Coping Mechanism for Fathers’ Well-being

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic affecting Malaysia and the world presents various challenges, pressures and negative impacts on various groups, including among fathers. Some fathers have lost their source of income, face pressures of working from home, managing their children and losing loved ones. This has affected their mental health and led to the erosion of the family institution in Malaysia. In addition, issues such as divorce, domestic violence and child abuse are at worrying levels. Therefore, this study sought to identify the level of stress among fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic, their main coping strategies, and the relationship between stress and coping strategies. This quantitative study employs a survey design involving 120 fathers in a district in Negeri Sembilan. Descriptive and inferential data analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26. This study found that the stress level among the participant was at a moderate level. Meanwhile, the emotional coping strategy (mean 29.3) represents an option used by them in adapting to problems faced during the pandemic. A significant negative relationship was found between stress coping strategies in the father group [(p=0.001 <0.05).]. It is hoped that this study will aid fathers in choosing a coping strategy to face the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as provide guidance for relevant authorities in formulating plans aimed at promoting the wellbeing of families in Malaysia.