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Development's 'downside': social and psychological pathology in countries undergoing social change
J A Sugar1, A Kleinman, K Heggenhougen
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.
Health Transition Review : the Cultural, Social, and Behavioural Determinants of Health
|September 6, 1991
Summary
Social change improves health and longevity but can also cause behavioral issues. Further study is needed to understand how social transformations impact mental health and guide policy.
Area of Science:
- Social epidemiology
- Global health
- Mental health research
Background:
- Global social change has led to improved health outcomes, including reduced infectious disease mortality, better child survival, and increased longevity.
- Conversely, contemporary social transformations are associated with emerging behavioral and social problems, presenting a more negative health outlook.
- Historical and local contexts significantly influence the experience and outcomes of social change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complex relationship between social change and health outcomes.
- To identify specific social and moral processes mediating negative mental health outcomes.
- To inform the development of international mental health policy for prevention and intervention.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis of social and health data.
- Examination of historical and local contexts of social change.
- Exploration of mediating psychosocial factors.
Main Results:
- Social change presents a dual impact on health, with both positive and negative consequences.
- Specific social transformations are linked to detrimental mental health effects.
- Understanding mediating factors is crucial for effective mental health interventions.
Conclusions:
- International mental health policy must address the adverse effects of social transformations.
- Targeted interventions focusing on mediating social and moral processes are necessary for prevention.
- A nuanced understanding of social change is essential for global mental health strategies.