Mediating and moderating effects of work–home interference upon farm stresses and psychological distress

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated whether work–home (WHI) or home–work interference (HWI) explained or affected the strength of the relationship between farmers' stresses and reported psychological distress.

Design: Distribution of questionnaire package; included Work–Home Conflict Scale, Farm Stress Survey, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale. Participants recruited via advertising in newsletters and newspapers, and distribution through businesses and meetings.

Participants: The majority of farmers (N = 51, male = 45, female = 5) were recruited from the one district. Farmers were individuals who identified their occupation as a farm owner, farm manager, or farm hand.

Main outcome measures: It was predicted farmers would report higher levels of WHI than HWI; time, a determinant of interference, would mediate the relationship between farmers' stresses and psychological distress; WHI and HWI would moderate farmers’ stresses and their psychological distress; overall reported level of psychological distress would be in normal to mild range because of positive general economic conditions.

Results: Farmers reported significantly higher levels of WHI than HWI (M = 3.21, M = 2.76, P < 0.001 respectively). WHI and time-based WHI mediated farmers’ stresses and psychological distress, particularly anxiety. WHI, time and strain, determinants of WHI mediated personal finances and subcomponents of psychological distress (stress, anxiety, depression). Time-based HWI mediated personal finances and stress. No moderating effects were found for WHI (r = -0.02, P = 0.882) or HWI (r = 0.15, P = 0.306).

Conclusions: Farmers of this specific sample presented a unique work–home interface. Limitations include the small sample size, recruitment methods, and culturally irrelevant measures as well as only assessing workrelated stresses. Future research should aim to develop measures appropriate for farmers of Australia.