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Group Inequalities in Psychopathology Overview

Group Inequalities in Psychopathology

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand types of group-based inequalities impacting risk of psychopathology
  • Evaluate evidence linking group-based inequalities and psychopathology

Lecture Structure

  • Recap of key concepts
  • Discussion on different inequalities:
    • Sex and gender
    • LGBTQ+ mental health
    • Minoritised ethnicities
    • Disabilities
    • Mental health stigma
  • Note: Sensitive materials may evoke negative emotions.

Key Concepts Recap

  • Genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors creates vulnerabilities:
    • Pre- & postnatal stressors and toxins (biological/chemical)
    • Pollution and urban living (physical/social environments)
    • Relationships and maltreatment (social environment)
  • Transdiagnostic risk and protective factors exist, with mechanisms surrounding their impact being less understood, especially biological and developmental.

COVID-19 Impact on Inequalities

  • All children were affected, but the outcomes varied significantly based on socio-economic status
  • Living in poverty further exacerbates risks of psychopathology.

Group-Based Mental Health Inequalities

  • Inequalities based on:
    • Sex and gender
    • Ethnicity
    • Sexual orientation
    • Disability
  • These inequalities are not biologically determined but linked to social determinants.

Sex and Gender-Based Inequalities

  • Historical perspective often conflates biological sex with gender.
  • Women statistically over-represented in mental health issues, but not in all forms of psychopathology.
  • Gendered risk factors include:
    • Societal gender roles
    • Intimate partner violence
    • Differential adversity exposure
  • Consideration for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse identities is crucial.

LGBTQ+ Mental Health Inequalities

  • Minority stress plays a significant role; LGBTQ+ populations face both general and minority-specific stressors.
    • External stressors: hate crimes, discrimination, and harmful legislation.
    • Internal stressors: expectations of harm, victimization, and internalized stigma.
    • Protective factors: connections to LGBTQ+ community, coping mechanisms, and self-appraisal.

Evidence of Minority Stress Effects

  • Minority stressors correlate with higher rates of psychopathology, with protective factors such as:
    • Social support
    • Community connectedness
    • Affirmative environments providing a buffer effect.

Limitations of Current Understanding in LGBTQ+ Research

  • Developmental aspects and social context are important but often overlooked.
  • Individual differences within LGBTQ+ populations are significant, requiring consideration of intersectionality.

Mental Health Inequalities in Minoritised Ethnic Groups

  • These groups are often under-researched but over-represented in psychopathology.
  • Not all ethnicities experience inequalities equally, influenced by:
    • Social determinants (economic, urban living)
    • Structural racism leading to cumulative discrimination.

Mechanisms Behind Ethnic Inequalities

  • Multiple social disadvantages and stresses contribute to mental health outcomes, indicating a public health crisis needing societal solutions.

Protective Factors in Ethnicities

  • Ethnic density can alleviate mental health inequalities by providing community support which benefits mental health outcomes, particularly in externalizing disorders.

University Attendance as a Potential Buffer

  • Higher education may improve outcomes for certain marginalized groups but not universally applicable (e.g., female students).

Disability-Related Mental Health Inequalities

  • Higher prevalence of mental health difficulties in individuals with physical or intellectual disabilities, often compounded by experiences of adversity and social isolation.

Mental Health Stigma as a Social Determinant

  • Types of stigma:
    • Public stigma, perceived stigma, internalized stigma, structural stigma, affiliate stigma.

Impact of Mental Health Stigma

  • Stigma creates barriers to help-seeking, negatively affecting self-esteem, opportunities, and overall mental health outcomes.

Other Group-Based Inequalities

  • Immigrant, refugee, and asylum seeker status
  • Religion
  • Long-term physical conditions
  • Caregiving responsibilities
  • The impact of natural and other disasters.

Recommendations for Addressing Inequalities

  • Focus on prevention and promotion of positive mental health.
  • Implement anti-stigma initiatives and advocate for social justice and policy-level changes.

Importance of Intersectionality

  • Recognizing that various forms of oppression are interconnected to address mental health inequalities effectively.

Summary of Key Themes

  • Group-based inequalities significantly influence mental health outcomes through multifactorial mechanisms.
  • Protective factors can mitigate these effects, but further research is necessary, particularly on intersectional impacts.

Suggested Sources of Support and Reading

  • Resources for mental health support within minority communities.
  • Essential and recommended readings for deeper understanding of group inequalities and mental health outcomes.

Possible Exam Question

  • Discuss associations between group-based inequalities and psychopathology, citing taught materials and essential readings.