Coping Behaviors and Family Well-Being of Urban Thai Families

This study investigates the relationships between coping behaviors and family well-being of urban Thai families. A descriptive correlational study was guided by the theory of Lazarus' stress and coping. Samples of 100 families residing in an urban area of one district in Bangkok were recruited by purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out by using interview forms consisting of items on sociodemographics, Coping Behavior Scales, and Family Well-being Assessment (FWA). The findings reveal that the husbands and wives reported similar coping behaviors and family well-being. There were significant correlations between coping behavior and family well-being for both husbands and wives (r = 0.35 and r = 0.30 at p<.01, respectively). When sociodemographics factors were adjusted, both problem-focused coping and emotional-focused coping could account for the family well-being of the husbands (R-2 = 0.270, F = 17.792, p <.001). Similarly, problem-focused coping, emotional-focused coping, and sufficient family income could account for the family well- being of the wives (R-2 = 0.182, F = 7.142, p<.001). The study suggests that family should be counseled and educated to use appropriate coping behaviors when faced with stressful life events for enhancing their family well-being.