Distress, wellbeing and coping amongst migrant domestic workers in Singapore: A thematic analysis
Conference Contribution ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Background: Migrant domestic workers (MDWs) leave their home countries to work in other countries, often leaving behind families and children. The work they do is typically undervalued and they are often not protected by employment laws in their host countries. Previous research has focused on the challenges and stressors MDWs face with less attention paid to coping and wellbeing. Aims: The aim of this research was to explore in-depth the experiences of MDWs working in Singapore to understand how they coped with the challenges they faced in order to manage their mental health. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 MDWs (from Philippines and Indonesia) and the results were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006; 2021). Participants were recruited from the community through MDW support agencies. Results: Analysis generated three broad themes of challenges (migration-, work- and human rights-related), two themes for mental health (distress and well-being) and four themes for coping strategies (engaging with problems, managing emotions, avoiding problems and emotions and future-focused). Themes elucidate how MDWs learnt to cope and improve their wellbeing in challenging circumstances with often limited resources. Conclusion: By taking a dual approach to mental health and focusing on both distress and wellbeing, this research offers a broad perspective on how MDWs’ mental health can be supported by employers, policy makers, and other service providers, as well as the MDW themselves. It also illustrates the value of qualitative research in giving voice to marginalized groups.
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8th IPPA World Congress on Positive Psychology
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1
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Vancouver, Canada
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International Positive Psychology Association
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Vancouver, Canada
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