Young farmers' and ranchers' perceptions of mental health

Abstract

Mental health is a concerning issue for all, especially farmers and ranchers who are dealing with mental health disorders. However, limited research has been conducted related to mental health in the agricultural field, specifically looking at the perceptions of mental health among young farmers and ranchers. The purpose of this study was to determine mental health perceptions of young farmers and ranchers and to inform strategies to help break the stigma surrounding mental health in agriculture. Almost all literature agrees that farming and ranching are stressful occupations and have very high rates of mental health illness among their producers. This is because of well-documented occupational stressors like finances, time pressures, economic conditions, and hazardous working conditions coupled with demographic effects like isolation from a community and access to mental health care. Mental health for farmers and ranchers has been identified as a growing concern for the research community and is a new topic with a need for continued research and development of preventive measures. This study’s theoretical framework followed Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory. The instrument was developed by the researchers with input from industry professionals and was a combination of Semantic Differential questions and 5-point Likert-type scale questions, paired with demographic based questions to achieve the research objectives. Results from this study can only be generalized to the 36 participants. Due to the lack of responses to the questionnaire, this study should be repeated to determine if participant demographics and attitude responses change with more responses. Overall, participants responded with relative cohesiveness. It’s agreed that mental health is an issue farmers and ranchers face, and something should be done to eliminate the stigma surrounding the topic. Young farmers and ranchers believe they have access to mental health resources and believe they are prepared to and confident in assisting others with mental health challenges.