Behind the Scenes: Spousal Coping Following Permanently Disabling Injury of Farmers

Abstract

Hidden within the pastoral setting of rural America are the struggles of farm families who must cope with a decreasing economy, increasing technology, and one of the highest injury rates of any industry. Wives of farmers often juggle household responsibilities, hold an off-farm job, and work on the farm. Too often, wives are first on the scene of a serious injury to their spouses. All attention is focused on the farmer but the wife must cope with caregiving, her usual work, and the added full responsibility of the farm. This grounded theory study examined the process of spousal coping after a permanently disabling injury occurred to their farmer husbands. Interviews conducted with 12 farm wives elicited four themes in the coping process. These findings may help identify critical points of mental stress and form interventions to assist spouses of injured farmers in their adjustment to changing roles and responsibilities.

Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Older Rural Couples: The Impact of Work, Stress and Health

“…Depression among farmer caregivers was found in a study of female spouses of acutely injured farmers . Participants noted that assuming new farm responsibilities, caring for the injured spouse, and providing family social support contributed to their depressive symptoms.…”

Community Support Systems for Farmers Who Live With Disability

“…[17][18][19] The long-term impact of disability may include reduced physical capacity, 17 emotional grief and loss, 16,18 and shifting family roles and responsibilities. 18 Injuries that most commonly result in a disruption of a farmer's career include amputations, spinal cord injuries, and chronic pain.…”

“…They cited attributes such as a sense of humor, perseverance, ability to adapt, personal faith, and the emotional as well as "hands-on" support of spouses, children, and other family members; this finding is in keeping with previous studies. 4,16,19 Farmers, as self-employed managers, reported that they already had many coping skills prior to acquiring the disability. Among them was their ability to make adjustments in the farm operation and to design equipment adaptations that, in the "new or emerging" reality of disability and/or aging, proved to be invaluable.…”

“…They relied heavily on their spouses whose roles expanded to include management tasks and caring for the injured farmer, a finding supported by the literature. 14,15,16 Farm family members' roles also shifted and their labor contributions often enabled a farmer to continue farming. Obtaining hired help was important to maintaining the farm operation though farmers expressed that it was a challenge to find skilled help.…”

“…[11][12][13] The onset of a disability for a farm owner-operator presents a situation for the family where some of its members (often the spouse) must serve both in the role of caregiver and take over the farm management activities. [14][15][16] Recovery from injury or other disabling condition and return to farm activities and roles in work and life after onset of disability is, therefore, predicated on a supportive environment.…”