“I'm Not Coping, I'm Surviving”: Understanding Coping in a Marginalised Population

Abstract

This discussion article explores theoretical, conceptual, and methodological issues regarding assessment of coping in vulnerable populations, in particular, marginalised women. Standardised measures of coping are critiqued and their limitations are discussed and issues impacting on coping in vulnerable and marginalised individuals are presented. Findings from a study involving homeless mothers illustrate the utility of qualitative methodologies in the measurement of coping. The use of qualitative methods in studies with vulnerable individuals is recommended as the data can reveal information about the context, meaning, and process of coping.

Keywords:

• coping
• homelessness
• marginalised
• measurement
• mothers
• qualitative
• women

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank all the women who shared their experiences with me. Thanks to Dr. Stuart Cumella for assistance with coding data and to Professor David D. Clarke for his comments on an earlier draft of this paper.

Notes

¹U.S. terminology for domestic violence.

²Also referred to as homeless centres or shelters.