Impact of Financial Independence on the Psychological Hardiness in Women
Abstract: The present study explores the multifaceted impact of women's financial independence on psychological hardiness. Grounded in Suzanne Kobasa's Hardiness Theory (Commitment, Control, Challenge) and Self-Determination Theory, the study adopted a mixed-methods Explanatory Sequential Design. N=120 women participated in the quantitative phase through web-based surveys using Dispositional Resilience Scale (DRS-15) and Personal View Surveys (5-point Likert), and n=20 were selected purposively for semi-structured interviews. Stratified Random Sampling was used across Low, Middle, High-income strata. Results indicate financial independence acts as a functional "psychological armor". 78% of fully financially independent women reported strong internal locus of control compared to 43% in dependent group. DRS analysis showed independent women scored significantly higher (M=23.8, SD=2.9) vs control (M=17.4, SD=3.4) across all three dimensions - Control (7.9 vs 5.6), Commitment (8.2 vs 5.9) and Challenge (7.7 vs 5.9). Qualitative narratives revealed financial autonomy eliminates psychological paralysis of forced compliance and transforms survival panic into active problem-solving. The study concludes economic self-sufficiency is a foundational prerequisite for psychological fortification, resilience and holistic empowerment.
Keywords: Financial Independence, Psychological Hardiness, DRS-15, Women Empowerment, Control, Resilience
How to Cite?: Anjumol K R, "Impact of Financial Independence on the Psychological Hardiness in Women", Volume 15 Issue 9, September 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1977-1978, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=MR26929144035, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/MR26929144035