A REVIEW OF PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING, RESILIENCE, AND QUALITY OF LIFE AMONG WOMEN WITH MIGRANT HUSBANDS

The international migration of husbands for employment has become a significant socio-economic phenomenon, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. While such migration contributes to household income through remittances, it often places a profound psychological and emotional burden on the women left behind. This review critically examines existing literature on the psychological well-being, resilience, and quality of life among women whose husbands have migrated abroad for work. The need for this study stems from the growing recognition that economic gains from migration are often accompanied by psychosocial costs borne by women who must navigate household responsibilities, child-rearing, and social expectations in the absence of their spouses. The findings indicate that women in such circumstances commonly face increased levels of anxiety, loneliness, and emotional stress, though many also demonstrate remarkable resilience through social support, religious coping, and community engagement. However, the impact on quality of life varies across cultural and socio-economic contexts. The review underscores the importance of targeted interventions, such as mental health support, community-based programs, and policy-level recognition of the invisible emotional labor performed by these women. It also highlights a significant gap in gender-sensitive migration policies that account for the psychosocial implications on families left behind. Future research should adopt an intersectional, longitudinal approach to examine how factors such as education, social capital, and digital connectivity influence resilience and psychological outcomes over time. This would help inform more inclusive policy and support frameworks for transnational families.