About the International Centre for Mental Health Social Research

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The social, economic and cultural environment in which we live is crucial to our mental health and wellbeing...

Research Need

Mental health and wellbeing are among the most significant issues confronting society on a global scale. However, mental health research is under-funded and the social, economic and cultural influences on mental health and wellbeing are under-researched.

Previous studies have shown that social, economic and cultural factors contribute to mental wellbeing and support recovery from mental distress. The social, economic and cultural environment in which we live is crucial to our mental health and wellbeing, though it is currently not a priority for mental health services or social policy.

Interdisciplinary Research

The International Centre for Mental Health Social Research brings together researchers from the University of York and from universities across the world to apply social science to mental health policy and practice. Engaging with disciplines as diverse as sociology, psychology, psychiatry, social work, social policy and gerontology, the interdisciplinary nature of the Centre strengthens its ability to generate evidence to inform social policy and mental health social practice in the UK and internationally.

We enjoy links with The Mental Health and Addiction Research Group (MHARG) here at York which compliment our research interests. MHARG is a leading UK centre focused on the care of people with addictions or mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar illness. MHARG apply population science and an economic perspective. Their aim is to inform practice and policy to ensure addictions services and NHS mental healthcare is effective, efficient and equitable.

Activities

The Centre supports the development of research capacity through supervision of PhD students, including practitioners and social researchers. We also host regular seminars at the University of York.

To find out more about the work of the International Centre for Mental Health Social Research you are welcome to attend one of our events or contact one of our members.

Themes

The Centre brings together researchers investigating multiple aspects of people’s lives. Our research is diverse but is grouped into four over-lapping themes as applied to mental health and wellbeing: social determinants and outcomes; social and policy interventions; social networks and communities; care and support.