THE IMPACT OF COPING STRATEGIES ON WORK-LIFE BALANCE AMONG WORKING PARENTS: NAVIGATING DEMANDS AND ENHANCING WELL-BEING


This study aims to investigate the impact of demographic variables—specifically gender, age, number of children, and household income—on work-life demands (WLD) among working parents. Additionally, it examines how different coping strategies, including problem-focused coping (PFC), emotion-focused coping (EFC), and avoidant coping (AC), influence these demands. Utilizing SPSS version 29, data were analyzed from a sample of 150 working parents at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), comprising 66 males (44%) and 84 females (56%). The analysis employed independent sample t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression techniques. Key findings reveal significant gender differences in WLD, with females reporting higher levels compared to their male counterparts. However, other demographic factors did not significantly predict WLD. Furthermore, the study found that the coping strategies examined—PFC, EFC, and AC—did not emerge as significant predictors of WLD. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions that address the unique challenges faced by working parents, particularly women, in managing work-life demands effectively. Future research should explore additional variables and coping mechanisms that may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of work-life dynamics in this demographic.