Factors that contribute to extraordinary stress in farmers

This research aimed to identify the conditions leading to stress in farmers. Rural and agricultural communities face heightened stress levels due to multiple factors, with cumulative negative consequences, as proposed by the Cumulative Stress Model (CSM). This study engaged a panel of experts with l...

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Main Authors: D. Barry Croom, Anna M. Scheyett, Kaitlyn Brianna Yoo
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Advancements in Agricultural Development Inc 2024-03-01
Series:Advancements in Agricultural Development
Subjects:
Online Access:https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/401
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author D. Barry Croom
Anna M. Scheyett
Kaitlyn Brianna Yoo
author_facet D. Barry Croom
Anna M. Scheyett
Kaitlyn Brianna Yoo
author_sort D. Barry Croom
collection DOAJ
description This research aimed to identify the conditions leading to stress in farmers. Rural and agricultural communities face heightened stress levels due to multiple factors, with cumulative negative consequences, as proposed by the Cumulative Stress Model (CSM). This study engaged a panel of experts with lived and professional experiences in an intentional and iterative Delphi process to identify stressors in agricultural communities. Employing the three-round Delphi technique by Turoff and Linstone (1975), this study integrated diverse perspectives and expertise while minimizing biases arising from group discussions or face-to-face interactions. The findings indicate that most stressors, such as farm operating costs, commodity prices, weather, labor shortages, crop/livestock diseases, economic fluctuations, and work-related accidents, were beyond individual control. These stressors can lead to a sense of powerlessness, particularly challenging in communities valuing independence and self-reliance. Furthermore, farm operating costs, commodity prices, weather, labor shortages, and crop/livestock diseases ranked among the top stressors. Debts, loans, and work-related accidents also contributed to stress. Notably, farm operating costs, commodity prices, and weather emerged as the three most highly rated stressors across all categories—lack of control, sudden fluctuations, and farming-related stressors. Addressing these stressors is paramount for monitoring and improving the well-being of agricultural communities.
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spelling doaj.art-d809a7177f3d46fe90789b589a969aab2024-03-18T23:25:55ZengAdvancements in Agricultural Development IncAdvancements in Agricultural Development2690-50782024-03-015110.37433/aad.v5i1.401Factors that contribute to extraordinary stress in farmersD. Barry Croom0Anna M. Scheyett1Kaitlyn Brianna Yoo2University of Georgia, USAUniversity of Georgia, USAUniversity of Georgia, USAThis research aimed to identify the conditions leading to stress in farmers. Rural and agricultural communities face heightened stress levels due to multiple factors, with cumulative negative consequences, as proposed by the Cumulative Stress Model (CSM). This study engaged a panel of experts with lived and professional experiences in an intentional and iterative Delphi process to identify stressors in agricultural communities. Employing the three-round Delphi technique by Turoff and Linstone (1975), this study integrated diverse perspectives and expertise while minimizing biases arising from group discussions or face-to-face interactions. The findings indicate that most stressors, such as farm operating costs, commodity prices, weather, labor shortages, crop/livestock diseases, economic fluctuations, and work-related accidents, were beyond individual control. These stressors can lead to a sense of powerlessness, particularly challenging in communities valuing independence and self-reliance. Furthermore, farm operating costs, commodity prices, weather, labor shortages, and crop/livestock diseases ranked among the top stressors. Debts, loans, and work-related accidents also contributed to stress. Notably, farm operating costs, commodity prices, and weather emerged as the three most highly rated stressors across all categories—lack of control, sudden fluctuations, and farming-related stressors. Addressing these stressors is paramount for monitoring and improving the well-being of agricultural communities. https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/401agricultural communitiesstressorsDelphi techniqueCumulative Stress Modelrural stressfarming-related stress
spellingShingle D. Barry Croom
Anna M. Scheyett
Kaitlyn Brianna Yoo
Factors that contribute to extraordinary stress in farmers
Advancements in Agricultural Development
agricultural communities
stressors
Delphi technique
Cumulative Stress Model
rural stress
farming-related stress
title Factors that contribute to extraordinary stress in farmers
title_full Factors that contribute to extraordinary stress in farmers
title_fullStr Factors that contribute to extraordinary stress in farmers
title_full_unstemmed Factors that contribute to extraordinary stress in farmers
title_short Factors that contribute to extraordinary stress in farmers
title_sort factors that contribute to extraordinary stress in farmers
topic agricultural communities
stressors
Delphi technique
Cumulative Stress Model
rural stress
farming-related stress
url https://agdevresearch.org/index.php/aad/article/view/401
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