Work-family conflict a major contributor to poor mental health in Irish farmers, study finds
15 August 2025
Credit: YuriArcursPeopleimages/Envato
(opens in a new window)A new study has revealed that work-family conflict (WFC) is a common contributor to psychological distress among farmers in Ireland, with researchers calling for enhanced mental health support for farming families.
The study, ‘Between the Farm and Family: A Cross-Sectional Survey on Work–Family Conflict in Farmers in Ireland’, was conducted by researchers from UCD and DCU, and is the first research to examine work-family conflict specifically in Irish farmers.
Researchers spoke with 446 farmers across the country – via social media, farmer media, charities and at agricultural marts and shows – to better understand the issue.
99.7% of Irish farms are classified as family farms, where spouses, children, and extended family often play active roles. As a result, the demands of farm work can often interfere with family life and responsibilities.
Farmers with children aged five or under reported higher levels of this work-life clash, highlighting a generational change, as younger farmers often want a more active role in childcare and household tasks.
Male farmers, those with higher reported working hours on the farm, those with larger farms, and dairy or mixed farmers (compared to beef) experienced more significant strain.
Farm-specific stressors – including government policies and operational challenges – and economic pressures were found to make the problem worse for many.
The study found a strong link between farm-family conflict and poor mental health, including depression, anxiety and thoughts of suicide.
“This research shines a light on the real, and often hidden, pressures farmers face in balancing work and family life. Our findings underscore the need for targeted supports that recognise the unique integration of farm and family in rural Ireland,” said (opens in a new window)Professor Louise McHugh from the UCD School of Psychology, who is also co-director of the UCD Agri Mental Health Group.
“The work is an important step toward understanding and addressing these challenges in a way that supports both farming livelihoods and family wellbeing.”
The researchers have noted that mental health supports for farming families must acknowledge work-family conflict as a contributor to psychological strain.
They also recommend that farmers and their families be involved in designing any future support strategies and policies to ensure that the realities of farming life are taken into consideration.
By: Rebecca Hastings, Digital Journalist, UCD University Relations
To contact the UCD News & Content Team, email: newsdesk@ucd.ie
