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Table 2 Effective coping strategies code frequency grouped by four overarching themes and seven sub-themes

From: Thematic analysis of aid workers’ stressors and coping strategies: work, psychological, lifestyle and social dimensions

Effective coping strategies

Work

92

Psychological

123

Lifestyle

301

Social connection

143

Personal organisation

62

Practices for mental self-care

79

Helpful activities and self-care

301

Support from others

143

 Work less and switch off

19

 Meditation

19

 Exercise/ Sport

94

 Support from family and friends

118

 Being prepared and organised

13

 Religion and spiritual practice

19

 Hobbies/interests outside work

62

 Support from colleagues

25

 Good work practices

13

 Therapy

12

 Holidays and travel

34

 Commitment to work

9

 Relax

12

 Work-life balance

19

 Analyse and solve problems

8

 Purpose and goals

9

 Socialising

19

Working with others

16

 Self-awareness

4

 Time for me

16

 Management and organisational support

7

 Personal growth

4

 Yoga

15

 Contact with recipients

5

Cognitive appraisal strategies

44

 Eating well

14

 Delegation

4

 Humour

11

 Alcohol

14

Work conditions

14

 Focus on circle of influence

10

 Sleep and rest

14

 Ensure good conditions

9

 Acceptance

6

 Changing jobs/location

5

 Perspective, seeing bigger picture

6

 Stay positive

6

 Ignoring problems

5

  1. N = 218. Each participant’s response was coded into any theme they evoked and could include multiple codes from the same sub-theme. Thus, themes overlap, and a participant may be represented multiple times within a code, sub-theme or overarching theme