Separation well-being study
From the September 2007 edition of Agriculture Today.
Research into separation and relationship breakdown as contributors to suicidal behaviour is sparse; however some evidence has suggested that separation has a powerful impact on the level of suicide risk, and on psychological health and well-being generally.
The Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention at Griffith University in Queensland is conducting a study on the impact of marital and de facto separation on men’s psychological well-being.
The study will investigate the role of relationship breakdown in the development of suicidal thoughts, gestures, and behaviours in males.
"We invite men and women 18 years and older who have experienced a marital or de facto separation relationship in the past 12 months but who have not yet divorced or finalised de facto separation to participate," project coordinator Jacinta Hawgood said.
"This research will give us information on the causes of distress for men going through separation, as well as information on the different points during the separation process at which they feel most distressed," Ms Hawgood said.
"This information is crucial for the development of support which helps to reduce the stress experienced during separation."
NSW Department of Primary Industries drought support worker at Forbes, Jan Bruce, praises the researchers’ intentions. "I think it is a very worthwhile subject as I am sure it has affected many rural men," she said.
"There have been many farming families affected by separation due the financial and emotional stress ... a sad statistic that has come from drought. "
Across the State it has been reported to drought support workers that many men have been left on the farm, due to the breakdown of the marriage.
"In many cases, because of necessity, the wife leaves to seek off-farm work in regional centres, they sometimes set themselves up in a new home and relocate the children into schools and don’t return to the farm.
"These men are left on the farm with the stress and the hopelessness of the continuing drought, which can contribute to mental and health problems and because of the remote areas where farms are located, the access to help is difficult."
The researchers want to help find solutions to the growth in the divorce rate, suicide rate and economic, social and emotional cost of suicide, and to get a better understanding of factors that contribute to the development of suicidal behaviour.
Participants are asked to complete a confidential and anonymous 30 minute questionnaire now and again in six months time.
The Australian Research Council has funded the study for three years from 2006 to 2008.
It is essential that anyone interested in participating should contact Griffith University now - 160 participants are required for the study before the end of October.
Contact the study web site at www.griffith.edu.au/marital-study, email maritalstudy@griffith.edu.au or call (07) 3735 3338.
