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.