Women living in a remote Australian mining community: exploring their psychological well-being

To explore the factors believed to influence the psychological well-being of women living in a modern remote Australian mining community.

A qualitative phenomenological study conducted through focus group discussions.

Remote Australian mining town.

Sixteen women living in a remote Australian mining town with a partner undertaking shiftwork at one of the local mines.

Women in a remote Australian mining community revealed, through focus group discussion, the factors influencing their psychological well-being.

Four themes were identified to be of importance for the women. These were the impacts of mining work, isolation, culture and the social environment on their happiness and well-being, and that of their families and the broader community.

Psychological well-being of women in a remote mining community might be improved through better local medical services, increased efforts at social inclusion and community connectedness, greater access to child care and better community infrastructure and pleasant surrounds. The findings also question the stereotypes of strong masculinist cultures and limited activities and services in such communities. Further research is highly recommended.