An interdisciplinary workshop within the major project “The many facets of social inequality”

Two presentations will be giving during the workshop. 

11.00 - 11.30: Professor Mario Weick, Department of Psychology 

Title:  How, when, and why is social class linked to mental health and wellbeing? A systematic meta-review

Abstract:  Social class is often considered a vital factor influencing mental health and wellbeing. However, previous attempts to synthesise the literature have been limited in scope, focusing on narrow facets of social class (e.g., social capital) or mental health and wellbeing (e.g., mental disorders), and rarely considering the mechanisms that might explain these relationships. Adopting a broad perspective on social class and mental health and wellbeing, this meta-review synthesises evidence from 149 reviews, each assessed for quality of evidence and risk of bias. While the literature is extensive, it remains of low quality. The most robust evidence links lower social positions to higher rates of depression. While there is evidence attesting to the negative effects of deprivation, socioeconomic status, income, and subjective social status, associations with education, occupation, wealth, and social capital remain inconclusive. As for mechanisms, there is some evidence for mediation through subjective social status, sense of control, and experiences of stress or trauma, while higher socioeconomic status may buffer the adverse impact of neighbourhood deprivation or lower social capital. Future research employing experimental or quasi-experimental methods, and systematic reviews with a low risk of bias, are needed to advance this area of research. 

1.00 -1.30pm: Dr Andrew Krause, Department of Mathematical Sciences

Title: Interactive Simulations for Communicating Science and Policy

Abstract: tbc 

This event is open to all. To manage numbers please contact Dr Alpár Mészáros, Mathematical Sciences (alpar.r.meszaros@durham.ac.uk) or Dr Mauro Bambi, Economics (mauro.bambi@durham.ac.uk) to express interest in attending.