Adversity Quotient and Resilience in Educational Leadership: A Mixed-Methods Study of Deans in Teacher Education Institutions in Central Luzon, Philippines

This study examines the Adversity Quotient (AQ) and resilience of deans in colleges of education in Central Luzon, Philippines, within the context of higher education leadership. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the research first employed the Adversity Quotient Profile Questionnaire with 15 purposively selected deans to measure resilience across four dimensions: Control, Origin and Ownership, Reach, and Endurance. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted to provide deeper insights into the quantitative findings. Results revealed a high overall AQ score, with Control and Endurance emerging as the strongest dimensions and Reach identified as an area for growth. Significant relationships were found between AQ and socio-demographic factors, including age, tenure, civil status, and economic status, with effect sizes confirming their practical importance. Thematic analysis of interviews highlighted three resilience strategies: Adaptive Leadership, Support Networks, and Vision-Driven Resilience, illustrating how socio-demographic predictors are reinforced by personal adaptability, relational supports, and mission-driven leadership. The findings demonstrate that resilience in educational leadership is shaped by the interplay of individual, social, and institutional factors. The study contributes to the theoretical discourse on AQ in non-Western academic contexts and offers practical implications for leadership training, mentorship, and policy development in higher education.