Relationship between ways of coping and quality of life in married women: toward mental health promotion

Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2013 Aug;15(8):743-8. doi: 10.5812/ircmj.12728. Epub 2013 Aug 5.

Abstract

Background: Adaptive ways of coping with stress are as a major component of mental health and also this is considered as a key element in quality of life.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between quality of life and coping mechanisms in married women ages between 18-65 years in order to develop appropriate intervention programs to promote mental health.

Patients and methods: THIS STUDY WAS A PART OF INTERVENTIONAL PROJECT TO MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION IN MARRIED WOMEN THAT COMPLETED THROUGH A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDIES USING TWO STANDARD QUESTIONNAIRES: Ways of Coping (WOC) and Quality of Life questionnaire (WHO, QOL-BREF).

Results: The most and the least used ways in coping with stress were Planful Problem Solving and Confronting Coping. Considering the quality of life, the most and the least scores were related to social dimension and mental health. Also women who have higher quality of life used more Positive Reappraisal way and less Escape-Avoidance way to deal with stress (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: It seems that implementation of an appropriate interventional program related to adaptive ways of coping in order to deal with stress is effective in mental health and quality of life promotion.

Keywords: Mental Health; Quality of Life, Women.