Resilience in Crisis: Mental Health and Psycho-Social Well-Being of Working Women During COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown in Kota City, Rajasthan

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns significantly impacted mental health, particularly among working women in India, who faced unique challenges while balancing professional and domestic responsibilities. This study aimed to explore how the mental health of working women in Kota evolved during and after the COVID-19 lockdown compared to pre-pandemic levels through the lens of Stress Theory. A non-experimental cross-sectional correlational design was used, surveying 240 women (both working and non-working) chosen using a purposive sampling technique. The data was collected using the Ryff and Keyes Well-being Scale (1995) across three periods: pre-pandemic, during lockdown, and post-lockdown. Findings revealed that the lockdown significantly heightened stressors, with non-working experiencing a greater negative impact on mental health compared to working women. However, working women demonstrated resilience in areas like life purpose and personal relations, despite facing significant strains during the pandemic. The study highlights the differential impacts of cumulative stress on mental health. The analysis shows that working women exhibit both vulnerabilities and strengths compared to non-working women. These findings suggest the need for targeted mental health interventions for working and non-working women during crises. This highlights the importance of strengthening psychosocial resources and coping mechanisms through supportive workplace policies and community programs.