Stress and Coping on the Farm

Copyright ©  2008  Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.

Studies comparing the stress levels and coping behavior of Kentucky and Colorado farmers and non-farmers, found that the stress levels of farm men and women were significantly higher than those of non-farmers even during the slack seasons. The researcher concluded that farm couples will continue to experience stress-related diseases, health risks, accidents, disabilities, and fatalities unless they incorporate effective stress-management strategies into their lifestyles.

The research suggests there are some problem areas of which farm families need to be aware. Farming is one of the few remaining occupations that frequently involves the entire family. Since farm families work side-by-side day after day, they are vulnerable to the long-range effects of personal and relationship problems arising from ineffective coping strategies.

Over three-fourths of the farm men and women reported that, when under high levels of pressure or anxiety, they become angry and irritable and 65 per cent admitted they tend to take out their frustration on others in these circumstances. As stress levels remain high or rise, it can be expected that there will be increasing incidences of angry outbursts and that sometimes these will result in family abuse and violence.

Other frequent problem areas for farm families under stress are depression, over-eating, anxiety-related symptoms associated with excessive caffeine intake, lack of physical exercise, and a reluctance to seek professional help. In the study referred to above, only 26 per cent of farm men and women reported exercising three times a week for 20 minutes or longer. When under high levels of stress or anxiety, fewer than 10 per cent of the farm men and women reported seeking professional help.

(Source: Robert J. Fetsch, Stress and Coping on the Farm, Colorado State University Cooperative Extension Service Report, 1985)

Ronald Pitzer
Family Sociologist

Origninally published in June 1987

College of Human Ecology in cooperation with the University of Minnesota Extension Service

Return to Stress Management Briefs...

Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of Minnesota Extension.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact your University of Minnesota Extension office or the Distribution Center at (800) 876-8636.

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation.