Social connectedness and mental health among Midwest farmers

Farmers experience high risks of stress, depression, and suicide. Risk factors are well-established, but protective factors are less studied. Social connectedness encompasses organizational participation, resource sharing, and social support. Although social connectedness is protective of mental health among the general population, its impact on farmers is unclear. It is unknown whether resources offered by farmer-owned cooperatives and other organizations influence farmers’ mental health. Furthermore, social support reduces psychological distress more among younger farmers than older farmers, but more research is needed to examine its impacts.

In-depth interviews were conducted to characterize farmers’ cooperative experiences and perceptions of cooperatives in promoting mental health. A survey was used to examine whether having cooperative resources and social support impacted dairy farmers’ symptoms of depression. A second survey was administered to investigate whether program use, program satisfaction, and social support impacted perceived stress and symptoms of depression among cooperative and non-cooperative farmers.

Interview findings revealed that cooperatives create support networks and a sense of control for farmers. In addition, cooperative leaders are a source of support for distressed farmers. Results from both surveys indicated that organizational resources and social support were associated with decreased perceived stress and symptoms of depression. Program satisfaction was more strongly associated with perceived stress and symptoms of depression than program use. Interview and survey findings suggest that social connectedness may be protective of farmers’ mental health. Future research and interventions should consider the roles of organizational resources and social support in influencing farmers’ mental health.