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What Is Rural Adversity, How Does It Affect Wellbeing and What Are the Implications for Action?

Author

Listed:
  • Joanne Lawrence-Bourne

    (Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia)

  • Hazel Dalton

    (Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia)

  • David Perkins

    (Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia)

  • Jane Farmer

    (Social Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Georgina Luscombe

    (School of Rural Health, University of Sydney, Orange, NSW 2800, Australia)

  • Nelly Oelke

    (School of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Social Development, University of British Columbia, Kelowna, BC V1V 1V7, Canada)

  • Nasser Bagheri

    (Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia)

Abstract

A growing body of literature recognises the profound impact of adversity on mental health outcomes for people living in rural and remote areas. With the cumulative effects of persistent drought, record-breaking bushfires, limited access to quality health services, the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing economic and social challenges, there is much to understand about the impact of adversity on mental health and wellbeing in rural populations. In this conceptual paper, we aim to review and adapt our existing understanding of rural adversity. We undertook a wide-ranging review of the literature, sought insights from multiple disciplines and critically developed our findings with an expert disciplinary group from across Australia. We propose that rural adversity be understood using a rural ecosystem lens to develop greater clarity around the dimensions and experiences of adversity, and to help identify the opportunities for interventions. We put forward a dynamic conceptual model of the impact of rural adversity on mental health and wellbeing, and close with a discussion of the implications for policy and practice. Whilst this paper has been written from an Australian perspective, it has implications for rural communities internationally.

Suggested Citation

  • Joanne Lawrence-Bourne & Hazel Dalton & David Perkins & Jane Farmer & Georgina Luscombe & Nelly Oelke & Nasser Bagheri, 2020. "What Is Rural Adversity, How Does It Affect Wellbeing and What Are the Implications for Action?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-13, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:19:p:7205-:d:422774
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Ryuichi Ohta & Akinori Ueno & Chiaki Sano, 2021. "Changes in the Comprehensiveness of Rural Medical Care for Older Japanese Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-9, October.
    3. Emma Motrico & Jose A. Salinas-Perez & Maria Luisa Rodero-Cosano & Sonia Conejo-Cerón, 2021. "Editors’ Comments on the Special Issue “Social Determinants of Mental Health”," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(8), pages 1-9, April.
    4. Ryuichi Ohta & Koichi Maiguma & Akiko Yata & Chiaki Sano, 2022. "A Solution for Loneliness in Rural Populations: The Effects of Osekkai Conferences during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(9), pages 1-10, April.
    5. Kate Emond & Melanie Bish & Michael Savic & Dan I. Lubman & Terence McCann & Karen Smith & George Mnatzaganian, 2021. "Characteristics of Confidence and Preparedness in Paramedics in Metropolitan, Regional, and Rural Australia to Manage Mental-Health-Related Presentations: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(4), pages 1-10, February.

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