Chapter 11: Mixed Methods Research: A New Direction for the Study of Stress and Coping¹

The purpose of this chapter is to promote the use of mixed methods research in the field of stress and coping studies. First, a discussion of the strengths of the two dominant monomethod traditions—quantitative research and qualitative research—is provided. This is followed by a delineation of the major limitations of both of these approaches. Third, mixed methods research is defined. Following this definition, the mixed methods research process is outlined. Here, mixed methods approaches are described in the context of applicability to stress and coping research. Fifth, the utility of mixed methods research designs is illustrated by critiquing selected monomethod (i.e., qualitative or quantitative) and mixed methods studies conducted in the area of stress and coping. In particular, we demonstrate how using mixed methods techniques results in richer, thicker data being collected, thereby leading to a greater understanding of the underlying phenomena. Sixth, the current state of affairs with respect to the use of mixed methods approaches in stress and coping research is illustrated through a content analysis of the types of empirical studies (i.e., quantitative vs. qualitative vs. mixed methods) published in this area across several fields and disciplines. The chapter ends with a call for more mixed methods studies in the area of stress and coping.