SOCIAL, STRUCTURAL AND BEHAVIORAL FACTORS: CRITICAL DRIVERS OF FINANCIAL RESILIENCE AMONG INDIGENOUS PEOPLES

Financial resilience plays a vital role in safeguarding the economic well-being of Indigenous Peoples. This study examined how social, structural, and behavioral factors shape the financial resilience of Indigenous households in a hinterland barangay. Using a descriptive-correlational design, the research involved 240 randomly selected household heads of Indigenous communities. Data were gathered through adapted and validated instruments. The social factors were guided by frameworks from Aldrich and Meyer (2015), Conger et al. (2010), Merkl (2000), and Werner (2013), while structural indicators were adapted from the European Central Bank (2025). Behavioral constructs drew upon psychological and behavioral economic theories (Rook,1987; Xiao & Porto,2017; and Mischel et al.,1989). Financial resilience questionnaire was based on Lusardi and Mitchell (2014) and Rothwell and Han (2010). Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used to explore the relationships among the variables. Findings revealed that participants emphasized family and community-based financial support, underscoring the significance of social bonds and mutual assistance. Access to financial services was rated high, indicating its perceived value in managing income, debt, and unexpected needs. Participants also exhibited favorable behavioral traits such as responsible spending and self-regulation. Financial resilience was rated generally high, particularly in managing debt and sustaining income stability. Regression results showed that spending habits and self-control significantly influenced income stability, while debt management was strongly associated with self-regulation, community support, and access to financial services. These findings affirm that financial resilience among Indigenous communities is not merely a matter of individual financial literacy but a product of interconnected social structures, institutional accessibility, and behavioral discipline. Future research may investigate the mediating influence of Indigenous cultural values on the relationship between behavioral traits and financial resilience.