Society, Culture and Health
About
The research theme blends insights from medicine, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and public health. This research theme delves into the intricate relationships among societal factors, cultural beliefs, and health outcomes. Researchers within this theme are focused on examining how social and cultural factors (such as discrimination, identity, isolation, or disadvantage) influence health behaviours, access to healthcare, and the presence of health disparities. They also study the effects of social determinants of health—such as economic status, education, and environment—on health outcomes both for individuals and across populations.
Theme Leads: Jonathan Mond and Tegan Cruwys (Interim)
Groups
The CHESS lab is a multi-disciplinary research group working together to collaboratively solve real-world problems “in the wild”. We are particularly interested in applied research focusing on education, health and wellbeing.
Our research examines the ways our mental and physical health are shaped by our social relationships and social connectedness.
The Intelligence Network for Social Identity, Groups, Health, & Trust (INSIGHT) is a network of Australian researchers in the social and behavioural sciences. Founded in 2024, INSIGHT experts engage in national security research that centres on the critical roles of social identity, groups, health and trust in national security.
Projects
News
The Know Me Dementia program is evaluating if a 4 minute digital story about the life of a person living with dementia can support care staff to provide better person-centred care.
Making tough decisions that conflict with your values can result in what psychologists call 'moral injuries'. ANU experts are working to understand this better.