Work Stressors, Coping Strategies, and Job Satisfaction among Houseparents in Residential Care Facilities

Abstract

Houseparents care for clients in residential care facilities, with their primary functions encompassing supervision, facilitation, mediation, and collaboration. As such, the nature of their work exposes them to a myriad of stressors. This study aimed to investigate the relationships between work stressors (time stress and job anxiety) and coping strategies (approach and avoidance coping) with houseparents' job satisfaction. A quantitative research design was employed, with data gathered from 209 houseparents employed in residential care facilities under the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The Job Stress Scale, Brief COPE, and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire were used as research instruments. Correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were performed. Findings indicate that houseparents in residential care facilities are generally satisfied with their job and tend to apply approach coping strategies more frequently than avoidance coping strategies. No significant relationship was found between time stress and job satisfaction, and between avoidance coping and job satisfaction. A very weak negative relationship exists between job anxiety and job satisfaction, as well as between approach coping and job satisfaction. These results suggest that factors other than work stressors and coping strategies may affect job satisfaction. Given the limited studies on houseparents in the Philippines, this study provides a glimpse into the work situation of houseparents and offers valuable recommendations for the development of supportive interventions and policies relevant to their work.