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Psychiatric Epidemiology and Social Issues Team

The Psychiatric Epidemiology and Social Issues team (PEaSI) primarily conducts research concerned with identifying the social determinants and social consequences of mental disorders. The research adopts a life course and ecological perspective; emphasising family, employment and broader community influences. Methodologically, there is an emphasis on longitudinal data analysis using large-scale population data sources, such as the PATH Through Life (PATH) data and the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) data.

A fundamental aspect of the research conducted by PEaSI is a focus on the implications for policy and practice from research findings and to help develop specific interventions. Several of the current research projects involve partnerships with government and non-government organisations. We also aim to build the capacity of both researchers and students in the areas of psychiatric epidemiology and social policy.

 

Current projects cover:

• the impact of working conditions, unemployment and retirement on health and wellbeing;
• the impact of family circumstances on health and wellbeing;
• barriers to social and workforce participation and service use (i.e. social disadvantage and exclusion);
• the evidence-base for social participation interventions as a strategy to improve mental health and well-being.

 

PEaSI works closely with a broader group of researchers known as the Family and Community Health Research Unit (FaCHRU). This group comprises of researchers from several areas of The ANU including: The Centre for Mental Health Research (CMHR), The National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH), The Australian Demographic & Social Research Institute (ADSRI), and The Research School of Social Sciences (RSSS).

In addition, we work closely with members of the Ageing Research Unit (ARU) on research questions around workforce participation in older age, well-being and late-life transitions.

PEaSI also has strong research links with The Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network, directed by Dr Elspeth Macdonald.

 

Contacts:

Dr Peter Butterworth or Tel. 02 6125 8097

Ms Sarah Olesen or Tel. 02 6125 3379

Ms Liana Leach or Tel. 02 6125 9725