Emotion-Focused Coping with the Increasing Cost of Living: Insights from Middle-Income Households in Klang Valley

Authors

  • Nor Hasniah Universiti Malaya
  • Professor Dr. Siti Hajar Universiti Malaya
  • Dr. Roza Hazli Universiti Malaya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22452/20/74.89

Keywords:

Emotion-focused coping strategies, Transactional Model of Stress, cost of living, middle-income households, stress management

Abstract

The increasing cost of living significantly affects urban middle-income households in Klang Valley, Malaysia, prompting various coping strategies to manage associated stress. This qualitative study examines emotion-focused coping strategies through in-depth interviews with eight middle-income participants. Thematic analysis identified four primary strategies: seeking social support, mental disengagement, acceptance, and religious coping. Participants sought emotional support from close relationships, found temporary relief through activities like hiking or cooking, and embraced acceptance to confront challenges and foster resilience. Religious coping, including prayer and acts of charity, provided solace and emotional strength. While these strategies alleviate emotional distress and promote resilience, they do not address the root economic challenges. The findings emphasise the importance of integrating emotion-focused and problem-focused approaches to support households facing financial stress.

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Author Biographies

Nor Hasniah , Universiti Malaya

Madam Nor Hasniah is a lecturer in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Business and Economics at Universiti Malaya. Her teaching focuses on foundational and applied aspects of economics, including Macroeconomics, the Malaysian Economy and Urban Economics. With a deep interest in the dynamics of household economics, her research explores critical economic issues affecting households, particularly in the Malaysian context.

Professor Dr. Siti Hajar, Universiti Malaya

Dr Siti Hajar is a Professor at the Department of Social Administration and Justice, University of Malaya. Her core area of expertise is Social Policy. Over the 20 years, she has been involved in developing and promoting teaching, learning and research opportunities in the field of social policy and social work. She teaches social policy, social welfare system, social planning, social evaluation and monitoring, research methodology and social theories. Her research interests focus on social care programs for at-risk children in Malaysia, children's well-being and social development for vulnerable social groups. 

Dr. Roza Hazli, Universiti Malaya

Dr. Roza Hazli is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at the Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya. She is actively involved in teaching Microeconomics and Islamic Economics courses. Her research primarily focuses on household economics and Islamic economics, exploring issues such as household financial behaviour, economic well-being, and the application of Islamic principles in economic practices.

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Published

2025-12-03

How to Cite

Kasim, N. H., Abu Bakar Ah, S. H., & Zakaria, R. H. (2025). Emotion-Focused Coping with the Increasing Cost of Living: Insights from Middle-Income Households in Klang Valley. The Malaysian Journal of Social Administration, 20. https://doi.org/10.22452/20/74.89

Issue

Vol. 20 (2025): The Malaysian Journal of Social Administration

Section

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