Subjective well-being among fishermen’s families: The effects of economic pressure, coping strategies, vulnerability, and social support

Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Faculty of Human Ecology, IPB University, Bogor 16680, Indonesia

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Abstract

Fishermen's families often experience economic pressure due to unstable income, which heightens their vulnerability. To achieve subjective family well-being, these families need effective coping strategies and strong social support. This study examines the effects of family characteristics, economic pressure, coping strategies, social support, and vulnerability on the subjective well-being of fishermen's families. A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 105 intact fishermen's families with school-aged children purposively selected from Muara Angke Fishing Village, North Jakarta. Data were analyzed using descriptive, correlational, and path analyses. The findings indicate that fishermen's families face economic pressure, particularly reflected in low savings ownership and difficulty maintaining housing conditions. Per capita income had a significant positive effect on subjective well-being and a significant negative effect on economic pressure, coping strategies, and family vulnerability. Objective economic pressure significantly increased coping strategies and family vulnerability, while subjective economic pressure had a significant negative effect on social support and subjective well-being, and a positive effect on family vulnerability. Coping strategies positively influenced social support, which in turn reduced family vulnerability and enhanced subjective well-being. Fishermen's families are advised to diversify income sources, practice sound financial management, maintain assets, and strengthen social networks to enhance resilience and well-being.