Text by Martin Racza with inputs from Dr. Zypher Regencia
Photo by Dr. Zypher Regencia

Dr. Zypher Jude Regencia, a recent PhD in Health Sciences (by Research) program graduate at the College of Medicine, has been chosen as one of the recipients of the 2025 Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood (SSEA) Jeffrey Jensen Arnett Dissertation Award for his dissertation titled “Effect of Body Image Perception and Skin-Lightening Practices on Mental Health of Emerging Filipino Adults: A Mixed Methods Approach.” The dissertation award, which recognizes significant contributions to the field of emerging adulthood research, will be presented at the SSEA Conference in June 2025 in Charleston, South Carolina.

Dr. Regencia’s study highlights the influence of Western beauty standards, media, and historical colonialism on body image perception, skin-lightening practices, and mental health among Filipino emerging adults. Through a mixed-methods approach, including a large-scale quantitative analysis and in-depth qualitative interviews, the research introduces the “Culturally Informed Body Image Theory” and advocates for culturally sensitive interventions to promote mental well-being and body positivity.

Dr. Regencia has been a co-investigator and research associate on various national and international projects, honing his skills in both statistical and qualitative analysis, particularly in evaluating health outcomes using predictive models and in-depth qualitative evaluations. His recent presentations at the 12th ASTHRDP Graduate Scholars’ Conference, where he won Best Research Presenter, and at the International AIDS Society HIV Science Conference reflect his commitment to advancing public health through a comprehensive, evidence-based approach.#