This study investigated the rate of mental health problems amongst farmers compared with non-farmer rural residents & additional factors that might contribute to an increased risk of suicide amongst farmers. Key findings emerged from self-report questionnaire data, personality measures, & semi-structured interviews. No support was found for higher rates of mental health problems among farmers compared to non-farmer rural residents but potentially important personality differences were identified. Individual personality, gender, & community attitudes that limit the ability to acknowledge or express mental health problems & to seek help for these may be significant risk factors for suicide in farmers. (54 refs.) JA