Stress experiences and coping strategies among parents living in poverty with young children: a qualitative interview study

Introduction This study explored the perceived stress of low-income primary caregivers with young children, compared coping strategies between those experiencing high versus low stress, and examined how they perceived the impact of stress on their health.Method Data was collected using an online survey, followed by semi-structured interviews through telephone.Results Seventeen individuals were divided into “high” and “low” stress groups and interviewed. Both groups conceptualized stress as a mental strain but experienced it differently. High-stress individuals reported experiencing brain fog and anxiety, while low-stress individuals described overthinking and anger. Low-stress individuals used more emotion- and problem-focused coping strategies than those in the high-stress group. Only the high-stress group described perceived changes in physical health attributed to stress, though participants in both groups reported substantial psychological distress, including hopelessness and, for some, thoughts of self-harm.Discussion This study demonstrated the differences in conceptualizations of stress, experiences of coping with stress, and perceived impact of stress on health between low versus high-stress individuals. The results suggest that future stress management efforts should be tailored to participants’ unique perceptions to enhance effectiveness.