Beyond Coping: An Empowerment Perspective on Stressful Life Events

Abstract

Examines how an empowerment (EMP) perspective can enhance understanding of the coping process related to stressful events. The concept of EMP is defined from a perspective grounding in conflict analysis and the experiences of oppressed groups. The change process of EMP consists of at least 4 subprocesses: increasing self-efficacy, developing a critical consciousness, developing skills, and involving similar others. The literature on stress and coping is examined, and the interrelationships between the coping and the EMP perspectives are examined. Discussion illuminates how knowledge about EMP can create a more holistic understanding of how individuals react to situations of injustice, powerlessness, and stress. The implications of this understanding for social work research are examined, and an agenda for social work research on EMP and coping is discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)