Abstract:
This study investigated perceived psychosocial problems, social support and coping in the
wives of emigrants. The mediating role of perceived social support is also investigated in
relationship between perceived psychosocial problems as independent variable and
coping as dependent variable. Mixed methods research design was used. This study was
conducted in two phases. In Phase I, 25 wives were approached through snow ball
sampling technique. In- depth interviews were taken, audiotaped and transcribed. Items
were collated and validated by experts. Perceived Psychosocial problems in the Wives of
Emigrants (PPWE) and Religious, Active and Social-support Coping (RASC) scales were
developed and psychometric properties were established. Factor analyses revealed three
factors named low- mood, psychosomatic and social insecurity for PPWE scale and three
factors named religious, active and social –support coping for RASC scale. In Phase II,
snow ball sampling technique was used to investigate the relationship between perceived
psychosocial problems, perceived social-support and coping from 377 wives of
emigrants. A matched control group of 50 wives living with husbands was also compared
with a group of 50 wives of emigrants. Results suggested that there was a significant
difference in perceived psychosocial problems in the wives of emigrants than wives living
with husband. Findings suggested that there was a significant relationship between
perceived psychosocial problems, perceived social support and coping (religious, active
and social-support). Multiple hierarchical regression analyses indicated that perceived
psychosocial problems and social support were significant predictors of religious and
social-support coping. Furthermore, mediation analyses found that perceived social
support partially mediated the relationship between perceived psychosocial problems and
religious and social-support coping. The two culturally sensitive measures PPWE and
RASC provided early and timely identification will help in estimating the need for
intervention and establishing the mental health services in community
