Stress and coping among litigants in the civil litigation process in Ghana

Abstract

Few studies have examined the challenges litigants face in the civil litigation process in Africa and Ghana. The study sought to investigate the effect of type of litigant on stress, and coping. Using both purposive and convenience sampling techniques, 262 litigants using the High Courts at the court complex in Accra, Ghana, were sampled for the study. Most respondents were male (88.9%), with a mean age of 48.1 (SD = 13.25). A significant effect of type of litigant on stress, and coping was observed. Those litigating as individuals experienced more stress: intrusion, and avoidance compared with those litigating on behalf of their companies. Consequently, those litigating as individuals used more coping strategies compared with those litigating on behalf of their companies. These findings are discussed in relation to relevant literature