Stigma, Coping Strategies, and Psychological Wellbeing among Pregnant Teens in Arua District.

Abstract

This study examined how stigma affects the mental well-being of pregnant teenagers in the Greater Arua District and explored coping strategies to mitigate these effects. The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between stigma, coping strategies, and psychological well-being amongst pregnant teens in Arua district. The study utilized a quantitative approach and correlational research design. SPSS process macro was employed to examine the impact of coping strategies on the correlation between stigma and psychological well-being. Data were collected through purposive sampling technique from 193 pregnant teens. The results revealed significant relationship between; stigma and coping strategies. (stigma and problem focused coping strategies (r=.450** p (.000) <0.05), stigma and emotional focused coping strategies (r=.576** p (.000) < 0.05) and stigma with avoidance coping strategies (r=.524** p (.000) < 0.05), Coping strategies and psychological well-being (r=-154* p (.033) <0.05) and stigma and psychological well-being(r=-289** p (.000) < 0.05). The study also discovered that the relationship between stigma and psychological well-being is moderated by coping strategies, (p=.001). The study concluded that addressing stigma at both individual and societal levels while promoting effective coping mechanisms enhances psychological well-being. Future research is recommended to explore longitudinal relationships among these variables and to examine culturally responsive interventions that can further support psychological well-being in stigmatized populations particularly pregnant Teens. The study recommends that Policy makers and local authorities in Arua District formulate policies that can protect the rights of pregnant teenagers from stigma and Government agencies, NGOs, and community-based organizations collaborate together to design projects that can rebuild resilience and better coping mechanisms among pregnant teenagers in Arua District.