Distress, wellbeing and coping amongst migrant domestic workers in Singapore: A thematic analysis  — ASN Events
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Distress, wellbeing and coping amongst migrant domestic workers in Singapore: A thematic analysis  (#611)

Joanna Barlas 1 , Kelly Ann Zainal 1
  1. James Cook University, Singapore, SINGAPORE

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 (Huang & Yeoh, 2003). Previous research has focused on the challenges and stressors MDWs face (Malhotra et al., 2013) 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 in order 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 MDWs themselves. It also illustrates the value of qualitative research in giving voice to marginalized groups.

  1. Huang, S., & Yeoh, B. S. (2003). The difference gender makes: State policy and contract migrant workers in Singapore. Asian and Pacific Migration Journal, 12(1/2), 75–98.
  2. Malhotra, R., Arambepola, C., Tarun, S., Silva, V., Kishore, J., & Østbye, T. (2013). Health issues of female foreign domestic workers: A systematic review of the scientific and gray literature. International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health, 19(4), 261–277.
  3. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
  4. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Conceptual and design thinking for thematic analysis. Qualitative Psychology, 9(1), 3.
  • Please select up to 3 keywords from the following list to best describe your submission content: Coping and Emotion Regulation, Meaning and Purpose, Strengths
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