Gender differences in coping with stressful life events among Syrian refugee parents in Jordan and Lebanon.

Abstract

This study examined the gender-specific challenges Syrian refugee parents face in coping with stressful life events associated with postdisplacement, an area that has been insufficiently explored. Interviews with 1,000 parents, evenly split between Lebanon and Jordan, were conducted by psychologists in participants' homes to assess the impact of these stressors and coping mechanisms on psychological distress. Statistical analyses, including multivariate analysis of variance and t tests, were used to explore gender differences in psychological distress, stressful life events, and coping strategies. Hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to examine the influence of gender, stressful life events and coping strategies on psychological distress. Results showed that mothers reported significantly higher psychological distress than fathers. Mothers experienced greater intrafamily strains and marital discord, while fathers reported more work-related, illness, and legal stressors. Regarding coping strategies, mothers were more likely to employ distancing and self-controlling approaches. Stressful life events and coping strategies explained a substantial portion of the variance in psychological distress. Gender moderated several effects: Intrafamily tensions were more distressing for mothers, while transitional stressors were more distressing for fathers. Distancing and escape-avoidance coping strategies were more strongly linked to distress in mothers than in fathers. These findings highlight the importance of gender-sensitive support programs tailored to the unique stressors and coping strategies of refugee mothers and fathers. Recommendations include cultural sensitivity training for professionals, policy advocacy to address structural stressors, and longitudinal research on the long-term impact of coping strategies for more effective interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).