Participants reported that the value of independence among rural members of their cohort would likely prevent many from seeking needed help. “People in my age group . . . the people I interact with are really just pretty self reliant,” stated one participant. (Interview 15) Other participants referred to a sense of self-sufficiency among rural adults. Many witnessed the self-reliance of their parents as they recovered financially from the Great Depression.
Others referred to characteristics of rural communities and the value that those who live in rural environments place on independence. This valuing of independence was acknowledged by these participants and endorsed as a factor that affects treatment-seeking beliefs