Perceived Stress, Stressors, and Preferred Stress Management Strategies Among Western Agricultural Producers

• Published in: Journal of rural mental health 2023-07, Vol.47 (3), p.152-162
• Main Authors: Grocke-Dewey, Michelle, Brennan, Alison, Freeman, Brenda, Weas, Heather, Gutheil, Jessica, Stallones, Lorann, McMoran, Don
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agricultural Workers; Anxiety; Female; Human; Male; Mental Health; Perceived Stress; Social Determinants of Health; Stress; Stress Management; Well Being
• ISSN: 1935-942X; 2163-8969
• DOI: 10.1037/rmh0000233

Chronic stress is associated with adverse physical, emotional, and social health outcomes such as increased rates of chronic disease, anxiety, behavioral inhibition, and well-being. In the United States, farmers and ranchers experience some of the highest levels of these adverse health outcomes. This study presents data from the Western Region Agricultural Producer Stress Survey, a survey tool designed to better understand these stressors and desired mitigation techniques. A sample of 767 agricultural producers participated in a survey that gauged their perceived stress levels, sources of stress, desired stress management topics, and preferred methods of receiving information. Workload, financial worries, and lack of time presented as the top stressors. Women averaged higher levels of both perceived stress and stressor pileup than men. Interest in stress management topics also differed significantly by gender and age, with men more interested in parenting classes and support groups, and younger producers more interested in nutrition/cooking classes. The most preferred methods for receiving information were online options. Data suggest that, on average, producers across the Western region of the United States are experiencing a medium level of stress. While this is concerning, producers expressed interest in learning more about a variety of topics to help them manage their stress and improve their well-being. Better understanding of agricultural producers' preferences for stress management topics, as well as their preferred dissemination methods, is critical in terms of providing this often underserved population with appropriate mental health assistance. Public Health Significance Statement This study suggests that, on average, agricultural producers in the Western region of the United States are experiencing a medium level of stress, with workload, financial worries, and lack of time being the top stressors. The stress management topics that producers would like to learn more about, as well as how they would like to learn this information, vary significantly by age and gender.