Emotion-focused Coping Strategies Research Articles

Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies among Graduate University Students: Role of Gender

Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies among Graduate University Students: Role of Gender

Feel Your Best Self: Insights from elementary teachers’ use in teaching emotion-focused coping strategies

Feel Your Best Self (FYBS) teaches 12 emotion-focused coping strategies to strengthen emotion regulation and day-to-day experiences of positive emotions. Released in 2022, FYBS was designed to be implemented flexibly and with minimal preparation by elementary educators. In this manuscript, we present findings from a case study of early adopters (n = 6), sharing insights into how they have used, adapted, and generalized the program with their students. Participants ranged from first to fifth grade teachers. Four teachers implemented in English and two teachers implemented in Spanish. Findings suggest that early adopters “kept it simple;” leaned into opportunities to promote joy, engagement, and access using FYBS; adjusted instructional activities for developmental appropriateness; and integrated additional best practices. These insights suggest that FYBS is achieving its intended goal of simple and flexible instruction of emotion-focused coping strategies in elementary classrooms. We conclude by discussing next steps in expanding FYBS materials and testing the program’s cultural responsiveness and impact on student outcomes.

Gender differences in predictors of quality of life for parents of children with Autism Spectrum disorder in Saudi Arabia

PurposeFew researchers have examined gender differences in the quality of life (QoL) of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in diverse cultural contexts. The purpose of this study was to identify how ASD severity, affiliate stigma, perceived social support, family functioning, and coping strategies differentially predict the QoL of mothers and fathers of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia. Design and methodsBased on a cross-sectional research design, data were gathered between April and July 2023 from a convenience sample of 376 parents (220 mothers and 156 fathers) of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia. Welch's t-test and regression were used to achieve the study purpose. ResultsMothers of children with ASD reported lower QoL, perceived social support, and family functioning than fathers. Mothers relied on emotion-focused coping strategies, whereas fathers used problem-focused coping strategies. Furthermore, affiliate stigma, perceived social support, and family functioning significantly predicted the QoL of mothers and fathers of children with ASD. However, the severity of ASD affected only the QoL of the mothers. Problem-focused coping significantly predicted fathers' QoL but not mothers' QoL. ConclusionsThe results highlight gender differences in the factors that predict the QoL of parents of children with ASD in Saudi Arabia. Practice implicationsHealthcare professionals should consider parents' gender when providing support and interventions to improve parental QoL.

Experiences of Patients with Unilateral Vocal Fold Paralysis: A Mixed-Methods Study of the Insider’s Perspective

ObjectiveUnilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) is often characterized by severe dysphonia and has a significant impact on a patient’s communication in daily and vocational situations. Having a better understanding of how UVFP influences quality of life and patient experiences can help improve patient-centered care in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the lived experiences of patients with UVFP. MethodsTwenty-five adults with UVFP (age range: 39 – 84 years) participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected from 22 participants, using the Voice Handicap Index (VHI), Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI), and Acoustic Voice Quality Index (AVQI). Qualitative data were collected from 25 individual semi-structured interviews, which were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with the software program NVivo. The interviews were coded using an inductive thematic approach. ResultsQuantitative results showed a mean DSI of -1.6, mean AVQI of 3.80, and mean VHI of 45.8 in the participant group. A statistically significant, moderate (positive) correlation was found between VHI and time after onset (in years). From the qualitative analysis of the interviews, four main themes were identified: emotional impact, psychosocial impact, physical complaints, and coping strategies. Voice problems caused by UVFP generally had a negative impact on patients’ emotional and psychological well-being, with considerable effects on participation, self-identity, and professional activity. Participants demonstrated a combination of problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies to accommodate to these issues. Half of the participant group also showed avoidance as a coping style. VHI scores were significantly higher in participants who reported experiencing current emotional and participation problems due to UVFP, and who had not yet accepted their new voice. ConclusionThe themes from this study emphasize the importance of focused anamnesis and emotive counseling in practice, with specific attention to the psychosocial and emotional impact of UVFP. Data Availability StatementData is available from the authors upon request due to privacy reasons.

Health effects of caregiving and coping with severe mental disorders: A caregivers' experience.

Informal caregivers are an essential health resource in the care of persons with severe mental disorders, particularly in South Africa where access to mental healthcare services is limited. The study aimed to explore and describe the coping strategies used by informal caregivers and the specific health impacts they face in the context of severe mental disorders in South Africa. The study was conducted in Bushbuckridge municipality situated in the northeastern parts of Mpumalanga province, South Africa. A descriptive qualitative methodology was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with 12 purposefully selected participants. Audio-recorded interviews were translated, transcribed and analysed inductively on NVivo12 using reflexive thematic analysis. The themes identified were caregivers' experience of consequences of caregiving and caregivers' experience of coping with their caregiving role. Participants experienced negative consequences on their emotional, mental and physical health. The participants use internal and external resources to cope with the challenges they face, and many highlighted using emotion-focused coping strategies. The findings revealed an urgent need to develop support strategies to strengthen informal caregivers' coping and promote good health particularly in rural South Africa where informal caregivers play a crucial role in the management of severe mental disorders. The finding demands that policymakers and healthcare providers prioritise the health and well-being of the informal caregivers. There should be policies targeted specifically at developing and implementing caregiver-orientated healthcare services.

Australian university student coping profiles and psychosocial distress: a latent profile analysis

ABSTRACT Compared to the general population, university students experience unique demands and stressors that impact psychosocial distress. High levels of psychosocial distress can affect students academically, socially, and professionally. Strategies students use to cope with stress on their own, particularly problem- and emotion-focused strategies, can decrease distress levels. While individual coping strategies can lower distress, it remains unclear which strategies are most effective among students and whether distinct profiles of strategies and their effectiveness exist. This study aimed to explore how Australian university students use individual coping strategies to manage stress using Latent Profile Analysis. 376 students completed an online survey of coping strategies, psychosocial distress, and general wellbeing, between November and December 2022 (Mean age = 25.76; 68.62% female). Psychosocial distress levels were characterised by anxiety, depression, perceived stress, social isolation, and emotional support. Four coping profiles were extracted: no effective/no coping, problem-focused coping, emotion-focused coping, and emotion-focused religion-dominant coping. Students endorsing problem-focused coping had significantly lower levels of psychosocial distress compared to the no effective/no coping and emotion-focused religion-dominant coping profiles, but showed no difference compared to emotion-focused coping. The no effective/no coping profile was associated with the highest levels of psychosocial distress. This underscores the importance of supporting students to endorse primarily problem-focused coping strategies, as well as emotion-focused coping strategies and educating students on how to effectively employ strategies, especially those not endorsing any effective strategies. These results may inform university support services and training for educators working directly with students on how to educate students about coping with stress.

Evaluation of coping strategies of parents of children with cystic fibrosis

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted to evaluate the coping strategies of parents of children with cystic fibrosis. The research sample is the parents (n: 112) who presented to Thoracic Medicine Department at Hacettepe University Pediatric Hospital between 3 April 2021 - 28 May 2021 and volunteered to participate in the study. Sociodemographic Data Form and Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory (COPE Inventory) were used in the collection of data. The study examined coping strategies according to children’s characteristics such as age, sex, education, and parents’ independent variables such as employment status, income status, number of individuals and children in the family, communication with other families, social and financial support. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Research findings show that religious coping was the most frequently preferred coping strategy, and behavioral disengagement was the least commonly used coping strategy. Emotion-Focused Coping Strategies were also commonly used. Social work interventions and strategies play an important role in helping parents to adopt positive coping strategies and improve their skills.

"I couldn't connect the wires in my brain." Young adult cancer survivors' experience with cognitive functioning.

There is a dearth of literature describing young adult (YA) cancer survivors' experiences with cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). We aimed to elucidate CRCI among YA cancer survivors and identify potentially modifiable risk factors. We conducted individual qualitative interviews with YA cancer survivors aged 18-30years at study enrollment and used applied thematic analysis to identify themes across three topics (i.e., affected cognitive abilities, risk and protective factors influencing the impact of CRCI, and strategies for coping with CRCI). YA cancer survivors (N=20) were, on average, 23years old at diagnosis and 26years old when interviewed. Diverse cancer types and treatments were represented; most participants (85%) had completed cancer treatment. Participants described experiences across three qualitative topics: (1) affected cognitive abilities (i.e., concentration and attention, prospective memory, and long-term memory), (2) Risk factors (i.e., fatigue, sleep problems, mood, stress/distractions, and social isolation) and protective factors (i.e., social support), and (3) coping strategies, including practical strategies that helped build self-efficacy (e.g., writing things down, reducing distractions), beneficial emotion-focused coping strategies (e.g., focus on health, faith/religion), strategies with mixed effects (i.e., apps/games, medications/supplements, and yoga), and "powering through" strategies that exacerbated stress. YA cancer survivors experience enduring cognitive difficulties after treatment. Specific concerns highlight the importance of attention and executive functioning impairments, long-term memory recall, and sensitivity to distractions. Future work is needed to improve assessment and treatment of CRCI among YA cancer survivors.

Stress and Coping Strategies in Malay Parents of Children with Cleft Lip and/or Palate.

This study was aimed at describing the level of stress and types of coping strategies used among Malay parents of children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P). Cross-sectional study. A dental clinic and a general hospital. Parents (N = 84) whose children were less than 12 years old with CL/P. Socio-demographic data and clinical characteristics of CL/P were collected. Self-administered validated Malay versions of the stress scale from the Depressive, Anxiety and Stress Scale-42 (DASS-42) and COPE Inventory questionnaires were used. Descriptive statistics and Multivariate Analysis of Covariance were used for data analysis. The prevalence of stress among parents of children with CL/P was 21.4% [95% confidence interval (12.4, 30.4)]. The most common coping strategies were problem-focused (mean 58.15, standard deviation (SD) 7.75), followed by emotion-focused (mean 54.05, SD 4.78). The adjusted mean score for overall coping strategies was significantly different between stressed and non-stressed parents after adjustment for education, number of children, sex of child with CL/P, and cleft type [F (df) = 4.174 (3,74), P = .009]. There was a significant mean difference between stressed and non-stressed parents for avoidant coping strategies [P = .003]. Problem-focused and emotion-focused coping strategies did not differ after Bonferroni correction. Around a fifth of parents caring for children with CL/P experienced stress and avoidant coping strategies were more common among stressed parents. Multi-disciplinary team care should provide social support to parents of children with CL/P.

Male Menopause: Concept Challenges and Coping Strategies

Men’s health is globally in crisis and worsening due to limited healthcare policies, and under-developed societal awareness and education. Men frequently realize reproductive health services as being meant for females because of this they do not see a place for themselves in those services. Male menopause, or more accurately, testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is one of the new issues which can affect the quality of life in older men. It is a natural phenomenon that occurs with age in men and is diagnosed by clinical manifestation and a decrease in serum testosterone levels; it affects the performance of many systems of the body from the head to toe. Moreover, age-related comorbid diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, renal disease, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and some medications such as glucocorticoids, cigarettes and alcohol also contribute to the decline in testosterone levels. There are numerous challenges faced by men in Africa during the climacteric period and they are accentuated by several intermediating factors which range from ignorance, to cultural taboos and even lack of adequate facilities to cater for their health needs. If these middle-aged men continue to experience the challenges of male menopause without effective coping strategies, their quality of life is at stake. This paper therefore stresses challenges of male menopause and recommends lifestyle changes, healthy emotion focused coping strategies and other relaxation techniques to improve the quality of life of elderly men experiencing male menopause.

Assessing the Quality of Life, Coping Strategies, Anxiety and Depression Levels in Patients with Long-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study.

This longitudinal study investigates the psychosocial effects of long-COVID Syndrome, a domain still not extensively researched. It specifically evaluates the quality of life, coping mechanisms, anxiety and depression levels in COVID-19 survivors, differentiating between those with and without long-COVID Syndrome. Conducted at the Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology in Timisoara, Romania, the study utilized a cohort of patients diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19. The following standardized tools: WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life, COPE-60 for coping strategies, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were employed for the assessment. The sample consisted of 86 patients displaying persistent post-acute symptoms and 432 asymptomatic patients at the 6-month post-discharge mark. Patients with frequent post-acute symptoms reported significantly higher levels of fatigue (8.2 ± 1.4), cognitive difficulties (7.5 ± 1.6), and respiratory challenges (7.8 ± 1.3), along with a markedly lower overall quality of life (7.0 ± 1.5) compared to their asymptomatic counterparts. HADS scores revealed elevated depression (6.8 ± 1.9) and anxiety (7.1 ± 2.3) in the symptomatic group. Quality of life, as evaluated through the use of WHOQOL-BREF, showed lower scores in the symptomatic cohort across physical (58.8 ± 15.8), mental (56.3 ± 16.4), and social domains (50.2 ± 17.5). COPE-60 findings indicated a higher prevalence of disengagement (56.4%) and emotion-focused coping strategies (61.8%) in the symptomatic group, in contrast to 30.1% and 37.0%, respectively, in the asymptomatic group. The study highlights that long-COVID Syndrome significantly deteriorates the quality of life and is associated with increased depression and anxiety levels. The prevalent use of disengagement and emotion-focused coping strategies among patients with persistent symptoms suggests a need for enhanced psychosocial support tailored to this subgroup.

Testing a model of benefit-finding and growth in youths with chronic health conditions

BackgroundThe experience of benefit-finding and growth (BFG), defined as perceiving positive life changes resulting from adversity, is increasingly studied among youths with chronic health conditions (CCs). However, empirical evidence is scarce for explaining individual differences in BFG. The study aimed to test a model of BFG, including an interplay of personal and environmental factors and coping processes.MethodsA sample of N = 498 youths (12–21 years) recruited from three German patient registries for CCs (type 1 diabetes: n = 388, juvenile idiopathic arthritis: n = 82, cystic fibrosis: n = 28) completed a questionnaire including self-reported optimism, social support from parents and peers, coping strategies, and BFG. The model was created to reflect the theoretical assumptions of the Life Crisis and Personal Growth model and current empirical evidence. Structural equation modeling was conducted to evaluate the incremental explanatory power of optimism, peer group integration, parental support, acceptance, cognitive reappraisal, and seeking social support over and above sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics.ResultsThe model (CFI = 0.93; RMSEA = 0.04; SRMR = 0.05) explained 32% of the variance in BFG. Controlling for sociodemographic and disease-related characteristics, acceptance, cognitive reappraisal, and seeking social support were directly and positively linked to BFG. All tested coping strategies significantly mediated the association between optimism and BFG, whereas seeking social support significantly mediated the relation between peer group integration and BFG.DiscussionThe study stresses the prominent role of emotion-focused coping strategies and peer group integration in enhancing BFG in youths with CCs.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), no. DRKS00025125. Registered on May 17, 2021.

The Role of Emotion Regulation and Teacher and School-Based Practices on Teacher-Student Relationships

This study examined teacher and school-based factors that support teacher-student relationships. This study addresses the problems associated with the development of positive teacher-student relationships in the PK-12 school systems, which is particularly important given the significant role that teacher-student relationships play regarding student engagement and success. Through a mixed methods triangulation design-convergence model, the researchers used Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) and open-ended survey questions and interviews. Ninety PK-12 teachers in the United States completed an emotion regulation and teacher-student relationship survey. Associations were explored between teachers’ grade level taught, years of teaching experience, age, emotion regulation and perceived relationships with students. Four teachers volunteered to engage in an interview. In the final model, teachers’ grade level taught, years of teaching (inverse), emotion regulation expressive suppression, and closeness to students (inverse) accounted for 32.4% variance in their relationship conflict with students. In the final model, teachers’ grade level taught (inverse) and emotion regulation expressive suppression (inverse) accounted for 29.5% variance in their relationship closeness with students. Emotion-focused coping strategies are discussed in line with these results. Additionally, open-ended survey responses and interviews revealed the importance of problem-focused coping strategies. Implications for teacher and school-based practices are discussed.

Identifying Stroke Caregivers’ Coping Strategies: The Smile that has Struggled through the Tears-A Mixed-Method Research Approach

Background: Sudden stroke had caused the caregivers minimal time to prepare for their role as carers. Some stroke caregivers were overwhelmed to adjust and accept new responsibilities. They need to reorganise their functions and establish new daily life routines in response to the chronic illness that happens with stroke survivors.
 Objective: This study aimed to determine and explore coping strategies employed by stroke caregivers.
 Methods: This mixed-method study involved 32 stroke caregivers from a community-based stroke rehabilitation centre in Kuching, Sarawak. Results: From quantitative analysis, most stroke caregivers employed problem-focused coping strategies (mean=56.66, SD=10.79), followed by emotion-focused coping strategies (mean=55.63, SD=10.29) in confronting the challenges of caring for stroke survivors. Data from qualitative findings revealed eight themes of coping strategies: adjustment to daily life, selfmotivation, sharing with other people, acceptance, avoiding thinking about the problem, hoping stroke survivors will get better, emotion suppression and self-blame.
 Conclusion: This study’s outcomes provide crucial information about the burdens held by stroke caregivers when taking care of stroke survivors. Stroke caregivers need to adapt better and suitable coping strategies. This will prevent them from becoming overwhelmed by the accumulated stress from caring burdens. The long-term effect of coping strategies should positively assist stroke caregivers in managing the burdens effectively and fostering satisfaction in their life.
 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 01 January’24 Page : 130-140

Depression, Stress, Anxiety, and Family Burden in Caregivers of Patients with Preexisting Severe Mental Illness and Their Coping Strategies during Omicron Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic

Background and Aims: There is limited research on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on caregivers of patients with severe mental illness (SMI) during its late phase when sufficient and widespread knowledge about management and preventive aspects existed. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on caregivers of patients with SMI during Omicron wave. Methodology: We assessed 100 caregivers of patients with preexisting SMI diagnosed on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5, 50 each of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) from December 14, 2021, to February 9, 2022. We assessed symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and family burden in caregivers and their coping strategies by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Hindi version, Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS), and Brief-Coping Orientation to Problem Experienced, respectively. Results: Caregivers of SMI experienced symptoms of depression (51%), anxiety (72%), and stress (13%), with significantly more symptoms of depression (P = 0.002) and anxiety (P = 0.025) in caregivers of SCZ. High caregiver burden (score: 25.76, > half of the total score on FBIS) was found with no significant difference in the two groups. Caregivers of SCZ used a greater number of emotion-focused coping strategies, whereas those with BD used more problem-focused coping, but the difference was not significant. A significant association was seen between coping strategies of substance use and depressed symptoms (P = 0.003), substance use and anxiety symptoms (P = 0.007); anxiety symptoms with denial (P = 0.001) anxiety symptoms and venting (P = 0.008) in caregivers of BD. Conclusion: Caregivers of patients with preexisting SMI experienced depression, anxiety, and high family burden during Omicron wave. They used both emotion- and problem-focused coping strategies.

Coping Strategies Used by Sexually Abused Women During Covid 19 Pandemic: Insights from a Certain Health Institution in Harare

The research sought to explore the coping strategies used by female survivors of sexual abuse in Harare during the Covid 19 pandemic. A phenomenological design which was premised under the qualitative research paradigm was used in this study, and a sample consisting of seven women who were sexually abused were selected. In-depth interviews were used to gather information on the coping strategies used by female survivors of sexual abuse. Research data was then presented and analyzed thematically. Findings of the research depicted the three main categories which were physically- focused, emotionally- focused and economically focused coping strategies. Survivors used problem-focused coping strategies to deal with physical challenges which included seeking medical attention. Emotion-focused coping strategies involved seeking psychological help and spiritual intervention.

Psychological Aspects and Coping Strategies Among Children of Baal Sudhar Griha, Morang

Background: Child development incorporates physical growth as well as intellectual, language, emotional and social development. During Juvenile home stay they are unable to fulfill their need and requirements of children over the duration of sentences, so many children are compromising their childhood as well as mental health. Assessment of psychological aspects and coping strategies of the children to identify their mental health and their measures to cope or overcome ups and down, also to identify the root causes of offending behavior and measures to prevent such behavior. Assessment of psychological aspects and ability to cope among children of Baal Sudhar Griha, Morang was the objective.
 Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study was adopted. At present 152 children residing at Baal Sudhar Griha of Morang were included by population enumerate sampling method. To assess socio-demographic variables semi- constructed structured questionnaire was used. To assess psychological aspects and coping strategies DASS-21 and Brief Cope was used. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were used for data analysis.
 Results: Most of the children (46%) were facing severe form of psychological challenges like stress, anxiety, depression. Similarly majority (67.1%) of the respondents were found to have emotion focused coping strategies used by the children of Baal Sudhar Griha.
 Conclusion: Study result reveals that majority of the children were facing severe form of stress, anxiety and depression. Around half of children used emotion focused coping strategies to cope such psychological distress in their day today life.

Content creators on Instagram—How users cope with stress on social media

Social media has become an integral part of society. However, with its increased usage, a dark side can emerge: social media as a stressor. In this study, we investigate the stress experienced by content creators on Instagram when providing posts and the strategies they use to cope. Our qualitative analysis of 19 German Instagram users reveals a strong focus on likes. When posting content, the main objective is to reach a particular threshold of likes, while receiving comments is considered an additional benefit. If the threshold of likes is not met, stress is induced. Furthermore, being linked to social media can also endanger offline relationships. The resulting stress leaks from social media into offline relationships and harms them. Finally, our analysis has identified emotion-focused and problem-focused coping strategies that social media content creators use to manage stress resulting from interactions.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Academic Stress, Coping Strategies, Academic Self-Motivation, on Adaptation among University Students

The objective of the research is to develop a structural model that illustrates the direct and indirect causal effects between academic stress, academic coping strategies, academic motivation, and academic adaptation among university students. Additionally, the study aims to identify gender differences in the four research variables. The study was conducted on a sample of 191 students, consisting of 100 males and 91 females, selected from the College of Education at King Khalid University. The participants had an average age of 19.82 years with a standard deviation of 1.013.
 Four scales were administered to the participants: 
 The Academic Stress Scale, Academic Coping Strategies Scale, Academic Motivation Scale, and Academic Adaptation Scale. The research findings indicated that the empirical data supported the validity of the proposed structural model, which represents the direct and indirect relationships and effects between academic stress, coping strategies, academic motivation, and academic adaptation. The results also revealed that students were more likely to use problem-focused coping strategies, while females were more likely to use emotion-focused coping strategies. Furthermore, male students showed higher levels of academic self-motivation and academic adaptation compared to female students.

Influence of gender identity on the adoption of religious-spiritual, preventive and emotion-focused coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic in Pakistan

Background Academic research has highlighted the gendered impacts and amplifications of gender disparities of COVID-19. Traditionally, Pakistan is a patriarchal society, where it is a parenthood norm to socialize specific gender social roles. Objectives The current research asserts that these normative gender roles may influence individuals throughout their life course, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study explored the influence of gender identity in adopting different coping strategies such as religious-spiritual, preventive, emotion-focused and non-constructive coping against the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Due to the lockdown in various areas of Pakistan, data were collected through an online questionnaire using Qualtrics. In a cross-sectional study, 955 respondents completed responses. Factors analysis and reliability analysis were run to ensure the scales’ reliability, validity and robustness for different coping strategies. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to find model fitness. Conclusions For theoretical explanation, the current study used social role theory that argues that each gender benefits differently from distinct coping behaviours. The findings highlighted that women were more likely to adopt most coping strategies, with the most significant difference in religious-spiritual coping and preventative coping strategies even in the presence of control variables such as level of education, household monthly income, family structure, marital status and family size. There was no gender difference in adopting non-constructive strategies. The empirical evidence suggested that females might be at an increased risk of stress due to the burden of unbalanced household-based social norms and care responsibilities. The current research also expanded the base of coping to religious-spiritual coping, emotion-focused coping and non-constructive coping.