Journal of Psychological Perspective. 2025; 7(4): 289-295
ISSN 2502-4825 (print), ISSN 2502-9495 (online)
DOI: 10.47679/jopp.7412252025

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Exploring Local Residents’ Psychological Stances for
Regenerative Tourism
Rose Anelyn V. Ceniza1*), Chris Lloyd A. Ceniza2, Audrey Ann T. Liporada3
Available online: 13 October 2025

Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the psychological stances of local residents on tourism development in the coastal area
where beach resorts and other captivating sights were established. It intended to contribute evidence-based information
for policy considerations and livelihood programs toward regenerative tourism. This study utilized a qualitative research
design that employed a one-on-one interview and focus-group discussions to gather meaningful data. The research
participants were the local residents including males and females, living within the tourism structures in the Municipality
of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, Philippines. The findings show that residents expressed concern for safety alongside
feelings of pride, joy, and gratitude toward tourism. These psychological stances reflect a growing sense of belonging and
ownership, aligning with regenerative tourism’s emphasis on community agency and emotional investment. This was
further reflected in their active participation in community initiatives and efforts to protect and promote their local
environment. On the other hand, some participants manifested an anxious mentality and emotionality of repression and
inhibition despite the growing tourism industry in their place. Despite the economic advancements brought by tourism,
certain individuals continued to experience feeling of anxiety and emotional constraint, hindering their full participation in
the industry’s benefit. Based on the psychological stances of local residents on tourism development, policy
recommendations were discussed and a capacity-building program was designed and proposed. This program aims to
support regenerative tourism, ultimately enhancing the quality of life of the people in the community. Additionally, the
socio-demographic profiles of the participants were described.
Keywords: psychological, sustainable, tourism

INTRODUCTION

Tourism has been elucidated as one of the key
solutions to addressing social and economic hurdles
around the world, specifically in rural communities. It
serves as a significant income-generating asset in the
countryside by promoting natural attractions like white
sand beaches and other nature-based attractions and
recreations.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly
impacted tourism worldwide, including rural areas, which
often rely on seasonal visitors for economic stability
(World Tourism Organization, 2020). As travel restrictions
were imposed, many rural destinations experienced a
sharp decline in tourist numbers, leading to economic
challenges for local businesses and communities. By 2022,
1*, 2

Faculty Member, Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences
and Communication, Davao Oriental State University
3

Staff, Tourism Information and Education Center, Davao
Oriental State University

*) corresponding author
Rose Anelyn
Email: roseanelynvc@gmail.com
Submitted: 16 July 2025

as restrictions eased, rural tourism began to rebound, with
many destinations reporting increased interest in outdoor
activities and experiences that offered social distancing
while still providing a unique travel experience (Jones,
2022). Additionally, technological advancements allowed
rural areas to leverage online platforms for marketing and
booking, thus expanding their reach to potential visitors.
This multifaceted evolution of rural tourism underscores
the resilience of these communities and their ability to
adapt to changing circumstances while preserving their
cultural identity and natural resources.
Moreover, tourism contributes significantly to
economic growth, employment opportunities, and
improved living standards in rural areas (World Tourism
Organization, 2020). It helps diversify rural economies,
create jobs, and prevent depopulation and the degradation
of rural areas (Oh, 2005; Lankford, 1994). Furthermore,
tourism fosters social and cultural benefits, such as
preserving heritage, enhancing community pride, and
promoting cultural exchange (López-Sanz et al., 2021;
Kelliher et al., 2018).
Unfortunately, despite these benefits, there is a reality
that not all the local residents within the tourism
structures benefitted from the socio-economic outcomes.
There is a need for more research on the socio-economic

Revised: 17 September 2025

Accepted: 19 September 2025

Journal of Psychological Perspective, 7(4), 2025, – 290

outcomes of tourism development. This necessity is
underscored by numerous studies that indicate the
potential of tourism to significantly shape local economies
and social structures. For instance, a study by Zheng et al.
(2019) highlights that tourism can play a vital role in
economic
development,
particularly
in
emerging
economies,
through
job
creation,
infrastructure
development, and foreign exchange earnings (Zheng, Q., Li,
Y., & Wong, C. K. 2019). Also, González et al. (2020) analyze
the socio-economic impacts of tourism development in
rural areas, concluding that while tourism can enhance
income levels and improve community wellbeing, it can
also lead to environmental degradation and social
inequality which necessitates further exploration to
balance these outcomes (González, M. A., & Sánchez, J. A.
2020).
The benefits of tourism are often unevenly distributed.
Some rural communities face challenges like aging
populations, economic declines, and limited preparedness
to handle crises (WTO, 2020). Increasing tourism can lead
to a boost in local economies; however, it may also result
in rising living costs and environmental degradation.
According to a report by the United Nations World Tourism
Organization (WTO), tourism's contribution to global GDP
was estimated at 10% in 2019, showcasing its importance
in driving economic growth (WTO, 2020). However, as
highlighted by Cater and Hassall (2020), understanding the
nuanced socio-economic impacts—particularly regarding
income inequality and community displacement—is
crucial for forming policies that ensure equitable benefits
and wellbeing for all stakeholders involved. Hence, this
paper examines the people’s psychological stances
through their narratives on tourism development in their
locality, focusing on their patterns of thoughts, feelings,
and behavior as they witness and experience tourism
development in their community.
Davao Oriental’s tourism department presently
promotes its tourism sites as “Davao Oriental Beautiful.”
This paper posits that local residents’ train of thinking and
feeling in terms of tourism development in their
community could help attain such a vision of
transformation. Specifically, positive psychological stances
can lead to increased community involvement, better
management of tourism resources, and more sustainable
tourism practices (Wise, 2020). On the other hand, the
province itself exerts its efforts to go beyond sustainable
tourism and advocates regenerative tourism. This concept
draws upon the framework proposed by Bellato et al.
(2022), which underscores the principle of place-based
regeneration within regenerative tourism. It advocates that
tourism initiatives should actively contribute to the
preservation and enrichment of a destination’s ecological
and cultural fabric. Additionally, the framework
emphasizes the importance of community agency,
asserting that local residents should be engaged as active
co-creators in shaping tourism development, rather than
being treated as passive beneficiaries. Local resident’s
personal actions and behaviors can actively contribute to
sustainable and regenerative tourism by implementing
policies and capacity-building programs that are based on
the direct needs of the entire community.
Although there are a lot of studies exploring the socioeconomic impacts of tourism development, but studies on
the psychological stances – how the local residents think,
feel, and respond to the development of the tourism
industry in their community were scarce. This concept is
firmly grounded in Social Exchange Theory, (Thibaut &
Kelly, 1959) which underscores the importance of local

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community involvement in tourism as both a planning
process and an economic endeavor. It reflects the belief
that residents are more likely to support tourism
development when they perceive the benefits—such as
cultural preservation and improved quality of life—to
outweigh the costs. Central to this framework is the notion
of community agency in regenerative tourism, where locals
are recognized not merely as beneficiaries but as active
contributors to shaping tourism in ways that honor their
heritage and aspirations (Bellato et al, 2022).
This paper aims to provide meaningful information
coming directly from the local community to enhance
policies and develop capacity-building programs that help
boost local residents’ self-esteem and support sustainable
tourism. These are pivotal for sustainable and regenerative
tourism.
Specifically, the central argument of this paper focuses
on two parts. Firstly, it proposes that the local residents
could have positive and/or negative line of thinking and
feeling about the development of the tourism industry in
their community. This paper tries to investigate how does
tourism industry uplift their life’s quality as the host
community. Secondly, this paper proposes that local
residents are recognized as direct beneficiaries of
tourism’s promised socio-economic outcomes and that
their support for tourism as the host community is
valuable. Thus, their stances are vital for improving policy
and programs for building the people toward sustainable
and regenerative tourism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Participant characteristics and research design

This study utilized a qualitative research design
particularly the phenomenological approach to capture the
the participants’ perceptions, emotional responses and
interpretation to tourism development in the Municipality
of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. Qualitative research
was selected because it focuses on gathering nonnumerical data to understand experiences and behaviors in
depth (Burklow, 2018).
Participant characteristics included 14 individuals from
three barangays (local community), namely Brgy.
Tagabebe, Lavigan, and Pundaguitan, where white beach
resorts and captivating tourist spots are developing.
Participants were male and female, ranging in age from 21
to 60.
For the eligibility criteria, participants were required to
be residents of the selected barangays with direct
knowledge or experience of tourism development in the
area. Exclusion criteria included individuals who had no
direct or indirect involvement in tourism-related activities.
There were no additional restrictions on other
demographic characteristics.
Sampling procedures

Participants were selected using purposive sampling, a
method suited for qualitative research where specific
individuals are chosen based on their knowledge and
experience related to the research topic. The goal was to
ensure that participants could provide meaningful insights
into the impact of tourism development on safety, socioeconomic opportunities, and personal advantages.

Journal of Psychological Perspective, 7(4), 2025, – 291

For the sampling method, invitations were extended to
individuals identified by local community leaders as having
relevant experience with the tourism industry in their
barangay. Of those approached, 100% agreed to participate
in the study. The setting for data collection involved
community spaces within barangays, allowing participants
to feel comfortable and engaged in discussions. The
researchers are faculty members from the state university
within the same province, although they do not reside in
the specific municipality where the study took place.
Despite not being local residents of the community, they
share a common cultural background with the participants,
which plays a vital role in interpreting culturally rooted
psychological perspectives—particularly in relation to
advancing regenerative tourism.
Moreover, ethical standards were met according to
institutional guidelines. Participants were briefed on the
nature of the study and signed consent forms, indicating
their voluntary participation. No payments were made to
participants. The study was approved by the Institutional
Review Board and followed ethical protocols for
conducting human research.
Sample size, power, and precision

The intended sample size was 14 participants, and this
target was met. Given the qualitative nature of the study,
the sample size was determined based on the principle of
data saturation, meaning data collection continued until no
new themes emerged. Power analysis was not conducted,
as this is not typically applicable in qualitative research;
instead, the focus was on achieving depth and richness of
data.
Data were collected using one-on-one interviews and
focus group discussions (FGDs), which aim to allow
participants to share their personal experiences of the
phenomenon under investigation with the researchers
(Willig, 2013). These instruments were developed by the
researchers based on guidelines for thematic analysis and
informed by previous research on sustainable tourism. The
interviews and FGDs were semi-structured, allowing
flexibility in probing for detailed responses. The interview
guide included questions about participants’ perceptions
of tourism’s impact on safety, socio-economic
opportunities, and personal advantages. The instruments
were reviewed and revised based on expert feedback to
ensure clarity and relevance.

group before data collection to confirm that it captured the
intended information.
Data analysis

Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the
collected data. This method involved identifying recurring
themes and patterns across participants’ responses. Data
analysis followed a structured process:
1. Transcription of all interviews and FGDs.
2. Initial coding to label significant statements or
concepts.
3. Theme development, grouping related codes to form
overarching themes.
4. Reviewing themes to ensure they accurately represent
the data.
5. Defining and naming themes, providing clear
definitions for each identified theme.
Both prespecified themes (such as those related to
safety and socio-economic impact) and exploratory themes
(like personal advantages of tourism development) were
analyzed. The results of the thematic analysis were used to
inform the study’s conclusions regarding participants’
perspectives on tourism development in their local
communities.

RESULTS OF STUDY

Table 1 presents the socio-demographic characteristics
of the study participants, who reside in three barangays—
Tagabebe,
Lawigan,
and
Pundaguitan—within
the
Municipality of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. This
area, situated in the southeastern region of the Philippines,
is currently experiencing growth in tourism infrastructure,
including white sand beach destinations and scenic
attractions such as picturesque sunsets.

Table 1 Local Resident’s Socio-demographic Profile
Barangay

Tagabebe

Measures and covariates

Lawigan

The primary measures in this study were participants’
thoughts and feelings related to the development of
tourism in their locality. These were explored through
open-ended questions during interviews and FGDs. Topics
covered included safety concerns, socio-economic
opportunities, perceived personal advantages of tourism
development, and behavior responses to sustainable and
regenerative tourism.
All data were collected using audio recordings during
interviews and FGDs, which were later transcribed
verbatim for analysis.
To enhance data quality, the researchers as data
collectors received training in conducting qualitative
interviews, ensuring they could engage participants
effectively while minimizing interviewer bias. Reliability
was further enhanced by using multiple observations,
ensuring that themes could be cross-verified across
participants. The interview guide was piloted in a small

Pundaguitan

Gender/ No. of
Participants
Male - 2
Female - 3
Male – 1
Female - 4
Male – 0
Female - 4

Age
Range
25-45
21-50
36
20-60

20-60

Educational
Attainment
Elementary Level
High School Level
Elementary Level
High School Level

Elementary Level

Table 2 exhibits the major themes, keywords, and
thematic statements derived from the narratives of the
local residents, which captured their positive psychological
stances on tourism development. It was revealed that they
have a sense of safety and security in their place, especially
during the development of the tourism industry. They felt
secure because of the government’s support and provision
of law enforcers such as policemen, military armies, and
barangay peacekeeping officers. Police station nearby was
also established, along with a tourist police outpost.
According to the residents, their place used to be a hiding
ground for the rebel groups when they were in operation
when the tourism industry was not yet developed in the
area. At present, a participant (La02-F60) proudly testified:

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Journal of Psychological Perspective, 7(4), 2025, – 292

“kato niaging tuig, ingon nila nay NPA nga nakababa,
pero aktibo man kaayo ang mga military, wala man
nahitabo…” (there was an information last year that there
were rebels staying in our place, but because of the active
military armies, nothing happened bad here.”)
A theme called gratitude also surfaced in the local
residents’ narratives. They felt blessed by the tourism
development because livelihood opportunities were
accessible. For them, it was a big economic savings that
their employment was within their community so they
need not spend on transportation fares. Likewise, joy and
pride appeared as major themes. They were happy to see
and deal with new people and witness different types and
models of cars. This was evident as one of the participants
(Tag01-M43) amazingly said:
“sauna, panagsahon ra kaayo ang dayo diri og motor ra
man sakyanan, habal-habal…pero karon sikat na kay naa na
may Amerikano og klase-klase na mga sakyanan…” (before,

we could rarely see visitors in our place, and we only see
motorcycles as transportation, but now, our place is

famous, we even see foreigners and different kinds of
vehicles.)
A sense of belongingness and ownership were also
exhibited in their protocols. The local residents shared that
they have felt assured and honored to stay in the place not
only because they are natives but also because of the
tourism development. They are honored because of the
popularity of the place as a tourist destination, especially
on social media. Another participant (Tag03-F21)
delightedly said:
“unsa ra gud ni among lugar sauna, karon makita na sa
social media…” (our place is now known on social media,
unlike before…)
And they felt assured because their place has now an
accessible police station and the law enforcers are always
on guard. This was confirmed by a participant (La01-M36)
who confidently shared:
“24/7 ang police station nga gibutang diha, dali ra kayo
makapangayo tabang…” (the established police station

nearby is accessible 24/7 which makes it easy for us to
refuge for security…)

Table 2 Local Residents’ Positive Psychological Stances
Major Themes

Keywords

Safety and
Security

Secured

Gratitude

Blessed

Joy

Happy

Pride

Famous

Belongingness

Assured

Ownership

Honored

Thematic Statements

“…naay pulis gabantay, mga tanod garobing og aktibo nga military…” [“…there are
policemen, barangay peacekeeping officer, and active military troupes…” ] Tag01-F49
“dool na ang trabahuan, di na pamasahian, dako jud tabang…” [“…employment
opportunity is very accessible which can save us from transportation expenses, it is really a
big help…”] La03-F24
“…klase-klase Makita namo nga tao og sakyanan, makalingaw makakita og bag-o…” [“…we
see different people with different types of transportation, we enjoy seeing them new for
us…”] Tag02-F33
“…bisan ing-ani ra among lugar, naa pud tinaguan nga makadani og bisita…” [“…even
though our place is like this, there is a hidden beauty that keeps visitors coming…”] Tag01F50
“…naa nay police station diha…og naa mi problema, dali ra mi makadagan nila…” [“…there
is an accessible police station which we can easily ask for help when need comes…”]
Tag01-M38
“…amo ni, taga diri jud mi…” [“…this place is ours, we are really from here…”] La04-F60

Table 3 Local Residents’ Structural Stigma
Major Themes

Keywords

Anxiousness

Innocence,
Deception

Repression

Controlled

Inhibition

Low Self-Esteem

Thematic Statements

“isa ka bulan jud mi wala katulog sa among balay kay ingon nila naa kuno tao
mogawas tagagabii…sa sailingan mi gatulog…” [“it was a month when we did not
sleep in our own house because they said there was a man that visits our house
every night…because of the fear, we sleep in our neighbor’s house…”] Pun04-F26
“…oo pero mahadlok ang mga bata og itum nga van…kay kuno kidnapper…” [“…yes,
the children are scared of black vans…they were told that those are kidnappers…”]
Pun02-F32
“…di mi pwede mag display sa kalsada kay bawal…” [“…we are not allowed to display
our products along the road…”] Pun01-F51

Based on the findings, the residents were conscious of
the sudden improvement of their place, which was
perceived in tourism development. They developed a sense
of happiness through their manifestations of pride,
belongingness, safety, and gratitude. Such feelings of
happiness can motivate the local residents and show their
willingness to support tourism development (Prabhakaran,
et al., 2014). In addition, a feeling of safety as an emotional
experience encapsulates their confidence in being
protected from harm and violence (Zuo & Meng, 2020).

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According to Smith and Lopez (2020), residents in
tourism-dependent areas often possess an intricate
knowledge of tourism's benefits and drawbacks, which
influences their attitudes toward sustainable tourism
development. Their engagement with this dual perception
highlights the importance of integrating local perspectives
in tourism planning to support community resilience and
long-term prosperity.
Meanwhile, table 3 demonstrates the major themes,
keywords, and thematic statements that emerged from the
narratives of the local residents which captured structural

Journal of Psychological Perspective, 7(4), 2025, – 293

stigma on tourism development. Based on their narratives,
they experience anxiety, emotional repression, and
inhibition while there is a presence of tourism
development in their place.
All of these respondents who shared structural stigma
were geographically situated in an isolated space in
Barangay Pundaguitan. The community is geographically
separated from mainstream tourism activities, as their
homes are located along a cliffside road. They are
organized as a single unit under the leadership of a purok
(community cluster) head, to whom they have traditionally
relied for access to information and livelihood
opportunities. The majority of men engage in fishing, while
women primarily manage household responsibilities. The
fish they catch are typically purchased directly by their
leader, who operates a store situated near the governmentmanaged tourism park within the area. This situation
reflects diminished self-confidence in their capacity for
community agency, despite their potential to serve as
active contributors in the growing tourism sector. Their
limited participation is shaped not only by geographic
isolation and economic dependency but also by restricted
access to education—most residents have not completed
elementary schooling. This educational gap significantly
hinders their ability to comprehend structural policies and
legal frameworks that govern tourism and livelihood
opportunities. As a result, they are unable to negotiate fair
prices for their catch or engage meaningfully with tourismrelated transactions, missing out on economic benefits that
could otherwise improve their quality of life.
Due to their limited educational attainment—many not
having
completed
elementary
school—community
members were particularly vulnerable to misinformation
and manipulation. Some were influenced through distorted
interpretations of indigenous beliefs, wherein outsiders
associated with tourism were perceived to possess
extraordinary powers capable of uprooting or controlling
local residents. This vulnerability, rooted in innocence and
restricted access to accurate information, education, and
communication, led to passive compliance and inhibited
critical engagement. Children, in particular, were
deliberately withheld from exposure to tourist areas,
further isolating the community from potential benefits.
These dynamics obstructed key pillars of regenerative
tourism, such as place-based regeneration and community
agency. Emotional repression and exclusion from tourismrelated activities prevented residents from appreciating the
development unfolding in their area. Instead of being
empowered as planners and active participants in the
industry, they experienced structural stigma and were
denied
meaningful
involvement
and
economic
opportunities—outcomes shaped by misinformation and
misbelief.

DISCUSSION

The findings of this study reveal both positive and
negative impacts of tourism development on the local
residents of Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental based on
their psychological stances.
Psychologically, residents generally feel a heightened
sense of safety and security due to increased government
presence and law enforcers dispatched in the area, such as
policemen, military armies, and barangay peacekeeping
officers. This aligns with findings from previous studies
indicating that enhanced safety measures and government
presence in tourist areas can significantly improve

residents’ sense of security (González-Reverté, 2019; He et
al., 2020). Research by Muresan et al. (2016) further
supports this, noting that safety perceptions are critical for
local support of tourism initiatives.
The booming of the tourism industry also made
residents feel positive emotions such as gratitude, joy, and
pride. They were happy to see and deal with new people
and witness different types and models of cars, which were
not visible in their place before. This reflects the general
positive emotional response associated with tourism
development, which has been documented in various
studies (Chiu et al., 2016; Wang & Pfister, 2008).
Correspondingly, a study by Kim, Uysal, and Sirgy (2013)
highlights that positive emotional responses are often
linked to increased tourism activities, contributing to
residents’ overall life satisfaction.
This development has also fostered a sense of
belongingness and ownership among the locals, enhancing
their overall well-being and willingness to support tourism
initiatives. According to them, they feel honored because of
its popularity as a tourist destination, especially on social
media. This sense of pride and enhanced social cohesion is
supported by research indicating that community
involvement in tourism can lead to improved social wellbeing (Nunkoo & Gursoy, 2012; Woosnam et al., 2018).
Likewise, local participation in tourism development
strengthens community bonds and fosters a collective
identity (Aref, 2011).
In connection with these findings, the study of
Haralambopoulos & Pizam (1996) found that the economic
benefits of tourism to the local residents including personal
income and work attitude are strong drivers for them to
support tourist development and sustainability. The
presented stances of thoughts and emotions positively
influence their impression of living amidst tourism
development. Zhang, Leung, and Qu (2017) emphasized
that emotional involvement influences tourists’ ability to
recall memorable experiences, linking emotional responses
to positive tourism encounters. Understanding this
emotional experience can help in designing tourism
strategies, thereby enhancing satisfaction and engagement
(Islam et al., 2020). In addition, Düşmezkalendar et al.
(2024) stated that residents’ positive emotional
engagement with tourists promotes support for tourism
development, illustrating that emotional bonds can
influence attitude toward tourism and affecting
community involvement. Volo (2021) suggested that
emotional responses shape various travel stages,
influencing decisions from destination selections of
tourists. While tourism affects the quality of life of the local
residents, their quality of life can also affect tourism
development.
However, along with the positive impacts of tourism
development, a structural stigma has been developed
among some residents, particularly those in Barangay
Puntalinao with limited access to education, leading to
anxiety, emotional repression, and inhibition, primarily
because they do not benefit directly from the tourism
development. Therefore, although tourism is popularly
known to be an economic booster in a community, there is
a need for improvement in other social dimensions, such as
education and skills training (Wang, et al., 2020).
The findings of the study reveal both positive and
negative impacts of tourism development on local
residents. Through the lens of Social Exchange Theory, it
becomes evident that community support for tourism is
shaped by perceived benefits—such as improved safety,
economic opportunities, and emotional rewards like pride,
joy, and gratitude toward their place. These positive
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Journal of Psychological Perspective, 7(4), 2025, – 294

exchanges contribute to a strengthened sense of cultural
identity and belonging.
However, the principles of regenerative tourism
emphasize that tourism must go beyond economic gain to
actively restore ecological and cultural integrity, while
empowering communities as co-creators of development.
In this context, some residents were excluded from
meaningful participation and deprived of the benefits of
tourism. Their limited educational background and
economic vulnerability made them more susceptible to
misinformation and manipulation, which led to emotional
repression and inhibited agency.
Instead of experiencing a reciprocal exchange, these
individuals developed structural stigma, which restricted
their ability to thrive and engage as active contributors in
regenerative tourism. Their sense of control over
improving their quality of life was diminished, and poverty
became a barrier to accessing accurate information,
education, and livelihood opportunities.
To uphold the principles of regenerative tourism and
ensure equitable social exchange, policymakers must
address these structural barriers. Targeted capacitybuilding programs are essential to educate vulnerable
residents about their rights, opportunities, and potential.
More importantly, these initiatives should empower them
to become active players in the tourism industry—drawing
on their lived experiences, cultural knowledge, and local
capabilities to co-create a tourism model that is inclusive,
restorative, and community-driven.
The findings of this study are constrained by its
geographic coverage and the number of participants
involved.

various factors of a person’s situation is influenced by a
person’s general well-being (Orange, 1995). Quality of life
can be subjective but it is generally agreed that it includes
the general components of: basic physiological needs
(food, water, good health, and physical protection from
harm); security (links to supportive social networks and
opportunities to participate in social, cultural, and political
activities); and self-esteem (knowledge, confidence, and
the freedom to make choices) (Cecil, et al., 2019; Moscardo,
2009).
Further, this study recommends capacity-building
programs for both males and females to unleash their
potential and be active contributors for regenerative
tourism. Such training programs could include massage
therapy, tour guiding, souvenir making, and food tourism
which can promote tourism branding in their area.
Wellness tourism can also be explored by utilizing
Indigenous herbs and practices for the visitors to also
appreciate the uniqueness of their culture and natural
resources, thereby promoting regenerative tourism.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

DECLARATION

While the tourism industry has been developing in
Mindanao, particularly in the Municipality of Governor
Generoso,
Davao
Oriental,
the
local
residents’
psychological stances are paramount to its sustainability
and regeneration. This has been visualized because of its
impact on the local residents’ support and cooperation for
the industry to economically flourish in the place. The
locals themselves must feel happy in the tourism
development to capture their cooperation and
participation leading to sustainable and regenerative
tourism.
Moreover, education training and capacity-building
programs are essential for the locals to be productive and
economically advantaged. Developing the tourism industry
is a vital strategy for alleviating poverty, the
implementation of pro-poor tourism should take into
account comprehensive impacts on poor residents,
including economic level, livelihood conditions, and
education training.
This study recommends that the government from the
barangay (smallest administrative division) to the
municipal level encourage local residents’ participation in
planning and crafting policies related to tourism. Their
psychological stances are important to consider especially
those negative stances that emerged from their narratives
to strategically address their needs. Their current living
situation, education, and information as well as their
access to communication to social welfare and
development need to be accounted for in policies and
development planning that proactively promote the
residents’ quality of life. A clear understanding of the

Ethics approval and consent to participate
The study has received ethical approval from the
Director of University Research Ethics Board of Davao
Oriental State University.

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Acknowledgment

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to
Davao Oriental State University through its Research,
Innovation and Extension Division for its generous
financial support, which made this study on “Exploring
Local Residents’ Psychological Stances on Tourism
Development” possible. The funding provided essential
resources that were crucial for the successful completion of
this research.

Consent for publication
N/A
Availability of data and materials
The data supporting the findings of this study can be
obtained from the corresponding author upon request.
However, they are not publicly accessible due to privacy or
ethical considerations.
Conflicts of interest Statement
Authors have no conflicts of interest to be declared.
Funding
This study received funding from the Research,
Innovation, and Extension Division of Davao Oriental State
University.
Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Technology
N/A
Authors' contributions.
CLC, RAC, and AAL contributed to the study conception
and design, as well as in preparing materials and collecting
data. RAC conducted the data analysis. The initial draft of
the manuscript was written by RAC and AAL, and it was
reviewed by CLC.

Journal of Psychological Perspective, 7(4), 2025, – 295

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Rose Anelyn V. Ceniza completed a PhD in Psychology
at the Ateneo de Davao University. She is an Associate
Professor from the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences
and Communication of Davao Oriental State University and
the present Director for Tourism Information, Education
and Communication Center of the same University.
Chris Lloyd Ceniza has completed a master’s degree
in Anthropology at the University of Mindanao and in
Philosophy at the Ateneo de Davao University. He is an
Assistant Professor from the Faculty of Humanities, Social
Science and Communication of Davao Oriental State
University.
Audrey Ann T. Liporada completed an undergraduate
degree in Secondary Education Major in Science at the
Davao Oriental State University. She is a center support
staff from Tourism Information, Education and
Communication of Davao Oriental State University.

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