'It sort of broke me': A thematic analysis of the psychological experiences and coping strategies employed by Australian fire-affected farmers

Abstract

Introduction: People exposed to bushfires are known to be at heightened risk of experiencing mental health challenges. When farms are impacted, farmers often risk losing not only their homes but also their businesses, containing their livestock, infrastructure and identities.

Objective: To understand the psychological experiences of farmers who have been exposed to fires on their farms and identify the coping strategies they already employ to recover and prepare psychologically for future bushfires.

Design: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face or via Zoom. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, using a descriptive, essentialist approach. Sixteen farmers and/or their spouses (50% female; median age of 50.8 years), who owned and/or played an active role in the operation of a farming or pastoral enterprise and had been affected by a farm fire within the last 20 years, participated. Participants resided in inner regional, outer regional and remote South Australia and New South Wales.

Findings: Seven overarching themes and 22 subthemes resulted: (1) intense emotions in the aftermath, (2) long-term psychological challenges, (3) deliberate focus on organising, prioritising and completing recovery-focused tasks, (4) importance of seeking and/or accessing support to rebuild, (5) adopting a positive attitude and outlook, (6) (dis)engaging from/with community and social connection and (7) various strategies employed to self-regulate emotions.

Discussion/conclusion: This study demonstrates the unique set of psychological challenges Australian farmers experience in the wake of a farm fire and the coping strategies they report using to help them manage. Findings will inform the development of contextually and culturally appropriate bushfire recovery and preparedness initiatives that are tailored to meet the unique needs of farmers and build upon their existing strengths.

Keywords: agriculture; bushfire; farm; mental health; rural.