The Role of Education in Shaping Coping Mechanisms of Stress: A Comparative Study of Single and Intact Mothers

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Page: 349-355

Binny Khati¹, Pradyumna Kumar Panda², C. Lalfamkima Varte³, and Ankita Nath⁴ (Department of Psychology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram^1,2,3 and Department of Psychology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha⁴)

Motherhood, especially in single women, is associated with higher vulnerability to a variety of risks, ranging from economic problems to poor mental functioning. Many studies have been conducted in India but only a few have studied in Sikkim. The study aims to determine the role of education in shaping coping mechanisms of stress, a comparative study of single and intact mothers. Two -hundred ten participants were taken for the study, out of which one hundred -five were single mothers and hundred and five were intact mothers (single mothers=105; intact mothers=105) who responded to the Coping Inventory for stressful situations using three sub-scales, namely task, emotion and avoidance. The results showed no correlation between task and education. But it found a positive correlation between education and emotion and a negative correlation between education and avoidance. The broader implications of these findings are tied to structural inequalities. Education, while crucial for enhancing coping mechanisms, does not fully mitigate challenges arising from gender-based discrimination in the labour market. This research underscores the significant impact of education in developing coping mechanisms among mothers. Educational institutions are urged to address the specific challenges encountered by mothers, particularly single mothers. Interventions should include accessible educational opportunities, flexible learning environments, and targeted support to reduce stress and promote resilience.