Understanding Emotion Regulation Among Single Mothers in Malaysia: A Thematic Analysis Through the Lense of Nabawi Practices

Abstract

Single motherhood in Malaysia is often accompanied by emotional, social, and psychological challenges that require continuous emotional regulation. In navigating the demands of caregiving, financial responsibility, and social expectations, single mothers employ various strategies to manage emotions such as anger, sadness, and distress. This qualitative study explores how single mothers in Malaysia regulate their emotions amidst the challenges of single parenthood. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with six participants, thematic analysis revealed a dual approach to emotion regulations which are personal coping strategies such screaming and throwing objects, and faith-based practices such as performing prayer (solat), remembrance (dhikr), and Qur'anic recitation, which reflecting Nabawi methods of managing emotions. These findings suggest a significant integration between the mothers’ lived personal experiences and the emotional regulation strategies modeled by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) underscoring the significance of faith-based practices in the psychological resilience of Muslim single mothers. Throughout this research, it highlights the integration of psychological self-regulation with spiritual resilience, contributing to a deeper understanding of culturally and religiously embedded coping strategies among Muslim women. This study contributes to the understanding of culturally and religiously informed coping mechanisms, offering insights for mental health practitioners working within Islamic contexts. Implications are discussed for mental health practitioners, religious counsellors, and support systems working with Muslim single mothers.