Examined prevalence of stress symptoms among 808 farm men and women, identified occupational stressors associated with high stress levels, and provided diagnostic indicants of symptoms most predictive of overall high stress levels. Revealed that farmers were experiencing various occupational stressors and were showing numerous symptoms. Findings…

Examined the process of exit from farm businesses of a group of older farmers (N=315) and determined the relationship between goals of family succession and behaviors in the exit phase. Found a sequence of exit from work, management, and ownership with farmers who valued continuity being most likely to involve sons in management of the operation.…

Presents a model which blends the family and work spheres into an exchange-based model of family interaction in two-generation farm families. Specific recommendations are made to help rural family practitioners, educators, and Cooperative Extension agents better understand and work with two-generation farm families. (LLL)

Examined role of stress and resources in family satisfaction for two-generation farm families. Findings from 481 adults highlight the central role of family stress, unity, and power in the perception of family satisfaction; however, the role these variables played differed for each generation. (Author/NB)

Tested proposition that high levels of stress in daughters-in-law in two-generation farm families are correlated with daughters-in-law's lack of integration into extended family and family business systems among 54 daughters-in-law. Quality of relationship with in-laws and perceived lack of decision-making responsibility were significantly…

Presents history of modern farm legislation and looks at recent legislation and tax policies. Asserts that family scientists attempting to help farm families can benefit from understanding legislation and policies. Discusses family intervention strategies in the larger context of macroeconomic and political forces. (Author/NB)

Examined time allotments to household, paid, and unpaid work for farm, rural nonfarm, and urban women. Findings from 2,100 two-parent, two-child families revealed no significant differences among groups in allocation of time to household work. Of three groups, farm women spent more time in unpaid work, and rural nonfarm women devoted most time to…

Surveyed 29 farm couples who filled out questionnaires dealing with feelings of economic stress and blaming in the marriage. Results showed couples with greater economic vulnerability reported greater economic distress, although they tended to report experiencing less loss. Couples reporting greater economic distress reported greater blaming in…

Uses systems perspective to analyze psychological and social forces which may limit support that families who are losing their farms seek from their neighbors and that their neighbors offer them. Discusses nonhelp intended as help, blaming victims, farm community values, and other factors that make farm family in crisis pull back from neighbors.…

Questioned 753 farm men and women to identify factors associated with stress in farm families. Results suggest that high mastery provides the best buffer against stress for both farm men and women. The task of family life educators is to help farm families augment their personal and social resources while managing high financial and work demands.…

Studied 44 mothers-in-law and 55 daughters-in-law in two-generation farm or ranch families. Found differences in goals and values and lack of communication skills to be frequent problems, although living in close proximity did not appear to increase stress in either group. (Author/NB)

Concerns the economic crisis which has led to farm foreclosures, closings of rural businesses, and decreased livelihood of some rural communities. Presents an empowerment strategy as a possible approach to rural revitalization. Examines programs that have used an empowerment process and suggests additional efforts based on empowerment principles.…

Examined generational differences in 71 two-generation farm families as they related to stress, coping, family support, and family satisfaction. Results indicated that the younger generation was the more stressed and the less satisfied with the family farm situation. Implications for practitioners and researchers are discussed. (Author/NB)

Integrates family stress theory with empirical farm family research. Using the integration of theory and empirical findings, produces the Farm Family Assessment Instrument, a practical assessment instrument for use by farm crisis counselors who work with families who have lost or are losing their farms. (Author/NB)

Notes that internal and external threats could squeeze ranch and farm families out of business. Offers six-step Consensus Management Model that combines strategic planning with psychoeducation/family therapy. Describes pilot test with intergenerational ranch family that indicated improvements in family functioning, including reduced stress and…