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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

Photo by Adboe Stock

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.

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

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Projects

This project explores Indigenous mindfulness and the difference in mindfulness and schema setting in Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in order to improve healthcare delivery.

People

  • Dr Sarah Bourke, ANU National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health
  • Professor John Waston, ANU College of Health and Medicine
  • Professor Pat Dudgeon, University Western Australia,
  • Dr Kate Derry, University of Western Australia
  • Associate Professor Jeffrey Ansloos, University Toronto
  • Dr Rebecca Howes, University of British Columbia
  • Associate Professor Moana Waitoki, University of Waikato
  • Associate Professor Esther Willing, University of Otago
  • Assistant Professor Mark Baez, Bemidji State University

News

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

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

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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