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

Toward a social-psychology of prejudice reduction: Examining lay beliefs

This project aims to expand social-psychological knowledge of prejudice by examining beliefs about what prejudice is, as well as the social and psychological factors affecting these beliefs.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Masters, MPhil, PhD students

People

Professor Michael Platow

Associate Professor Dirk Van Rooy (Antwerp University)

Understanding social barriers to support, help-seeking, and recovery for people experiencing eating disorder symptoms

This study investigates the role of social identity, social connection and support, stigma and mental health, and disordered eating norms in help-seeking.

People

Ms Alana Dorris (UQ)

Understanding the impact of calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonist Rimegepant on cognitive function and mood in people with migraine

Migraines can effect cognition and overall cogntive function. This project will assess the impact of Rimegepant on people with migraine.

People

A/ Prof Stephanie Goodhew

Unlocking the social cure: Innovations in basic and translational science of the social determinants of mental health

This project seeks to provide rigorous evidence to guide practitioners and policymakers on how best to address factors such as discrimination and loneliness to improve mental health outcomes, using laboratory experiments, longitudinal cohort studies, and randomised controlled trials.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Masters, MPhil, PhD students

People

Professor Tegan Cruwys

Using a scientific understanding of human cognition to reduce crash risk in older adult drivers

This research looks at the effects that ageing has on driving abilities and applied cognition and will develop tools to determine if a person is a safe driver in order to ensure road safety.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Masters, MPhil, PhD students

People

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

Using Attentional Control to Help Make People Happier, Healthier and Kinder

Attentional control, self control and executive function all play important roles in our health, safety and overall wellbeing. This project seeks to develop new and innovative ways of measuring attentional control.

Student intake

Open for Honours, Masters, 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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