Stress and coping strategies among the spouses of the alcoholic in Bharatha Matha de-addiction center, Puducherry

Abstract

Background: Alcoholism Physiological problems (hand tremors and blackouts), Psychological problems, (an obsessive desire to drink), Behavioral problems that affect work or social life. Spouses of the alcoholic may experience psychological problems due to her life with the alcoholic husband. The spouses of the alcoholic individuals experience high levels of stress from dual problems husband’s alcoholism and domestic violence by the husband and are thus a high-risk group. In alcoholism, spouses are mainly affected because of the intimate nature of the relationship with the husband and constant exposure to the behavior of alcoholics. This study aimed to assess the stress and coping strategies among the spouses of the alcoholic. Objectives: 1. To assess stress and coping strategies among the spouses of the alcoholic in de-addiction centers. 2. To find the correlation between stress and coping strategies among the spouses of the alcoholic in de-addiction centers. 3. To find the association between stress and coping strategies among the spouses of the alcoholic in de-addiction centers with selected demographic variables. Methodology: A Descriptive research design study was conducted among 50spouses of the alcoholic in de-addiction centers, Puducherry. Each spouse of the alcoholic was selected through a non-probability purposive sampling method and was assessed stress and coping strategies among the spouses of the alcoholic by using a standardized tool (Perceived stress standardized scale and Carver, C. S. (1997) coping strategy scale). The collected data were computerized and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The analysis was done using Frequency, Percentage; Pearson correlation r test, and Chi-square test. Results: The result shows that the stress level, majority of the spouses of the alcoholic41 (82%) had a moderate level of stress and 9 (18%) had a high perceived level of stress and the coping strategies level, majority of the spouses of the alcoholic 36 (72%) had a moderate level of coping strategies and 14 (28%) had a low level of coping strategies.Conclusion: The study concludes the majority of the spouses of the alcoholic had a moderate level of stress and coping strategies. Hence, an Awareness program on the prevention of alcoholism can be started in this group to educate the public in both the clinical and community settings and Pamphlets can be given to the spouses of the alcoholic. The Psychological health care service administration should plan and formulate policies for spouses of the alcoholic.