John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta

John Jamir Benzon R. Aruta, Ph.D.

Associate Professor

Dr. Aruta focuses on advancing children’s and adolescents’ mental health through research, clinical engagement, and practitioner training. As an Associate Professor at De La Salle University, he leads studies examining youth anxiety, depression, self-esteem, parent-child dynamics, and school adjustment, with emphasis on how social support, coping skills, and family systems shape psychological well-being. His research uses advanced measurement approaches, longitudinal designs, and culturally grounded psychometrics to strengthen screening tools and intervention frameworks for young people. Alongside his academic work, he contributes to clinical practice and mental health capacity-building through workshops, supervision, and community-based psychosocial programs. He also mentors emerging researchers and practitioners, fostering strong foundations in child and adolescent psychology. His long-term aim is to help expand access to developmentally sensitive, evidence-based care so children and youth in diverse communities can thrive emotionally, academically, and socially.