Farming, widely recognized as one of the most stressful occupations, often leaves farmers dealing with heightened levels of anxiety and depression compared to the general population. A recent study conducted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign shines a light on the differences in mental health challenges between male and female farmers, focusing particularly on the role of social support in mitigating stress.
“We wanted to understand depression and anxiety among Illinois farmers, but also highlight the importance of social support and location, especially with regard to gender,” said study co-author Courtney Cuthbertson, an Illinois Extension specialist and assistant professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. “When we think about mental health in agriculture, it’s crucial to consider not just stressors but the support systems available to cope. Our findings bring out some of the intricacies in these relationships,” she added.
The study surveyed 536 farmers in Illinois, with about 70% of participants being men and 30% women, all of whom were the primary owners of their farming operations. The survey assessed factors including agricultural stress, mental health conditions, social support, resilience, as well as demographic and farm-related characteristics.
Results showed that 34% of the participants met the criteria for at least mild anxiety disorder, while 26% showed signs of mild depression. This is notably higher than the 18-19% rates typically seen in the general population. While the overall mental health outcomes were similar between men and women, men were more likely to report mild symptoms, whereas women were more prone to severe anxiety and depression.
Both men and women identified personal finances, time pressures, and economic conditions as major sources of stress. However, the study found a gender-specific disparity when it came to interpersonal relationships, with women reporting higher stress from these interactions than their male counterparts.
“Interpersonal relations tend to contribute to higher stress levels for women compared to men, which could partly explain why women in farming experience more severe mental health issues,” the researchers noted.
The study found that geographic isolation had a significantly greater impact on women’s mental health. Women were four times more likely than men to experience depression related to isolation. Among farmers with low family support, women had 12 times higher odds of developing depressive symptoms and eight times higher odds of experiencing anxiety compared to men.
“We also found that social support differs for men and women, as male farmers were significantly more likely to report high levels of support from a significant other than the women in the sample,” said Josie Rudolphi, lead author of the study and an Illinois Extension specialist.
This trend aligns with broader societal patterns, where women are often expected to balance farm work with household and caregiving responsibilities, leading to heightened emotional stress. Women in these roles are also more likely to be affected by negative events in the lives of their friends and family, the researchers explained.
The research indicates that gendered expectations influence the type and amount of social support farmers receive from their partners. “Even when women are in relationships, they aren’t necessarily getting the same level of social support from their partners that men report receiving,” Rudolphi said. This disparity, combined with isolation and other stresses, can compound mental health challenges for women farmers.
The findings underscore the need for improved mental health support services in rural farming communities, particularly those with limited access to mental health care. The researchers noted that providing resources that increase perceived social support for women farmers could significantly improve their mental health outcomes.
“This emphasizes the need for continued support in rural farming communities with limited mental health services. Providing services and resources that increase perceived social support among women farmers could improve their mental health outcomes,” Rudolphi concluded.
Both Cuthbertson and Rudolphi are co-directors of the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center, a collaborative initiative based at Illinois Extension that spans 12 states and 15 partners. The center focuses on offering mental health interventions and stress management resources to farmers and farm workers in the Midwest. The program is supported by the USDA Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network, demonstrat
ing a commitment to addressing the mental health crisis among American farmers.
This study serves as a call to action for greater awareness and intervention strategies aimed at supporting the mental health of both male and female farmers, particularly in rural areas where access to mental health services is limited.
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