into problem-focused, emotion-focused, and social/religious coping. Findings revealed that respondents experienced moderate anxiety across all domains, with the highest anxiety observed in cultural adjustment related to fear of being misunderstood and in separation from family due to homesickness. Problem-focused, emotion-focused, and social/religious coping strategies were actively employed, with emotion-focused coping significantly associated with lower anxiety related to workload and overall well-being. Analysis of anxiety levels by demographic profile showed no significant differences, except for civil status in overall well-being. Based on these results, the study proposed the program “From Campus to Care: Strengthening Coping and Well-Being for RT Graduates Pursuing Work Abroad”, designed to enhance problem-focused, emotion-focused, and social/religious coping, improve cultural adaptation, and promote psychological resilience among soon-to-graduate RT students.
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