Rural Stress in Georgia

The holiday season is stressful. Sure, it brings joy for many, but those in rural communities facing unique challenges may find that the holidays only amplify their difficulties. I felt it was appropriate as Thanksgiving approaches to recognize some of these challenges.

To do so, I would like to share the findings from a recent study that I conducted along with several colleagues. The study took a closer look at the dynamics of rural stress and it points to some important findings that deserve attention at this specific time of year.

Key Findings:

• This study validated a rural stress instrument and confirmed its ability to capture unique stressors in rural settings.

• There is a distinct pattern of stress across rural demographics, and the study shed light on the nuanced nature of the stress that these communities face.

Significant Observations:

• Large, rural regions near urban centers tended to demonstrate elevated stress levels. By contrast, surprisingly low levels of stress were found in completely rural areas. These differences show the potential impacts of major changes like industrial shifts on how stress is experienced on the community level.

Implications for Consideration:

• For communities that are undergoing industrial transitions, it’s important for residents to understand the potential stressors that they are facing.

• Finding and assisting people with heightened stress levels in these areas is an important role played by both educators and support personnel.

Methodological Approach:

• Perceived stressors in communities – specifically rural communities – can be measured through the use of the empirical rural stress instrument.

Future Recommendations:

• Individual stress dynamics require a closer inspection in future research. This would provide a more comprehensive understanding of the situation. It’s also important to start broader conversations about stress in rural settings and what strategies can be used to minimize its impact.

Rural stress is unique. With the holiday season upon us, looking at these results serves as a call to acknowledge and provide a tool to help address the many challenges faced in rural communities. The emphasis here should lie in transformative action, rather than just comprehension. This will allow us to foster an environment where the holidays truly encapsulate joy rather than stress. I've included the full manuscript below if you are interested in learning more. Please be sure to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments section.

Development-and-Validation-of-a-Rural-Stress-Instrument.pdf

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Lamm, K. W., Powell, A., Holt, J., Borron, A., & Atkins, K. (2020). Development and validation of a rural stress instrument. Journal of Agricultural Education, 61(1), 32-43. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2020.01032