A phenomenological study on the lives of low-income working mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Baharuddin, Noor Najwa and Hussin, Ruhaya and Tajuddin, Nor Azlin (2023) A phenomenological study on the lives of low-income working mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. IIUM Journal of Human Sciences, 5 (2). pp. 1-15. E-ISSN 2682-8731

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Abstract

This study explores the lived experience of low-income (B40) working mothers in Klang Valley during the COVID-19 pandemic. It sheds light on their mental health struggles and unexpected silver linings. Eight participants were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. A seven-day diary-writing exercise followed by individual interviews was conducted. Data analysis is based on descriptive phenomenology, allowing in-depth exploration of participants' experiences. Three main themes emerged from the analysis: (1) Multitasking is too taxing, highlighting the intensified role conflict faced by some mothers; (2) Struggling to regulate emotions, revealing the guilt and emotional challenges these mothers experienced as they juggled multiple roles; and (3) The upside of COVID-19, demonstrating how some participants found unexpected benefits in increased family bonding during lockdowns. In sum, low-income working mothers faced significant mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbated by their unique circumstances. The findings underscore the importance of recognising their struggles and the need for interventions that promote their mental well-being. Additionally, providing training in emotional resilience and self-regulation could prove beneficial. This study contributes to the understanding of the nuanced experiences of low-income working mothers and calls for continued attention to their mental health needs, particularly in times of crisis.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Low-income working mothers, psychological health, descriptive phenomenology, work-family conflict, coping
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology > BF636 Applied psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > HQ 1075 Sex role H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > HQ1101 Women. Feminism H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > HQ2035 Life skills. Coping skills. Everyday living skills H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > HQ503 The family. Marriage. Home
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Psychology Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences
Depositing User:	Dr. Ruhaya Hussin
Date Deposited:	17 Jan 2024 08:47
Last Modified:	17 Jan 2024 08:47
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/110182

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