Counsellors’ perceptions of coping strategies for emotional wellbeing of middle-aged Maltese women

Abstract

The aim of this study was to try to gain an understanding of counsellors' perceptions of the coping strategies utilised by middle-aged Maltese women for their emotional wellbeing. The study is an exploratory phenomenological study conducted using a qualitative approach and adopting the Theory of Personality of Carl Rogers as the theoretical framework. The data were gathered through in-depth semi-sturctured interviews with six counsellors and the method used for analysis of the interview transcripts is Thematic analysis. The data illustrated the evolution in Maltese culture over the years and the corresponding change in the cultural narrative of middle-aged Maltese woman arriving at a description of contemporary woman. The most salient coping strategy for emotional wellbeing was perceived to be connectedness in various forms. Wellbeing, stigma towards seeking professional help, resistance to counselling and the importance of self-awareness and reflection were all explored. Coping strategies of older and younger age groups were referred to as were the perceptions of the various coping strategies utilised by non-Maltese people and by men.