Coping Strategies Research Articles

Character Strengths as Coping Strategies for Daily Challenges: A Qualitative Study Among Adult Refugees

Character strengths are positive traits and qualities that are an integral part of an individual’s personality. These strengths can function as protective factors against mental disorders by providing traumatized refugees with resources and tools to cope with stressors and daily challenges. The purpose of the current study was to explore the role of character strengths of refugees in the Netherlands in their problem-focused and/or emotional-focused coping strategies to deal with daily challenges. We interviewed 26 refugees who attained a temporary asylum residence permit and who lived in an asylum seeker center (AZC) or a municipality in the Netherlands. Qualitative data analyses yielded five key character strengths, namely self-regulation, perseverance, gratitude, love of learning, and hope. Patience and adaptability were two additional strengths that function as specific self-regulation techniques. Our findings also suggest a shift from emotion-focused coping strategies during the stay at an asylum seeker center towards problem-focused coping when living in a municipality. Depending on the migration phase in which refugees find themselves, they apply different character strengths in relation to emotion-focused or problem-focused coping strategies. Interventions that aim to increase the well-being of refugees and contribute to successful integration into society should consider relevant contextual factors, in addition to cultural factors.

Resilience and Coping Strategies during COVID-19: Perspectives from Agricultural Enterprise Farmers

COVID-19 posed threats to Thailand, particularly affecting agricultural enterprises. This study examines coping strategies of the Khok Sawang Agricultural Enterprise (KSAE) in Khon Kaen province in response to disturbances of the COVID-19 pandemic. A purposive sample of 75 members from the KSAE was analyzed using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews. Quantitative data were computed using SPSS, qualitative insights were derived through thematic analysis. The findings indicate that respondents faced considerable challenges across four domains: production and trade, food security, health, and income. Specifically, 86.7% reported income losses, 82.7% indicated increased mental health stress, and 70% reported reduced access to healthcare services. Market pressures, rising production costs, and decreased consumer demand collectively resulted in a 30% decline in production. To cope with these disruptions, respondents adopted diverse coping strategies. In terms of production, farmers reduced working hours, implemented daily wage cuts, and adopted digital platforms to facilitate direct sales. Health-related strategies included engagement in vaccination schemes and enhancing social networks to provide emotional support. This study underscores the resilience in navigating the extensive disturbances of COVID-19. It emphasizes the need for integrated policy frameworks that enhance farmers’ resilience to deal with future crises.

A qualitative study on the psycho-oncological experiences of women navigating breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship in Ethiopia.

To understand the lived experiences of Ethiopian women who self-identify as breast cancer survivors, particularly facilitators, and barriers to engaging with care in biomedical settings. Between November 2022 and January 2023, six focus group discussions were conducted in Amharic with 44 breast cancer patients and survivors in Adama, Ethiopia, stratified based on HIV status and participation in available peer support groups at their treatment hospital. Thematic analysis was conducted, with methodology reported in accordance with the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative research checklist. Our analysis identified four key areas along the continuum of care: (1) recognition of BC-related symptoms, (2) seeking clinical care for BC symptoms, (3) adherence to BC treatment plans, and (4) coping strategies during ongoing care. Known facilitators for engagement in BC care included health education programming as well as emotional and financial support from loved ones and fellow survivors. However, participants described several barriers to clinical care such as the perception that BC is a death sentence, conflict between spiritual/traditional and clinical approaches to care, and fragmentation of care across multiple health facilities and providers. Based on some of the identified barriers to care, future efforts to enhance cancer care in Ethiopian settings should consider national awareness campaigns for BC to dispel local myths and misconception about BC, formal partnerships between faith-based community leaders and health care providers, and the use of family- and community-centered models of cancer care in biomedical settings. Recognition of psycho-oncological challenges to accessing clinical care for BC and providing opportunities for peer support and positive spirituality to navigate these challenges may improve patients' experiences in the Ethiopian biomedical system and reduce the potential negative experiences of future patients.

Research on the Impact of Trade Wars and Protectionism on the Global Economy and South East Asia’s Coping Strategy

This study looks at how the U.S.-China trade conflict is affecting Southeast Asia, a region that depends largely on international commerce. Since the start of the trade war in 2018, nations in Southeast Asia, such as Vietnam and Malaysia, have seen a change in foreign direct investment (FDI) and disruption of global supply networks. The region faced both possibilities and problems as a result of this transformation, with long-term worries about labour markets, environmental degradation, and sustainability offsetting short-term economic advantages. The study identifies three main problems: the FDI inflow, the deterioration of multilateral trade institutions, and the disruption of global supply networks. Various approaches are suggested in response, such as fortifying regional trade networks, encouraging sustainable foreign direct investment, and advocating for more robust international trade frameworks like the World Trade Organisation. The results highlight how important it is for Southeast Asia to create robust and sustainable economic policies in order to lessen the impact of future interruptions to global commerce. In order to further hone these techniques, future research should concentrate on gathering primary data through surveys and interviews.

Family Climate and Resilience: Coping and Growth When a Spouse and Co-Parent Faces Long-Term Severe Illness

This study examines how family climate supports one parent in coping with a spouse's long-term severe illness, focusing on the impact of family dynamics on coping strategies and personal growth. Such illnesses often disrupt family balance, creating stress for all members, with the healthy spouse relying on internal strengths and external resources. The research addresses three key questions: How can the coping process of the healthy parent be described when dealing with a partner’s long-term illness? What family climate factors either hinder or support the coping process? How do the meanings attributed to coping by the healthy parent relate to the family climate experienced during the illness? A qualitative study, based on in-depth interviews with 16 parents (April–May 2023), identified two coping patterns: personal regression and growth. Participants highlighted family traits that either facilitated or hindered coping, emphasizing the interplay between family dynamics and individual responses. Findings underscore the role of supportive family traits in fostering resilience and guiding individuals and families toward effective adaptation and growth during crises.

The Impact of Anchoring Effect on Financial Investment Decisions and Coping Strategies

The development of behavioral finance has resulted in a heightened emphasis on the impact of psychological elements on investment decision-making, which has emerged as a key domain of academic inquiry. In particular, the anchoring effect is widely used in consumer behavior as a common cognitive bias. However, its application and research in the financial market remain insufficient, especially in terms of the underlying mechanism of action and optimization strategies in different market environments. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the impact of the anchoring effect on investors decision-making processes with regard to stock valuation, portfolio selection, and trading strategies, and analyze the potential for adjusting this cognitive bias in order to improve decision-making quality and investment returns. Through a combination of literature review and case study, we explore the performance of the anchoring effect in different investment decisions and its mechanism of action, and propose strategies to deal with it. The results show that the anchoring effect significantly affects stock valuation, portfolio decisions and trading strategies. Investors often rely excessively on initial information, such as historical stock prices or market highs, leading to erroneous investment judgments. And this bias is particularly pronounced during times of high market volatility, and may lead to missed market opportunities or irrational decisions, which further affects investment returns.

Research on the Influencing Factors of Hotel Booking Cancellation and Coping Strategies

With the rapid advancement of the hotel industry, studies on boosting operational efficiency have largely focused on employee productivity and human-centric policies, yet there is a noticeable lack of strategies aimed at enhancing room occupancy rates. This paper address this gap by examining factors influencing hotel reservation cancellations and proposing effective mitigation strategies. Utilizing a decision tree methodology, the research identifies key elements that contribute to cancellations. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to optimizing room occupancy within hotel management. Practical strategies, such as lowering booking security deposits, are suggested to decrease cancellation rates. These insights enhance not only operational efficiency and resource utilization but also offer actionable advice for improving guest satisfaction. By embracing data-driven decision-making, the study promotes modernized management practices and supports sustainable growth in hospitality. Three aspects for improvement are highlighted: internal operations, customer-related factors, and external influences. Recommendations include reducing security deposits at booking to lower cancellations and optimize occupancy.

Glory or darkness? An empirical examination of understanding users’ adoption of ChatGPT via the coping theory: the moderating effect of mindfulness

ABSTRACT Based on the coping theory and coping model of user adaptation, this research explores the impact of users’ ChatGPT technostress on cognitive appraisal, coping process, and behaviour. A survey using Amazon’s Mechanical Turk was developed to collect data on 10 occupations that may be replaced by ChatGPT in the U.S., with a total of 277 actual ChatGPT users. This study employs the software SmartPLS4.2 to evaluate the measurement model and the structural model. The results show that concerns over coolness and posthuman capabilities significantly affect users’ challenge appraisal of ChatGPT, whereas privacy, ethics, and security concerns significantly impact users’ threat appraisal of ChatGPT. Challenge and threat appraisals have a significantly positive impact on users’ problem-focused coping and emotion-focused coping, which themselves significantly predict users’ continuous use of ChatGPT. Mindfulness negatively moderates the influence on emotion-focused coping and continued use intention after ChatGPT adoption. The main theoretical contributions of this research include investigating users’ ChatGPT technostress and coping process by professional workers who may be replaced by ChatGPT. The evidence regarding the moderating role of mindfulness presented herein is novel, because the relationship between coping strategies and continued behaviour intention has not been previously examined.

Research on the Impact of America’s Trade Wars and Protectionism on the Global Economy and China’s Coping Strategy

The objective of this paper is to examine the influence of the US trade war and protectionism on the global economy and on the Chinese economy and to put forward recommendations for addressing these issues. The rationale for selecting this topic is that shifts in the global trade landscape have posed significant challenges for the Chinese economy, necessitating a comprehensive examination of these issues for informed policymaking. The paper commences with an account of the US-China trade war that commenced in 2018. This conflict has had a detrimental effect on China’s exports in high-value-added sectors and has brought to light the Chinese economy’s excessive reliance on a single market. Subsequently, an analysis is presented of the gradual development of the domestic economy, the dearth of consumer spending power, and the obstacles faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in pursuing industrial modernisation. In the problem analysis, three principal issues were identified: overdependence on the US market, weak domestic consumption capacity, and the challenges faced by SMEs. Specific solution strategies are put forth to address these issues, including diversification of export markets, enhancement of residents’ income and promotion of consumption, and support for technological innovation and digital transformation of SMEs. The objective of this paper is to provide policymakers with effective recommendations for the stable and sustainable development of the Chinese economy. In addition to addressing current economic problems, these recommendations will contribute to the growth of related industries.

Research on the Disconnect Between Low Unemployment and Wage Growth in the U.S. and Coping Strategy

There has long been significant work available in the U.S. Indeed, unemployment rates have remained extremely low in recent years, but wages still have not. This has been a puzzle to most economists, who in the past have always expected that high employment should increase wages as organizations scramble for human resources. However, due to factors such as labor market density, inflation, technology, and the growth of gig economy jobs, the U.S. labor market has distorted this structure. This paper analyzes the trends in unemployment and wages, taking issues such as regional differences, low-skilled job polarization, and the effect of automation on the workforce into consideration. It also provides recommendations on how to deal with challenges, such as policies to support labor market flexibility, the creation of high-skill employment, and the ability to overcome inflation. The paper includes a synthesis of wage stagnation and realistic strategies to enhance wages in various sectors of the market economy.

The Association between Academic Stress and Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents: A Three-Level Meta-Analysis.

Despite previous studies examining the relationship between problematic Internet use and academic stress in adolescents, significant limitations remain, especially in terms of the nature of the stress and moderators. This study systematically examines the association between academic stress and problematic Internet use in adolescents, using a three-level meta-analysis. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, it conducted a comprehensive database search including 49 studies, with 166 effect sizes and 189,483 adolescents. The results indicate a positive correlation between academic stress and problematic Internet use in adolescents. Additionally, moderation analysis revealed that both sources of academic stress and academic stress measurement tools significantly moderated the association. The association between mixed academic stress (intrapsychic and external stressors) and problematic Internet use was significantly stronger than that between external academic stress and problematic Internet use. The association was weaker when using the Academic Expectations Stress Inventory than other scales. These findings highlight that problematic Internet use is often an maladaptive coping strategy for adolescents under academic stress, and this behavior does not vary with the specific use of the Internet. However, it also suggests that under certain cultural contexts, external academic stress can be transformed into motivation for learning. This study deepens our understanding of how academic stress influences adolescent Internet use and underscores the need for improved measurement tools to capture the complexity of academic stress.

Smallholder rice farmers' resilience to water insecurity in Ogun State Nigeria

Agriculture in Nigeria is essentially rainfed. This makes smallholder rice farming households vulnerable to water insecurity caused by weather-related shocks. This research assesses the resilience of smallholder rice farmers to water insecurity in Ogun State, Nigeria using cross-sectional data collected through an open data kit-powered questionnaire. The aim of the research is to examine the connection between specific resilience capacities of smallholder rice farming households and water insecurity caused by weather-related shocks. To this end, a measure of resilience to water insecurity is developed that incorporates household investments in water management techniques using a categorical principal component analysis. The potential correlation between the dimensions of resilience capacities and different types of weather-related shocks is tested. The research shows that smallholder rice farming households in the study area have a low overall level of resilience. Moreover, farmers are able to absorb shocks but their ability to adapt to shocks is low. It is therefore important to improve the capacities of farming households to become more structurally resilient to water insecurity in the long run by enhancing their ability to adapt, mitigate the impact of shocks, and implement coping strategies.

An Analysis of the Inequality and Countermeasures of Health care and Education Under the Development of Science and Technology

Significant advances have been made in healthcare and education due to rapid advances in technology, but these advances have not been equally accessible to everyone and have exacerbated social inequalities. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the inequalities caused by the development of technology in the fields of health care and education and to discuss the corresponding countermeasures. Through literature review, data analysis, and case studies, this paper proposes a series of policy recommendations and technical improvements aimed at closing the inequality gap. The inequality in the field of health care and education, the development of science and technology has promoted the progress of health care and education but also brought about the problem of inequality. It is necessary to work together through the government, society, technology, and other aspects to effectively address these challenges, achieve equitable development of health care and education, and propose corresponding response strategies. Highlights include an analysis of inequalities in health and education, such as significant barriers to access to advanced medical technologies and services for vulnerable groups such as the poor and older people. In terms of coping strategies, government should increase government investment in medical resources, improve the medical security system, promote the balanced distribution of medical resources, and improve the quality of medical services. At the same time, government should narrow the digital divide and build online teaching so that people in areas with underdeveloped science and technology can receive better education and improve the quality of teaching.

The Rise of Digital Currencies: Challenges for Commercial Banks and New Opportunities for Financial Stability

In the context of the digital transformation of the global economy, digital currency, as a product of financial technology innovation, is gradually changing the traditional financial ecology, especially posing new challenges and opportunities to the operation mode and financial stability of commercial banks. This study systematically comprehends the current status of domestic and international research on the impact of digital currencies on commercial banks by means of a literature review and adopts the case study method and the case analysis method, and clarifies the specific points of influence of the development of digital currencies on the business structure of commercial banks. It reveals the dual influence of digital currency on the business structure and financial stability of commercial banks, and moreover puts forward targeted coping strategies, which are of great theoretical and practical significance for commercial banks to grasp the opportunities and cope with the challenges of digital currency development.

Psycho-spiritual wellbeing and coping strategies of women with breast cancer post-radiation therapy in Kumasi, Ghana.

Breast cancer (BCa) is one of the leading causes of mortality among women in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Female survivors of BCa have been the primary subjects of most studies with a focus on therapies like chemotherapy and mastectomy but less on radiation therapy especially experiences post-radiation therapy. We explored the psycho-spiritual well-being and coping strategies of women with BCa post-radiation therapy in Kumasi, Ghana.In this qualitative enquiry, we purposively recruited seventeen (17) women with BCa post-radiation therapy. The participants were interviewed, and the interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted with the aid of NVivo 10.0.The main themes that emerged from the data indicated psychological characteristics of relief, emotional changes related to anxiety, agitation and distress due to frequent hospital visits as well as improved prayer life or religiosity and faith for healing. Also, four sub-themes of coping were identified: Religious coping strategy, diversionary therapy, breast pad utilization and social engagement.Radiation therapy in women with BCa is highly stressful particularly the requirement of frequent hospital visits. We recommend the inclusion of psychological management for women with BCa during and post-radiation therapy to improve their overall psycho-spiritual well-being.

Understanding the Facets of Work-Related Fatigue Moderated by Cognitive, Behavioural and Contemplative Coping Strategies: A Conceptual Analysis

Background: New-day technology evolutions and modern pedagogical approaches have significantly benefitted teaching environments and teachers. While digital tools have helped ease a lot of work, the challenges of proficiency, better performances, long workable hours and overload of duties have created a cognitive burden on teachers, making them feel mentally, emotionally and physically tired. Objective: The objective of this study is to find and fill research gaps in understanding the facets of work-related fatigue in teachers in Indian scenarios. Furthermore, a framework is proposed that investigates the dimensions and facets of fatigue associated with common work stressors, moderated by various categories of coping strategies. Key Arguments: The study highlights the prevalence of work-related fatigue in teachers, the impact of stressors, the effectiveness of coping strategies and the need for targeted interventions to enhance teacher well-being and educational outcomes. Theoretical Framework: The research is grounded in the job demands-resources theory and conservation of resources theory, which explain the relationship between work demands, available resources and resultant fatigue. Main Conclusions: The findings underscore the necessity for educational institutions and policymakers to implement targeted interventions that support teachers in managing fatigue, thereby improving educational quality and fostering a healthier work environment.

Uncorking organizational identity: exploring identity and identity threat responses among sommeliers

ABSTRACT This study explores the identities of Court of Master Sommeliers members in light of recent incidents, using qualitative research and Petriglieri’s (2011) identity threat theoretical framework. Qualitative research methods via semi-structured interviews were employed to investigate how threats to organizational and individual identities within the Court of Master Sommeliers influence members’ perceptions and behaviors. The findings indicate that the strength of an identity and experience play a large role in how members respond to identity threats within the organization. Additionally, insights into identity formation, identity dissonance, and coping strategies are provided. The study offers theoretical contributions by elaborating on Petriglieri’s (2011) model and provides managerial implications for the food and beverage industry.

Navigating the medical journey: Insights into medical students' psychological wellbeing, coping, and personality.

In recent years, increased awareness of the psychological wellbeing of healthcare professionals and students has become a pressing public health issue affecting care delivery. Medical students undergo rigorous training programs that can affect their psychological wellbeing. Despite increased awareness of mental health issues among medical students, research often focuses on negative aspects, overlooking potential positive contributors to wellbeing. This study aims to explore both negative and positive factors influencing medical students' psychological wellbeing, considering coping strategies and personality traits to inform targeted support measures for diverse student needs. A mixed-methods approach was employed to investigate medical students' psychological wellbeing, coping strategies, and personality traits. Quantitative data was gathered via self-report questionnaires and analysed using regression models. Additionally, qualitative insights were obtained from semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically to capture students' perceptions and experiences. The analysis revealed moderate to high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among medical students, along with decreased life satisfaction. Regression analysis showed that problem-focused coping positively impacted medical students' psychological wellbeing, whereas emotion-focused and avoidance coping showed less favourable effects. Notably, problem-focused coping partially mediated the relationship between stress and depression. Furthermore, personality traits, particularly agreeableness and conscientiousness, played a pivotal role in shaping medical students' coping strategies and mental health outcomes. Based on thematic analysis, codes gave rise to three overarching themes and corresponding subthemes. The study underscores the significance of addressing both positive and negative factors impacting medical students' wellbeing and highlights the need for tailored support considering individual personality traits that influence coping strategies and mental health. It also identifies challenges within medical education, emphasising the necessity for stress management programs, mental health support, and curricula promoting problem-solving skills. Prioritising medical students' wellbeing may not only foster good mental health among future professionals but may also enhance future healthcare quality.

Coping and Positive Body Image in Young Women with Breast Cancer: The Buffering Role of Social Support

Background/Objectives: Considering the unique body image challenges faced by young women with breast cancer, this study aims to deepen our understanding of how coping strategies and perceived social support contribute to fostering positive body image in this population. This is an important issue as body image is capable of influencing women’s self-esteem and psychological adaptation to breast cancer. Methods: A sample of 157 young women with breast cancer (M age = 41.43; SD = 6.05; Min 26 years, Max 50 years), 43% of whom had undergone breast reconstruction, completed an online survey. The survey included measures of coping strategies, positive body image, and perceived social support. Results: No significant differences in coping strategies, perceived social support, or positive body image were observed based on reconstruction status. Moderation analyses revealed that both avoidant and problem-focused coping were significantly associated with positive body image at moderate and high levels of perceived social support, but not at low levels of perceived social support. Perceived social support moderated the relationship between coping strategies and positive body image in women with breast cancer. Conclusions: These findings highlight the importance of social support in enhancing the effectiveness of both avoidant and problem-focused coping strategies in promoting positive body image. Future interventions should prioritize strengthening social support networks to optimize psychological outcomes in this population.

Understanding Coping Strategies and Sociocultural Context in Black Americans' Mental Health.

Using a sociocultural coping framework, we examined stressors and coping strategies among N = 65 Black adults with varying levels of cultural mistrust, which is defined as an attitudinal response to racism. We conducted an abductive structural tabular thematic analysis on short-form qualitative responses to a Black mental health survey. Participants reported several stressors (e.g., family, finances, occupation) and primarily active coping strategies including institutional mechanisms, such as religion. Findings suggest that Black adults, regardless of cultural mistrust levels, actively cope despite stressors informed by their sociocultural context (e.g., race, gender, socioeconomic status) and barriers to treatment. Considering these factors, providers can work to enhance the established coping mechanisms, while integrating them into culturally responsive care, rather than remove them.