Strength in scarcity: a diary-interview study on the lived experiences of Malay urban low-income working mothers in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Baharuddin, Noor Najwa and Burhan, Nik Ahmad Sufian and Hussin, Ruhaya and Tajuddin, Nor Azlin and Mokhtar, Farha Alia and Misrah, Mohamed and Wan, Naszeerah (2026) Strength in scarcity: a diary-interview study on the lived experiences of Malay urban low-income working mothers in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Pertanika Journal of Social Science and Humanities, 34 (S1). pp. 1-20. ISSN 0128-7702 E-ISSN 2231-8534

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Abstract

This study explores how low-income working mothers in urban Malaysia nurture personal and spiritual growth amid economic and caregiving challenges. Using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research draws on diary narratives and in-depth interviews with eight participants to uncover their lived experiences. Findings showed that the mothers actively fostered personal development through spiritual and/or religious engagement, knowledge acquisition, and gratitude practices. They displayed great character traits like perseverance, optimism, and self-efficacy in the face of ongoing hardships. However, because not all participants found relief from practising gratitude, the study also emphasises the emotional complexity of this practice. These insights offer a more nuanced understanding of coping strategies among low-income working mothers and emphasise the importance of psychological and spiritual resources. The study calls for strength-based and culturally sensitive interventions to enhance the well-being of these women. Supporting their well-being is crucial not only for improving their quality of life but also for enabling their sustained participation in the workforce, ultimately contributing to an increase in the female labour force participation rate.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Coping strategies, female labour force participation, interpretative phenomenological analysis, low-income working mothers, urban population
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 > HQ2035 Life skills. Coping skills. Everyday living skills H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of Psychology
Depositing User:	Dr. Ruhaya Hussin
Date Deposited:	20 Apr 2026 12:22
Last Modified:	20 Apr 2026 12:22
Queue Number:	2026-04-Q2851
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/128360

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