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Boom town mental health
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue Canadienne De Psychiatrie
|December 1, 1984
Summary
Living in a rapidly growing "boom town" did not increase nonpsychotic psychiatric symptoms. However, residents experienced more life events and physician visits for minor illnesses, suggesting increased stress.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Sociology
- Community Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Rapid community growth, often associated with industrial development (e.g., heavy oil extraction), can impact residents' well-being.
- Previous assumptions suggest that 'boom towns' lead to increased psychiatric symptomatology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between rapid community growth and nonpsychotic psychiatric symptoms.
- To compare psychiatric symptom levels, life events, and community living problems in a boom town versus a stable rural town.
Main Methods:
- Population surveys were conducted in two communities: Primrose (a boom town) and Wolf Creek (a stable rural town).
- Data collected included nonpsychotic psychiatric symptoms, life events, and problems in community living.
Main Results:
- Psychiatric symptom levels in the boom town were lower than in the stable town and comparable to provincial averages.
- Boom town residents reported more life events and higher utilization of physician services for minor illnesses.
- Complaints about living conditions in the boom town were consistent with those reported in other boom towns.
Conclusions:
- The study found no evidence to support the popular view that boom towns generate more nonpsychotic psychiatric symptoms.
- Increased life events, physician visits for minor illnesses, and reported community problems in the boom town suggest a higher level of stress, despite lower symptom levels.