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

Investigating cognitive predictors of crash risk in provisional drivers

This research wll investigate multiple potential cognitive predictors of crash risk in provisional drivers leading to novel training programs to improve road safety .

Student intake

Open for Honours, Masters, PhD students

People

Professor Mark Horswill, University of Queensland, Co-investigator
Associate Professor Andrew Hill, University of Queensland, Co-investigator

Investigating physiological, behavioural, perceptual and cognitive responses to heat exposure and/or physical activity

This team is undertaking various projects aiming to identify how exposure to enivronmental stress, including extreme heat exposure, can effect health and modify physiological, behavioural, perceptual and cognitive function.

Student intake

Open for Honours, MPhil, PhD students

People

Dr Ulrike Schumann, ANU John Curtin School of Medical Research
Dr Michael Tong, ANU National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health
Professor Ben Rattray, University of Canberra, Active Brain
Dr Kristy Martin, University of Canberra, Active Brain
Professor Ollie Jay, University of Sydney, Heat and Health Research Incubator
Dr Nicholas Ravanelli, National Singapore University

Investigating the impacts of inclusive fitness environments

This project looks at the impacts of a fitness campaign on inclusivity, body image, health behaviour, feelings of discrimination and mental health.

People

Dr Anika Quayle, ANU

Magnesium alloy for biodegradable and antibacterial orthopaedic implants—Sheep model preclinical trial.

The project will test the biocompatibility of the novel alloy and assess local tissue reaction and fracture healing at the test site as well as systemic absorption of metabolites.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Masters, MPhil, PhD students

People

Professor Xiaobo Chen

Mapping the Health Impacts of Climate Change in Health Professional Education

This project conducted by an interdisciplinary team examines the established evidence base, policy regulation and published curricula on the Health Impacts of Climate Change in health professional education.

People

Dr Samantha Stanley (UNSW), Co-investigator
Dr Connor Graham (FNU), Co-investigator

Medical student attitudes to people who use drugs

The aim of this project is to conduct a longitudinal survey to measure ANU medical students’ attitudes to, experiences of and intentions to participate in drug use-related health care.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Masters, MPhil, PhD students

People

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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