title: An alternative framework for understanding women's caregiving stress: a qualitative application of the ways of coping model.
abstract: In this article we present an alternative to inventory checklist approaches to measuring coping. We utilized a qualitative approach to explore themes of problem-focused, emotion-focused and meaning-focused coping in a sample of 98 women from diverse backgrounds and caregiving situations. Their narratives reflected the ;goodness of fit' coping framework; that different strategies are more effective for stress reduction in relation to the amount of perceived control. Using a narrative approach allowed us to situate coping within the context of the caregiving experiences that the women discussed. This permits a broader understanding of how coping strategies can help women to navigate caregiving and reduce stress.
authors.affiliation: IWK Health Centre, Canada. cyndi.brannen@dal.ca
authors.forename: Cyndi
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Brannen
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Petite
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009674:Nova Scotia; D013315:Stress, Psychological