Coping styles and resilience in women living in the same neighborhood with distinct cultures

Abstract

ObjectiveThe present study aimed to evaluate coping and psychological resilience in Roma and non-Roma women living in the same neighborhood but with distinct cultures. This is the first comparative study to explore and present the impact of coping styles and sociodemographic characteristics on psychological resilience of Roma and non-Roma communities. MethodThis descriptive and comparative study included 300 women; of these, 150 were Roma and 150 were non-Roma women. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Resilience Scale for Adults, and the Ways of Coping Inventory. The data were collected between February 1, 2019 and July 31, 2019 by the researcher. ResultsThe results revealed that Roma women used more emotion-focused coping than non-Roma women. Psychological resilience levels were similar between Roma and non-Roma women. ConclusionThe present results can be used by mental healthcare professionals to improve women’s mental health. The results can also be used to fill the gap between dominant and minority cultures in societies where the provision of health services is planned according to the dominant culture.