Psychological Self-Care of Widows from the Unrest Situation in Southern Thailand : A Preliminary Study

Abstract

               The aim of this preliminary qualitative study was to describe psychological self-care of widows from the unrest situation in southern Thailand. The informants were 10 widows who had faced with the unrest situation at least 3 months ago and have lived in Pattani province. The research instruments included: 1) general information questionnaire and 2) Semi–structured interview guide and tape recording. Quantitative data were analyzed using percentage, mean and standard deviation. Whereas, qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis.

                The results showed that widow informants have felt stressed about 1) taking care of her children and education, 2) occupation and cost of family and 3) living in unrest situation. These stresses led to physical impacts such as headache and insomnia. Psychological self-care behaviors can be categorized into 3 groups, including 1) using religious principles Isalamic. 2) finding the strategies for self-healing and self-relaxation, and 3) social and emotional supporting from government and non-governmental organizations.

                The results of this preliminary study could be used to guide health care provider or other allied health providers to develop a psychological self-care model to promote quality of life among widows.