Gender Differences in Coping Strategies Among Muslim Adolescents â An Exploration of Culture and Religious Influences on Mental Health

Abstract

This study examined gender differences in coping strategies among Muslim adolescents, focusing on cultural norms and religious teachings. Using a mixed-methods design, 200 adolescents (100 males, 100 females) completed the Brief COPE Inventory, and 20 participated in semi-structured interviews. Quantitative findings showed females preferred emotion-focused and religious coping, while males favoured problem-focused and avoidant strategies. Qualitative data revealed cultural expectations reinforced these patterns: girls were encouraged to seek support and express emotions, while boys faced pressure to appear strong and hide vulnerability. Both genders practiced religious copingâ through prayer, á¹£abr (patience), and tawakkul (trust in God)â though in different ways. These findings underscore how gender, religion, and culture shape adolescent coping behaviours. The study calls for culturally sensitive and gender-responsive mental health interventions that integrate religious practices and cultural values into therapeutic approaches for Muslim youth. This study examines gendered coping strategies among Muslim adolescents, focusing on cultural norms and religious teachings. A mixed-methods approach integrates surveys and interviews. Results show significant gender differences: females use more emotion-focused and religious coping, while males prefer problem-focused and avoidant strategies. Cultural expectations strongly shape emotional expression. The findings stress the need for culturally and religiously responsive interventions tailored to gender-specific coping. This research investigates gender-based coping among Muslim adolescents by examining cultural and religious influences on their mental well-being. Adolescence is marked by various stressors: identity, academics, social ties, and family expectations. Muslim adolescents face extra challenges as religious beliefs and cultural norms shape daily life and emotional responses. The study employs both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to examine how men and women manage stress and emotional distress.