Society, Culture and Health

We explore the complex relationships between societal factors, cultural beliefs and health, working towards solutions for improved health and wellbeing for all.

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

Collaborative Health, Education, Self and Society (CHESS) Lab

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.

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A group of people standing on a hill, looking care free and happy.

Health and Identity Lab

Our research examines the ways our mental and physical health are shaped by our social relationships and social connectedness.

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Projects

Emotional expression regulation and social display rules

The ability to regulate how you express your emotions is a key ingredient for social success.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Masters, MPhil, PhD students

People

Dr Yiyun Shou

Empowered to talk about body image in chronic illness: A pilot study to identify health professional training needs

This project aims to understand the key training needs of health professionals working with people experiencing long-term medical conditions.

People

Associate Professor Rachel Bacon (University of Canberra)

Evaluation of Alternative Commissioning Pilots for remote and First Nations communities

This project is co-designed with community to identity and evaulate opportunities for more culturally appropriate and sustainable services, and to foster the growth of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander disability services sector to ensure social inclusion.

People

Dr Francis Markham

Exploring Consumer Leadership in Palliative Care: A Delphi Study

This study aims to develop a framework for optimal role delineation and training for consumer leadership within palliative care.

People

Professor Vinh Lu, ANU, Director, Research School of Management

Improving Human Empathy

This research looks at perspective-taking, particularly in the areas of empathy, compassion and alturism.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Masters, PhD students

People

Improving person-centred care in hospitals: Transitioning the “Volunteer Dementia and Delirium Care Program” training online

An innovative online interactive training course will be developed and trialled to promote wider and more rapid adoption of the existing evidenced-based person-centred Volunteer Dementia and Delirium Care Program, to support higher quality of care in acute hospital settings across Australia. This project responds directly to urgent calls from our long-term consumer, volunteer, hospital and government partners to improve person-centred hospital care for people living with dementia and/or delirium.

People

Professor Ian Cameron, The University of Sydney, Co-Investigator
Dr Mike Bird, Co-Investigator and Consumer Advisor
Professor Victoria Traynor, University of the Sunshine Coast, Co-Investigator
Professor Susan Kurrle, The University of Sydney, Associate Investigator
Mr Glen Pang, Agency for Clinical Innovation, Associate Investigator
Ms Elaine Todd, Associate Investigator and Consumer Advisor
Ms Zhoumei (Claire) Yan, University of Wollongong, Associate Investigator

News

The team of researchers and collaborators from the Know Me Dementia Project

Knowing the person behind the dementia diagnosis

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.

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Photo of Victoria Thomas, PhD Scholar by Dave Fanner/ANU

Injuries of the moral kind

Making tough decisions that conflict with your values can result in what psychologists call 'moral injuries'. ANU experts are working to understand this better.

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