Perceived stressors and coping mechanisms of female migrant domestic workers in Singapore

Article


Olino, Thomas M., Van Bortell, T., Martin, Steven, Anjara, Sabrina and Nellums, Laura B. 2019. Perceived stressors and coping mechanisms of female migrant domestic workers in Singapore. PLoS ONE. 14 (3), p. e0210717. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210717
AuthorsOlino, Thomas M., Van Bortell, T., Martin, Steven, Anjara, Sabrina and Nellums, Laura B.
Abstract

Introduction

Worldwide, there are between 50–67 million migrant domestic workers, the majority of whom are women. In many countries, provisions are not in place to protect female migrant domestic workers. These women may be at risk of occupational and social stressors, including exploitation and abuse, which may negatively impact on their quality of life, including psychological health. Research examining the occupational, social, and psychological needs of FMDWs from a public health perspective is critical to guide the development of policies which ensure wellbeing, prevent abuse, and align with international priorities to improve population health. Though there have been a number of high-profile incidents of exploitation and abuse, there has been limited research on the stressors experienced by these communities, their perceived impact, or coping mechanisms.
Materials and methods

Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative free-text written responses collected as part of a cross-sectional survey on the relationship between social and occupational stressors and the health and quality of life of FMDWs in Singapore. Responses correspond to open-ended questions in the qualitative component of the survey examining three domains: causes of stress, coping strategies, and what people can do to help with stress.
Results

Responses from 182 FMDWs were analysed. Key themes were identified around causes of stress (including ‘work and agency’, ‘the pervasiveness of financial need’, and ‘family and obligation’), coping strategies, and social support. Each theme describes key factors which contribute to the occupational and social stressors experienced and reported by FMDWs.
Discussion

This research highlights the stressors FMDWs in Singapore experience, as well as key coping mechanisms. There is a clear need for policies which facilitate FMDWs’ ability to utilise these coping resources, and which protect against coercive or exploitative employment conditions. Strategies are also needed to monitor and evaluate policies intended to protect FMDWs, and to strengthen the implementation of global frameworks targeted at improving workplace conditions and workers’ rights.

JournalPLoS ONE
Journal citation14 (3), p. e0210717
ISSN1932-6203
Year2019
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS)
Publisher's version
License
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210717
Web address (URL)https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210717
Publication dates
Print20 Mar 2019
Publication process dates
Deposited28 Mar 2019
Accepted01 Jan 2019
Accepted01 Jan 2019
FunderWellcome Trust
European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Wellcome Trust
European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
External resourcepone.0210717.s002.pdf
pone.0210717.s001.xlsx
Copyright information© 2019 The authors
LicenseCC BY 4.0
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