Ego-resilience and psychological wellness in rural communities

Ego-resilience and psychological wellness in rural communities

This chapter reviews literature on psychological wellness and individual resilience, and considers their particular value in working with rural communities. The literature emphasises the development of resilience as a process, rather than as an outcome. It may involve dynamic interactions between the nature of the stressor or challenge (internal cognitive, emotional, spiritual, behavioural and physical factors, such as optimism and a belief in oneself), and competencies such as having a wide range of coping strategies; as well as environmental factors including the protective nature of social support. Moreover, resilience in the context of rural communities is defined as the capacity to move through and beyond adversity. The literature recognises that rural people suffer particular stressors: high exposure to global economic pressures and government policy changes; droughts, floods and other extreme weather conditions; and the challenges of keeping a farm financially viable and family intact. Owing to the necessities of survival in 'the bush', rural people tend to be stoic and self-reliant and therefore reluctant to seek help except in dire emergencies. Rural men have been shown to draw on inner strengths to regain control after difficult experiences, along with using formal and social supports, and strategies such as taking breaks. Individual and community resilience are mutually supportive and researchers argue that balanced social and economic development is needed to enhance resilience and wellbeing in rural areas, in addition to improved access to mental health and other health services.

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