An alternative framework for understanding women's caregiving stress: a qualitative application of the ways of coping model

In this article we present an alternative to inventory checklist approaches to measuring coping. We utilized a qualitative approach to explore themes of problem-focused, emotion-focused and meaning-focused coping in a sample of 98 women from diverse backgrounds and caregiving situations. Their narratives reflected the ;goodness of fit' coping framework; that different strategies are more effective for stress reduction in relation to the amount of perceived control. Using a narrative approach allowed us to situate coping within the context of the caregiving experiences that the women discussed. This permits a broader understanding of how coping strategies can help women to navigate caregiving and reduce stress.