Assessment of Mental Health of Employees in a Catholic Academic Institution: Basis for Mental Health Policy Program

The growing concern over workplace mental health globally has underscored the need for context-specific and value-oriented interventions, especially in educational settings. This study assessed the mental health status of employees in a Catholic academic institution in the Philippines, focusing on emotional well-being, psychological resilience, interpersonal relationships, and spiritual wellness. It aimed to develop a policy-integrated occupational mental health framework grounded in Catholic values. Employing an embedded mixed-methods design, the study gathered data from 98 teaching and non-teaching personnel using a researcher-made Likert-type questionnaire and open-ended responses. Statistical techniques included descriptive analysis, Pearson correlation, and ANOVA to determine significant relationships and group differences. Results showed high levels of well-being across domains, with spiritual wellness as the highest-rated. Significant correlations were observed between institutional policy awareness and wellness indicators. The study concludes that integrating faith-based and holistic mental health programs enhances employee engagement, supports institutional mission, and validates the PERMA model in religious academic settings. It is recommended that schools establish inclusive wellness policies, strengthen confidentiality protocols, and embed spiritual care into employee support systems. The findings provide new insights into how Catholic values can influence mental health practices, thereby contributing to the global discourse on developing sustainable, culturally responsive mental health programs in education.