article

Extension’s Role in Rural Stress: An Evaluation of Extension Agents’ Perceptions of Rural Stress in Georgia

Authors

• • Madison C. Wilson
  • University of Georgia
• • Whitney A. Stone
  • University of Georgia
• • Jessica A. Holt
  • University of Georgia
• • Kevan W. Lamm
  • University of Georgia
• • Abigail S. Borron
  • University of Georgia
• • Alexa J. Lamm
  • University of Georgia

Abstract

This was a qualitative, exploratory study examining the use of a word cloud activity with Extension agents to promote dialogue around the sensitive topic of farmer/rural stress to understand their community needs. With an increasing amount of health-related issues in rural America and abroad, particularly mental health and rural stress, the use of a word cloud activity helped identify individual regional needs through a visual thematic qualitative analysis. Through a constant comparative analysis, regional and state-wide themes were deduced to begin creating programming opportunities to address community needs in Georgia, the U.S., and the world. The identified themes indicated a need for support, resources and education in rural areas regarding farmer and rural stress.

Keywords: rural stress, farmer stress, mental health, Extension, qualitative

How to Cite: Wilson, M. C. , Stone, W. A. , Holt, J. A. , Lamm, K. W. , Borron, A. S. & Lamm, A. J. (2019) “Extension’s Role in Rural Stress: An Evaluation of Extension Agents’ Perceptions of Rural Stress in Georgia”, Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education. 26(3). doi: https://doi.org/10.5191/jiaee.2019.26302