Explanatory Sequential Mixed Methods Design Research Articles

Towards understanding the effect of work on teacher’s mental health: a mixed method study

Working as a teacher significantly impacts mental health, both psychological well-being and psychological distress. This study examines the effect of working as a teacher on mental health. A mixed-method sequential explanatory design was chosen because it aims to test theories and provide detailed explanations for the results. Quantitative data were collected from 153 primary school teachers in East Java, and qualitative data were collected from 12 teachers who were purposively selected as interview subjects. The data were collected through interviews and four psychological scales (work commitment, engagement, job satisfaction, and mental health). Statistical inferential analysis and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data. The analyses showed that teachers’ jobs affected their mental health in terms of psychological well-being and psychological distress. Work commitment effected on mental health R=.653, R2=.426 p<.001; work engagements effected on mental health R=.479, R2=.230 p<.001; and job satisfaction effected on mental health R=.668, R2=.446 p<.001. The findings suggest that teachers’ mental health can be strengthened through their attitudes and behaviours towards work.

Are They Literate on ChatGPT? University Language Students’ Awareness, Benefits and Challenges in Higher Education Learning

This study explored university language students’ usage, awareness, readiness, and concerns, as well as the perceived benefits and challenges of utilizing ChatGPT in higher education learning. An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was used in this study, combining an online survey and semi-structured interview. The respondents consisted of 355 undergraduate and postgraduate students from various disciplines of five universities in Indonesia. The findings reveal that a majority of students had been using ChatGPT for their learning purposes, especially for writing assignments. The findings also highlight that those university language students had a high level of awareness, readiness, and concerns of using ChatGPT for their academic activities. Additionally, students acknowledged the potential benefits for writing support, personalized learning, increased productivity, brainstorming for generating ideas, and additional resources. However, challenges regarding inaccuracy, lack of critical thinking, plagiarism and AI detection, and technical problems. These findings provide a nuanced understanding of how university language students utilize and perceive ChatGPT for their learning purposes.

Understanding Cardiac Cachexia among Patients with Heart Failure Using a Mixed-Methods Sequential Explanatory Design

In heart failure, cardiac cachexia often presents in people as weight loss accompanied by muscle wastage, loss of appetite and reduced quality of life. Such people often have a poor prognosis. However, the impact of these symptoms on Thai patients’ quality of life is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to explore cardiac cachexia, its symptoms, and its effect on quality of life using a mixed-method sequential explanatory design. Data for this study were collected from a specific cardiac failure clinic in a large hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, from August 2022 to January 2023. Forty-two patients with heart failure were screened for cardiac cachexia using cachexia consensus criteria and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis. They also completed the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire, the Thirst Distress Scale for Heart Failure and the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire to assess appetite, thirst, and quality of life, respectively. Thirty-eight participants were included for statistical analysis and divided into two groups: those with confirmed or suspected cardiac cachexia (n = 7) and those without (n = 31). The former group reported low appetite scores; however, no significant differences were observed between the two groups’ appetite, thirst, or quality of life. After identifying patients with cardiac cachexia, six semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide and analyzed through thematic analysis. The interviews revealed two common themes: Changes in diet and thirst and a Reduction in physical activity levels. Both themes complement the quantitative results. This study initiates a significant step in the understanding of cardiac cachexia in the Thai population with heart failure. Nurses can play a crucial role in identifying and managing patients with or at risk of cardiac cachexia.

Addressing mental illness stigma in German higher education: study protocol for a mixed-methods evaluation of a psychosocial setting-based intervention

IntroductionMental illness stigma is associated with a range of negative consequences, such as reduced help-seeking for mental health problems. Since stigma affects individual, social, and structural aspects, multilevel interventions such...

Private clinical psychologists’ role in evaluation and treatment of childhood sexual abuse: A mixed methods study

BackgroundPsychologists play a significant role in addressing sexual violence against children and adolescents (SVCA) in Brazil. Most literature focuses on the role of public service psychologists in the intervention, resulting in the need to explore the role private clinical psychologists’ (PCP) play in SVCA treatment. ObjectiveThe study aims to: 1) investigate a possible relationship between sociodemographic factors, professional profiles, beliefs about SVCA, and PCPs’ decision to report the abuse, and 2) understand the role PCPs play in evaluating, reporting, and treating cases of SVCA. Participants and settingThe study sampled Brazilian PCPs. The quantitative phase consisted of 409 psychologists, and the qualitative phase consisted of 8 psychologists. MethodsThe study used a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design to achieve its goals. The quantitative phase consisted of the Sociodemographic and Professional Questionnaire, Scenario 7, and the Sexual Abuse Belief Scale (SABS) measures. The qualitative phase consisted of individual semi-structured interviews. ResultsThe descriptive statistics and a binary logistic regression model illustrated factors increasing the likelihood of reporting SVCA by PCPs, including a history of treating confirmed sexual violence cases, taking a course on sexual violence, receiving SVCA information during undergraduate studies, having a master and doctoral degree, and having a single relationship status. The thematic analysis resulted in four themes: The definition of sexual violence, the selectivity of the cases, educational under-preparation, and the need to build a performance network. ConclusionPCPs require professional development to treatment SVCA, and schools of Psychology need to improve their curriculum regarding SVCA education.

Rethinking the implications of sprawl for sustainable urban development: Insights from the Ejisu Municipality of Ghana between 2003 and 2023

Urban sprawl has been the focus of substantial academic discussion due to its intricate nature. The dominant narrative of this phenomenon, particularly in the global south, points to its adverse implications on cities, despite its positive outcomes. This study contributes to this discourse by examining the positive implications of sprawl — essentially spatial expansion and urban growth — from the perspectives of households and local planning officials within the Ejisu Municipality of Ghana. Employing an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, satellite images were used to assess the nature and spatial extent of Ejisu Municipality between 2003 and 2023. Additionally, 500 households and four relevant agencies were interviewed to discuss the positive implications of sprawl on the area's development and suggest measures to promote sustainable urban sprawl and development. The results showed significant horizontal expansion in the built-up areas over the period - from 34.51 km2 (16.6%) in 2003 to 44.92 km2 (21.61%) in 2013 and 76.46 km2 (36.78%) in 2023 with a projected increase to 100.80 km2 in 2033. Macroeconomic factors, demography, housing preferences, transportation, and regulatory frameworks were reported to influence the nature and extent of sprawl. Sprawl was reported to have resulted in economic diversification and viability, improved quality of life, improved access to public services, affordable housing, and expanded road networks, among others. The study proposes implementing sustainable measures for urban sprawl, and effective land-use planning, coupled with the enforcement of well-designed regulatory frameworks.

Psychological Well-Being, Curiosity and Perfectionism among Filipino Young Professionals with Quarter Life Crisis: Basis for Existential Positive Psychology Wellness Plan

Quarter Life Crisis is a difficult encounter in the life transition from adolescence to early adulthood. This crisis revolves around social comparison, work satisfaction, intimate relationships, career consolidation, preoccupations and fears, struggle from transition, social isolation, and frustration and disappointments. This study examined the psychological well-being, curiosity, and perfectionism among young professionals with a quarter-life crisis. There were 318 participants in this study from two different cities in one province of Region IV-A in the Philippines. The study used a sequential explanatory mixed method design that combines qualitative and quantitative research. Based on the result, the research found that young professionals with quarter-life crises have low psychological well-being, low curiosity, and high perfectionism. The themes, low disposition, poor mindset, and weak personality were extracted from the texts to fully support the respective variables. Furthermore, the research proposed a psychological intervention plan for young professionals experiencing the crisis: the existential positive psychology wellness plan.

Delirium care burden of intensive care nurses caring for patients undergoing open-heart surgery: A mixed-method research.

Delirium is an acute confusional state characterized by inattention, cognitive dysfunction and an altered level of consciousness. Delirium causes negative outcomes in patients, and patients with delirium increase the workload of nurses. Therefore, it is important to recognize the challenges and burdens experienced by nurses caring for patients with delirium. To determine the subjective burden experienced by intensive care nurses caring for patients who have undergone open-heart surgery. A mixed-method sequential explanatory design. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used for the quantitative stage. Using OpenEpi, we employed the method of sample calculation with an unknown universe. The sample size of the quantitive study comprised 130 nurses. Quantitative data were collected with Google survey. For gathering qualitative data, online video interviews were conducted with 10 nurses, an interpretive phenomenological approach was used and content analysis was performed. In the quantitative phase, we found that the subjective burden was high. In the qualitative phase, five main themes emerged: difficulty in recognizing delirium, physical burden, emotional burden, burden in care management of patients with delirium and the effect of patients with delirium on other patients. The nurses experienced physical and emotional burden in delirium management and felt lonely while caring for patients with delirium. Because nurses play a key role in the care of patients with delirium, reducing the burden nurses experience when caring for patients with delirium should be considered important in ensuring that this patient population receives adequate care. Delirium patients create a care burden for intensive care nurses. To reduce this burden of care, in-service training in patient management and bedside teaching support should be provided to nurses. Furthermore, the use of a valid scale to diagnose delirium should be integrated into health policies. Nurses should not be left alone in the management of delirium. Managing delirium patients with a team including physicians, nurses and professionals from other health disciplines will ensure that patients receive high-quality care, thereby reducing the care burden of nurses.

Faculty Online Teaching Effectiveness Scale (FOTES): Instrument development and content validation

This study aimed to develop and psychometrically test the Faculty Online Teaching Effectiveness Scale (FOTES) based upon both student and faculty perspectives of online teaching and learning in higher education. Online teaching effectiveness is a crucial component of quality education, but it has not been well-defined conceptually, and few studies have been conducted, using relevant domains, to accurately measure online teaching effectiveness. The impact of online course delivery on teaching effectiveness remains unclear. An exploratory sequential mixed methods design was employed with three phases of instrument development and psychometric testing. The FOTES comprises 50 items in seven domains: teaching philosophy, self-efficacy, relationships, course content, learning activities, teaching practices, and satisfaction. The instrument underwent initial testing, yielding positive expert appraisals with good-excellent psychometrics. All domains of the scale were significantly correlated, except for teaching philosophy. The preliminary results of the FOTES provide the empirical evidence to advance additional psychometric validation. This newly developed instrument has the potential to enhance faculty capacity and skill in self-evaluating their teaching effectiveness in online courses, providing a valid and reliable measure. The resulting instrument is poised to promote outcome evaluation and strengthen teaching and learning processes.

Evaluating the Impact of the Language Mindset Toolkit among Thai Undergraduate Students

This study reports the impact of a language mindset toolkit in influencing the language mindsets of Thai undergraduate students. An explanatory sequential mixed method design was used to determine how language mindset changes and know the students’ language learning insights through a focused mindset intervention. Data from 67 students chosen from convenience sampling completed language mindset surveys, journal entries, and semi-structured interviews were analyzed. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the survey data, while thematic and content analyses were utilized for journal entries and interview data. Key findings revealed a notable shift from a fixed to a growth mindset, particularly in language learning abilities. While mindsets related to intelligence and age sensitivity remained relatively stable, there was a marked change in participants’ belief in the malleability of their language learning abilities, underpinned by the principles of effort and persistence. Thematic analysis of journals supports these findings, with themes such as knowing about language mindset in learning, putting effort into language learning, setting goals in language learning, using strategies in language learning, and regulating emotions in language learning. Meanwhile, the content analysis of individual interviews revealed insights such as appreciating self, motivating self in language learning, and gaining self-efficacy. Growth mindset-oriented interventions could transform the students’ beliefs in language learning.

Compliance with MAB-UNESCO Functions and Management Effectiveness Evaluation between 2017 and 2024: Case Study of the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve, Mexico’s Only State-Run Reserve Belonging to MAB-UNESCO

UNESCO’s MAB Programme promotes a people-centered conservation strategy to strengthen the sustainability of social and ecological systems. However, there exist knowledge gaps regarding its implementation in specific contexts. For this study, a mixed-methods sequential exploratory design was employed. In the first phase, an initial content analysis of the management program of the El Cielo Biosphere Reserve (CBR) and the functions of the statutory framework of UNESCO’s MAB program was conducted. This analysis, which was human-driven but facilitated by artificial intelligence tools, underwent rigorous triangulation and expert validation to strengthen the reliability and robustness of the findings. Subsequently, the Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (METT3) was issued to researchers, community members, civil servants, and former civil servants related to the management of the CBR. The 2024 results (n = 15) were contrasted with those obtained in 2017 (n = 15) using a quantitative approach consisting of descriptive, non-parametric, and Bayesian statistical techniques. We identified some problems in the implementation of the MAB-UNESCO Programme in the CBR, mainly due to the outdated management program and lack of effective governance, as well as the lack of understanding of the implications of being a MAB-UNESCO biosphere reserve. A numerical trend of deterioration in the effectiveness of the CBR’s management was detected, with overall ratings of 44.78% and 29.62% in 2017 and 2024, respectively. This was associated with a lack of regulation, weak coordination among key actors, and a progressive reduction in funding. The findings of this study are useful to guide the transition of the CBR towards a conservation model that responds to current problems and contributes to the advancement of knowledge on the implementation of the MAB Programme in specific contexts.

Evaluating the impact of a year-long external mentorship pilot program in classical hematology

Effective mentorship is a pivotal factor in shaping the career trajectory of trainees interested in classical hematology (CH), which is of critical importance due to the anticipated decline in the CH workforce. However, there is a lack of mentorship opportunities within CH compared with medical oncology. To address this need, a year-long external mentorship program was implemented through the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Medical Educators Institute (MEI). Thirty-five hematology/oncology (H/O) fellows interested in CH and 34 academically productive faculty mentors from different institutions across North America were paired in a meticulous process that considered individual interests, experiences, and background. Pairs were expected to meet virtually once a month. Participation in a scholarly project was optional. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory design was used to evaluate the program using mentee and mentor surveys, a mentee interview, and a mentee focus group. Thirty-three (94.2%) mentee-mentor pairs completed the program. Sixty-three percent of mentee respondents worked on a scholarly project with their mentor; several mentees earned publications, grants, and awards. Mentee perception that their assigned mentor was a good match was associated with a perceived positive impact on confidence (p=0.0423), career development (p=0.0423), and professional identity (p=0.0302). Furthermore, twenty-three (66%) mentees accepted CH faculty positions after fellowship. All mentor respondents believed that this program would increase retention in CH. This mentorship program demonstrates a productive, beneficial way of connecting mentees and mentors from different institutions to improve the careers of CH trainees, with the ultimate goal of increasing retention in CH.

Promoting inclusion for disabled students in healthcare education: Using research-based theatre to enhance knowledge and empathy

AimThis study explores and compares the impact of in-person and online versions of a Research-based Theatre production named "Alone in the Ring," aimed at increasing knowledge and fostering positive attitudes towards persons with disabilities in healthcare professions. The study examines changes in attitudes towards disabled persons in healthcare professions, levels of engagement in the play and knowledge about the experiences and challenges of disabled individuals in healthcare professions. It also investigates possible actions to increase inclusion for disabled persons in healthcare education and practice. BackgroundDisabled students face numerous barriers in healthcare education and practice, many of which are rooted in stigma and negative attitudes. Research-based Theatre promotes experiential learning to address these attitudes and stereotypes. The performance "Alone in the Ring" is based on a comprehensive study of the experiences of disabled students and clinicians in health professions, aiming to promote inclusion for students with disabilities in these fields. DesignThis study uses a pre-test and post-test design with two comparison groups. MethodThe study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method design to explore the impact of online versus in-person Research-based Theatre teaching in healthcare education. Participants were graduate health students (N = 198); 100 watched the in-person version and 98 watched the online version. Surveys were administered before and after the performance. Participants were also invited to share their experiences in semi-structured interviews and their responses were analyzed using thematic analysis. ResultsResults indicated that students generally felt more comfortable with disabled persons in healthcare professions in the post-survey compared to the pre-survey, with online participants reporting greater comfort and higher engagement than those in-person. Knowledge of disabled persons' experiences and challenges, as well as possible actions to increase belonging and inclusion, improved significantly for both groups from pre- to post-performance, with online participants showing a greater change. Qualitative data revealed that online theatre was perceived as authentic and beneficial for accessibility, engagement and emotional impact on students, though challenges included potential distractions and technological issues. Positive correlations were found between changes in knowledge, positive attitude and engagement, suggesting that increased engagement and a shift in attitudes can promote knowledge and awareness of the inclusion of disabled persons in healthcare professions. ConclusionThese results support the use of online theatre-based academic teaching that experientially engages students, increases empathy and can promote more inclusive healthcare educational settings for disabled persons.

Parental involvement predicts Grade 4 learners’ reading literacy: an analysis of PIRLS data for students in Mpumalanga, South Africa

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to examine how parents’ involvement is associated with Grade 4 learners' reading literacy achievement in Mpumalanga. Selected variables from the PIRLS 2016 home and school questionnaires were used, and interviews were conducted with parents to gain a deeper understanding of parental involvement in their child’s education in terms of reading literacy. A sequential explanatory mixed-method design was used based on the pragmatism paradigm. The quantitative data (1,025 learners) was gathered before the qualitative data (ten parents). For the quantitative data, multi-level analysis showed that parents who read books with their child before the child went to primary school, parents who participated in their child’s reading outside school hours, and parents being included in their child’s education by the school are the best predictors of Grade 4 reading literacy achievement. For the qualitative data, the findings indicated that parents understand that promoting English as First Additional Language is of great importance; however, they lack the skills, time and resources to effectively teach English reading at home. This study suggests that more research should be conducted on effective parenting strategies at home to teach their children to read.

Intents and Actualities of Health Optimizing Physical Education (HOPE) Curriculum Implementation: A Sequential Exploratory

This study explores the implementation of the Health Optimizing Physical Education (HOPE) curriculum in senior high schools in Pasay City, Philippines. Utilizing an exploratory sequential mixed-method design, the research first employed validated questionnaires to quantitatively assess the implementation of HOPE 1, 2, 3, and 4. Subsequently, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with teachers provided qualitative insights into the challenges and experiences during the curriculum's initial three years. The study involved 428 private school students, 412 public school students, 27 private school teachers, and 38 public school teachers. Quantitative findings indicated a moderate to limited extent of curriculum implementation, with significant differences between public and private schools for HOPE 1 and 2, but not for HOPE 3 and 4. Qualitative data highlighted challenges related to curriculum content, facilities, equipment, and teacher training. Recommendations include targeted workshops, Learning Action Cell sessions, collaboration with community resources, and initiatives like the Family Activity Challenge. These interventions aim to enhance the curriculum's effectiveness, promoting physical activity and health literacy among students.

Enhancing learners’ sense of belonging in online threaded discussions

Many different factors influence students’ sense of belonging in an online learning. One area of the learning experience in which a sense of “belonging” is critical is in online asynchronous discussions, and the degree to which students feel that their contributions to those discussions are valued. Unfortunately, the structure of threaded discussions is inherently limiting. It restricts learner engagement by only allowing students to reply to an individual note. This hampers students’ ability to discuss relationships between ideas from multiple participants, hindering synthesis and comprehensive understanding. This mixed methods explanatory sequential design research study examines the use of an innovative linking tool that allows students to create a rich set of linkages between notes. Findings suggest that students appreciated the linking tool as it facilitated idea integration and enhanced the flow and organization of discussions. Notes containing links were more extensive, written at a higher level, and received more peer recognition than notes without links. The linking tool created more connected and less repetitive discussions, while also increasing the amount of recognition students received for their notes. Despite the additional effort required, students continued to create links, motivated by the tool’s ability to organize ideas and the social recognition received.

Assessment of infrastructure, behaviours, and user satisfaction of guardian waiting shelters for secondary level hospitals in southern Malawi.

Guardian Waiting Shelters (GWSs) are an essential component of the Malawi's health care system as they serve as a temporary home for patient guardians while taking care of their relatives admitted to the hospital, and expectant mothers. Although GWSs play a crucial role in Malawi's healthcare system, past studies have primarily concentrated on maternity waiting homes, neglecting the role and importance of GWSs. The study examines GWS management structures and conditions, as well as guardian satisfaction and perception of health risks related to GWS use. In this explanatory sequential mixed methods design, we assessed 12 GWSs from southern region of Malawi. Qualitative data included interviews (n = 149) and focus group discussions with patient guardians (n = 72), interviews with GWS caretakers (n = 5), representatives from Hospital Management (n = 12) and Hospital Advisory Committees (n = 11). Lack of guidelines and standards for GWSs resulted in creating a customized facility checklist to quantitatively assess infrastructure present at GWSs (n = 12). Descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were utilized for data analysis, and a problem tree analysis was used to triangulate and summarize the findings. A total of 249 participants participated in the study. Each GWS had an average of 100 users daily, primarily adult females (71%). No one was accountable for GWS operation and maintenance due to the lack of a management hierarchy. GWS infrastructure conditions were poor, with inadequate functional sleeping rooms, insufficient access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. Notably, 50% of the GWSs lacked water access, and a quarter had non-functional toilets. Guardians felt unsafe and at risk of disease transmission when staying within GWS. Study findings highlight lack of clear, consistent GWS ownership as a root cause of challenges in GWSs. Clear policy and operational standards must be established for effective management and smooth functioning of GWSs.

Narrative based online career group counseling program: an explanatory sequential design

AbstractThe aim of this study is to determine the effect of the Narrative Based Online Career Group Counseling Program on the career exploration, career and talent development self-efficacy, and career development of fourth grade primary school students. An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was used in the study. A 2 × 3 quasiexperimental design was used in the quantitative part, and a focus group interview was used in the qualitative part. The results showed that the program had a significant impact and could support career development in children. Thus, a career program with proven effectiveness that can be implemented in schools has been emerged.

Efficacy of Specialized Security Agencies in Curbing Cattle Rustling in Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Kenya

Kenya has faced a wide scale threat of cattle rustling. The menace has been occurring mainly in counties populated by pastoralist groups including the Turkana, Samburu, Maasai, Pokot as well as Kipsigis and Kisii among others. People have been killed, their property lost; some mutilated, injured, and displaced. Security organizations such as the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Anti-Stock Theft Unit (ASTU) among others were mobilized to help curb the danger of cattle rustling yet it has continued to occur in Kenya including Sotik and Borabu Sub counties. The purpose of this study was thus to investigate how effective security agencies were in curbing cattle rustling in the counties of Bomet and Nyamira, Kenya. This study therefore investigated the effectiveness of specialized security agencies in curbing cattle rustling in the Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties in Bomet and Nyamira Counties in Kenya. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was used. The target population was all the residents of Sotik and Borabu Sub-Counties (18 years and above) who had information regarding the topic under discourse. They were 284,379 in number. A total of 156 respondents participated. The respondents were drawn through purposive sampling. A questionnaire was used to gather quantitative information while key informant interview guides were used to gather qualitative information from the respondents. The hypothesis was tested using Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient (r) at α =0.05 level of significance. The results obtained from the two sub-counties determined that the deployment of specialized security agencies had a statistically significant effect on curbing cattle rustling. This means that before the deployment of security agencies, the frequency of cattle rustling was relatively high as compared to the periods after their deployment. The reduction was therefore attributed to the constant pursuit and deployment of specialized units such as the ASTU, GSU and Administration Police in the region. The study recommends that the national government should expand the presence and activities of specialized security agencies in regions with a history of high cattle rustling rates, focusing on areas with the highest correlation between agency presence and rustling reduction. The government should also implement targeted training programs for specialized security personnel to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge for addressing the unique challenges associated with cattle rustling.

A Sequential Explanatory: The Academic Risk-taking among Tenth Graders in Public Senior High School

ABSTRACT This sequential explanatory research aims to determine the academic risk-taking of tenth graders. The result of the study was the basis of the proposed intervention plan to improve their confidence, support, and motivation to take risks in their academics. A mixed-method sequential explanatory design was used, involving 103 tenth graders in one of the public schools in Cluster I Schools Division of Pampanga. The study revealed that fear of failure, lack of support and motivation, discouragement, judgment, and low self-esteem are why they are not taking risks in their academics. Moreover, the study discovered that this is why the participants struggle with their academic curriculum and have less interest in academics. It affects the participant's behaviour and the school's performance. Even though it is difficult to feel supported because of the environment that they have and how their relationships with the people around them actually work, the findings eventually shed light on the factors that contribute to the student's level of academic risk-taking. They need the support and motivation of their families and friends, encouragement to have high self-esteem and to be motivated to take risks without worrying about failure, and the willingness to take risks despite the difficulties that they may encounter so that they will achieve their goals of having good grades and boost their confidence to try new things beyond their capabilities. Therefore, the researchers made an intervention plan to address and improve the student's academic risk-taking behavior. Recommendations included providing better equipment, comprehensive trainings on crisis communication, news writing and cybersecurity, fostering organizational collaboration, and recruiting specialists. Finally, a Course Instructional Guide for Public Affairs Officers was developed and proposed for adoption and implementation to hone their effectiveness in promoting the PCG’s mission and functions.