Stress in farmers of Haryana

Pages: 1786-1789
Anupama Sihag (Department of Psychology, G.M.N. College, Ambala Cantt, Haryana)

Agriculture is a stressful occupation in the face of uncertainties like social isolation, machinery breakdown, long working hours, fluctuating market, and unpredictable weather conditions. The precariousness of situation becomes more dreadful when a farmer doesn’t perceive stress as a health problem, but a routine farm hassle. The present study focused on identification of daily hassles in farming that might be a source of stress in farmers and the resultant psychological symptoms associated with it. In order to alleviate the debilitating effects of stress, various coping strategies or uplifts were also identified. A sample of 117 farmers in the age range of 22 years and above, from the villages of Haryana was assessed on Hassles and Uplift Scales (Lazarus & Folkman, 1989) and SCL-90-R (Derogatis, 1994). The results of present study indicate that farmers are experiencing considerable level of stress, anxiety, and depression. Complaints of disturbed sleep in elders and moderate suicide ideation in young farmers is also present. Present study suggests potentially valuable interventions and more psychological research in farming sector.