Masters Theses

Date of Award

12-1981

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Agricultural Extension

Major Professor

Cecil E. Carter, Jr

Committee Members

Robert S. Dotson, Marion B. Mariner

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to: 1) study the relationships between selected factors contributing to homemakers' stress and number of contacts they had with Extension Agents during fiscal year 1980, and 2) study the relationships between selected factors contributing to homemakers' stress and their employment status. Data were obtained through group interviews of homemakers in 91 Tennessee counties in the Fall 1980. Sampling was done on a county basis by Extension Agents. The Nth number technique of random sampling was used. Computations were made by The University of Tennessee Computer Center. Information was tabulated by frequency counts. The analysis of variance F-test was used to determine relationships between factors contributing to homemakers' stress and number of contacts they had with Extension. The chi square test was used to determine factors contributing to homemakers' stress and employment. A probability level of .05 was accepted as being statistically significant. Findings indicated that homemakers who worried about family finances, rearing children, and family relationships made fewer Extension contacts than homemakers who did not worry about these matters. Significant relationships were found between Extension meetings and these variables. In contrast, homemakers who worried about being overworked made more Extension contacts. It was also found that homemakers who felt guilty about not making their own money made significantly more visits and telephone calls to the County Extension Office and also more total Extension contacts than homemakers who did not feel guilty. Only one of the causes of dissatisfaction, not having enough time for special projects for own enjoyment, was found to be significantly related to all Extension contacts. Homemakers who often, frequently, and very frequently had enough time for special projects made more Extension contacts than homemakers who rarely or never had enough time. Findings indicated that homemakers' contacts with Extension were significantly related to their source of advice for family problems. Homemakers who turned to the church, Extension Agent, school, and other professionals made significantly more total Extension contacts and attended significantly more Extension meetings. It was found that homemakers who wanted information on handling stress and tension tended to make more visits and telephone calls to the County Extension Office while homemakers who wanted information on mid-life/mid-career decision making attended significantly more Extension meetings, made significantly more telephone calls, and received significantly more Extension newsletters. Findings indicated that more employed homemakers worried about family finances, rearing children, family relationships, and being overworked. These findings also indicated that a higher percentage of employed homemakers had guilt feelings about not spending time with spouse, not developing their talents, and amount of time spent on self than unemployed homemakers. Further, more employed homemakers reported a greater number of dissatisfactions and periods of discouragement, unhappiness, and depression. It was found that a higher percentage of employed homemakers compared with unemployed homemakers turned to friends, relatives, and the Extension Service for advice on family problems. More unemployed homemakers sought help from the church, school, and other professionals. And finally, a higher percentage of employed than unemployed homemakers wanted information on parenting and child development, marital and family relations, handling stress and tension, personal growth and life planning, and mid-life/mid-career decision making. A greater percentage of unemployed homemakers wanted information on handling depression. Implications and recommendations, and recommendations for further study are also included.

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