Family response to the farm crisis: a study in coping

The recent farm crisis created major economic disruptions for rural communities and families. To understand the effects of these disruptions on rural families, a study was conducted with community leaders and adult members of rural families that had experienced these disruptions. Family members experienced many stress reactions, especially withdrawal and depression. Families coped primarily by marshalling family efforts to solve financial problems and to provide emotional support. Significant barriers prevented people from turning to others in the extended family and the community for help. Family members created barriers by their withdrawal and their sense of individualism and shame. Judgmental attitudes and lack of understanding by others as well as demeaning and inappropriate criteria for help also created barriers. Interventions require monitoring policy issues and mobilizing community resources, as well as helping individual families to cope.