Coping with financial anxiety : the experiences of unemployed single mothers in Malta

Abstract

This study investigates the experience of financial anxiety in unemployed single mothers in Malta. Five participants, aged 18-50 and identifying as unemployed single mothers were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) was subsequently applied to the participants' narratives. The analysis revealed five major themes arising: ‘Financial anxiety changes everything’, ‘Effects on the psyche’, ‘A miscarriage of justice’, ‘There is no shame in asking for help’, and ‘When the going gets tough the tough get going’. This study reveals that financial anxiety poses a significant stressor for unemployed single mothers, leading to adverse effects on their mental health and overall well-being. Additionally, it sheds light on participants’ feelings of isolation and pressure to manage their limited resources. However, findings also underscore that participants demonstrated resilience in overcoming this adversity and were able to employ a number of healthy coping strategies. Results shed light on barriers to help seeking and emphasise that lack of support, in the form of an inadequate government benefits system, is a source of added stress. The findings also have implications for mental health professionals, employers, and policy-makers and could inform the development of more effective interventions and policies to support this population.