The Role of Learning in Self-Management, Family Coping, and Financial Security among Muslim Families in Southern Thailand: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis
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Abstract
Background/ problem: Rising household debt among young Thai Muslim families stems from multiple factors. To achieve financial stability, these families need to develop better learning and self-management skills.
Objective/ purpose: This study aimed to examine how learning influences self-management and family coping strategies, and how these factors impact household financial security among young Muslim families.
Design and Methodology: This study used structural equation modeling (SEM) to analyze data from 510 young families (couples with at least one child) in Yala Province, Southern Thailand, selected through multistage random sampling. The measurement tools used a 5-point rating scale with reliability coefficients between .66 and .94.
Results: The findings demonstrated that learning significantly influenced self-management (β = .81, p < .001) and family coping strategies (β = .78, p < .001), which in turn impacted household financial security (β = .44, p < .001). The structural equation model analysis revealed a strong model fit with the data: χ²(96) = 183.02, p < .001, χ²/df = 1.91, RMSEA = .04, CFI = .99, GFI = .97, AGFI = .92. The model explained 57% of the variance in learning (R² = .57), 90% in self-management and family coping (R² = .90), and 67% in household financial security (R² = .67).
Conclusion and Implications: This study recommends integrating culturally sensitive financial education into community programs, emphasizing Islamic values and transformative learning to enhance self-management, family coping, and financial security in Muslim families.
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