Identifying Coping Strategies of Employed Women Toward Occupational Stress: A Psychological Perspective

Abstract

This study aims to identify and analyze self-motivation patterns among high-achieving students in underprivileged areas of Tehran. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 20 high-performing high school students selected purposively until theoretical saturation was achieved. Thematic analysis was conducted using NVivo software. Analysis revealed four main themes: (1) Academic and personal goals, (2) Environmental motivational resources, (3) Coping strategies and effort, and (4) Personal and cognitive beliefs. Each theme encompassed subthemes highlighting the roles of intrinsic motivation, environmental support, coping strategies, and positive self-beliefs in students' academic success. The findings indicate that high-achieving students in underprivileged areas leverage intrinsic motivations, limited environmental support, effective coping strategies, and positive self-beliefs to overcome environmental challenges and achieve academic excellence. These insights can inform the development of targeted educational and counseling interventions in similar contexts.