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Published on: June 19, 2019
Quantifying stressors among Iowa farmers.
S A Freeman1, C V Schwab, Q Jiang
1Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011-3130, USA. sfreeman@iastate.edu
Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health
|December 3, 2008
Summary
This study quantified farm stressors using a survey, finding that events like death of a spouse and financial issues are highly stressful for farmers. Stress levels are influenced by farmer demographics such as age and gender.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Farmer and rancher mental health is a critical concern.
- Understanding specific stressors is vital for targeted support.
- Previous research has not comprehensively quantified farm-specific stressors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and quantify particularly stressful events and activities for farmers and ranchers.
- To analyze how demographic factors influence the perception of farm stress.
Main Methods:
- A farm stress survey using the proportionate scaling method was mailed to 3000 Iowa farmers.
- Participants rated 62 life events and farm activities against a baseline stress level of marriage (50).
- Data were analyzed to determine mean stress ratings and variations by demographic characteristics.
Main Results:
- The death of a spouse or child, disabling injuries, and mortgage foreclosure were identified as the most stressful events.
- Machinery breakdown during harvest and crop loss due to weather were also significant stressors.
- Stress ratings varied significantly by farmer age, marital status, gender, and farming enterprise type.
Conclusions:
- The proportionate scaling method effectively quantifies farm stressors.
- The impact of farm stressors is not solely event-dependent but also influenced by individual farmer characteristics.
- Findings provide a basis for developing targeted interventions to mitigate farm stress.
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