PSYCHOSOCIAL EXPERIENCES AND COPING MECHANISMS OF DOMESTIC WORKERS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The study was done to explore psychosocial experience and coping mechanisms in resident domestic workers in Pakistan. Domestic workers faced numerous challenges in workplace and they had fear of different social stigmas and faced discrimination almost every day. The study was used to explore that the workers used different coping mechanisms to cope with these challenges. The aim of the study was to identify physical issues, psychological issues, coping mechanisms and what were the expectations and perceptions of the workers regarding the domestic work. The study was conducted on both male and female workers aged approximately 26 years and above and with at least 2 months of experience, we used purposive and snowball sampling conducting five in depth interviews. Phenomenological research design was employed. Thematic analysis approach revealed 5 main themes, including; physical, psychological, social issues, coping mechanisms and expectations and perceptions. The domestic workers reported they faced several psychological and social issues that damaged their overall wellbeing, this study highlights the need for government support, where the workers can register their complaints and government can provide them with financial support and free education for their children. And give awareness to people about domestic workers right.