Relationship between coping styles and psychological distress among Malaysian’s single mothers: a cross-sectional study

Mat Daud, Nurul Izzni and Mohamed, Nurmahsita and Isa, Siti Nor Ismalina and Wan Mamat, Wan Hasliza and Machouche, Salah and Fauzi, Rosuzeita (2025) Relationship between coping styles and psychological distress among Malaysian’s single mothers: a cross-sectional study. Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 21 (Supp 5). pp. 181-190. ISSN 1675-8544 E-ISSN 2636-9346

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Abstract

Introduction: Single parenting can give stressful psychological and physical burdens for single mothers as they bear more responsibilities compared to mothers in partnered relationships. Consequently, mental health problems are in- creasing among single mothers. However, limited research has been conducted on this issue among Malaysian single parents. This study aims to determine the level of psychological distress and its correlation with coping styles, as well as to identify the predictors of psychological distress among single mothers. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 single mothers in Malaysia through an online survey from December 2021 to February 2022. Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Coping Orientation to Problem Experience - Short version (Brief-COPE) were used as research instruments to measure psychological distress and coping styles respectively. Results: Out of 116 single mothers, 18.1% of them reported stress, 32.8% of them reported anxiety, and 10.4% sin- gle mothers reported depression. There were significantly positive and moderate correlations between maladaptive coping with stress (r = 0.577, p<0.001), anxiety (r = 0.525, p<0.001), and depression (r = 0.518, p<0.001). Level of education and house status, as well as self-blame, denial, and substance use coping were significant predicting factors of psychological distress among single mothers. Conclusion: This study showed that some single mothers suffered from psychological distress and the most common symptom was anxiety. As they faced many challenges especially when facing unexpected crises, effective initiatives should be implemented by relevant authorities to help them improving their psychological well-being.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Coping, Anxiety, Stress, Single mother, Depression
Subjects:	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 Nursing > Department of Professional Nursing Studies Kulliyyah of Nursing
Depositing User:	Dr Wan Hasliza Wan Mamat
Date Deposited:	12 Aug 2025 14:32
Last Modified:	12 Aug 2025 14:32
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/122596

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