(SMH3b) Mental Health and Social Context II
Tuesday Jun 18 11:00 am to 12:30 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)
Trottier Building - ENGTR 1080
Session Code: SMH3b
Session Format: Présentations
Session Language: Anglais
Research Cluster Affiliation: Sociology of Mental Health
Session Categories: Séances Sur Place
This session focuses on the impact of social context on mental health outcomes, including changes over the life course. We define social context broadly, ranging from financial and economic context to neighbourhood residence, country of origin, workplaces, or social and demographic contexts including institutions of family, gender, race, and ethnicity. The papers in this session will emphasize patterns of differential vulnerability by individuals' social position within those contexts, including age and socioeconomic status, for example. Tags: Égalité et Inégalité, Santé et soin
Organizers: Ruth Repchuck, McMaster University, Jinette Comeau, King's University College at Western University; Chair: Ruth Repchuck, McMaster University
Presentations
Donia Saleh Mohammad Obeidat, University of Toronto
Occupational injuries and psychosocial challenges continue to impact worker health in the construction industry. Construction trades workers engage in physically and mentally demanding work while managing exposures to physical, environmental, organizational, and psychosocial hazards. While previous research, including our own, has identified these occupational hazards there remains a gap in understanding the impact of individual occupational risk factors across diverse trades workers, including apprentices, electricians, and trades contractors. In this study, we used stratified and gender-based analyses to characterize sleep quality, personal and work-related burnout, and psychological distress on trades worker health and wellbeing. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 21 contractors, 30 apprentices, and 50 electricians employed by non-unionized small-to-medium-sized trades employers. The survey incorporated validated questionnaires including Psychological Distress Scale (K-10), Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), alongside questions regarding access to social support, and sociodemographic data. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using R version 4.2.3. There were no significant differences in sleep quality, however contractors reported the lowest sleep duration at 5.8 hours/day. No differences in accessing of social support or experiencing work and personal-related burnout. Apprentices reporting higher psychologically distressed than electricians and contractors ( p < 0.05) seeking support more often from family and friends than co-workers. No gender-based differences in sleep quality, burnout, access to social support, and psychological distress were identified due to a small sample size of women included in the study. These findings suggest that construction trades workers would benefit from workplace mental health interventions to support psychological wellbeing at work. Further education to improve mental health literacy is critical to support apprentices as they enter the industry and manage diverse psychosocial exposures at work.
Non-presenting authors: Yiyan Li, University of Toronto; Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia, University of Toronto; Aaron Howe, University of Toronto; Ali Bani-Fatemi, University of Toronto
Amanda Deeley, University of Toronto
The nature of the relationship between marital statuses and attendant health outcomes experienced by women and men has long been debated by family and health scholars (Bernard, 1973; Gove and Tudor, 1973; Pearlin and Johnson, 1977; Thoits, 1986; Umberson et al., 1996). As divorce rates and common-law partnerships have increased since the 1980s, some scholarship has highlighted the protective effects of the legal institution of marriage over divorce and cohabitation (Waite and Gallagher, 2000). Others have argued that the effects of marital status and marital transitions on well-being vary little by gender (Ross, 1995; Booth and Amato, 1991) or for common-law unions versus legal marriage (Musick and Bumpass, 2012). Still more research has suggested that remaining in unhappy marriages undermines well-being in ways equivalent to divorcing or remaining unmarried (Williams, 2003; Amato and Hohmann-Marriott, 2007) and that the context of the marriage relationship itself influences the outcomes of those who subsequently exit marriage (Wheaton, 1990). My paper examines the strengths of the association between these various marital statuses and mental health outcomes among two cohorts of American men and women two decades apart: in the mid-1990s as rates of divorce and common-law unions were increasing, and a second cohort surveyed in the early 2010s. As the institution of marriage today is arguably viewed as less socially necessary or consequential than in previous generations (Weissman, 2013; Angus Reid Institute, 2018), my project asks: 1) What is the relationship between marital status and key mental health outcomes (depression, anxiety, and self-rated mental health) at these two time points? 2) (How) do these associations differ by birth and age cohort, as well as by gender, socioeconomic status, parental status, or racial/ethnic group? 3) Is there evidence of change in the magnitude of the protective or deleterious effects of different marital statuses on health across two distinct time points/generational cohorts? The literature suggests some evidence that suggests these factors have different effects by gender, racial/ethnic background, and have shifted over time. For example, Margolis and Choi (2020) point out that between 1991 to 2018 in the Canadian context, the economic gap between divorced men and women narrowed considerably. Recent assessments of stability and change in predictors of marital dissolution and common-law unions suggest similar trends in the American context (Kuo and Raley, 2016; Rosenfeld and Roesler, 2023). Because economic inequality has been argued to pose chronic strain for unpartnered/divorced individuals leading to poorer health outcomes than for married individuals, improvements in economic equality might suggest that health outcomes may be more positive for cohabitators, divorced and single/never-marrieds now than in the 1990s. However, there is also support for McLanahan's (2004) "diverging destinies" hypothesis, suggesting that Black Americans and Americans with lower educational attainment are increasingly more likely to be divorced or to never marry (Rosenfeld and Roesler, 2023). This suggests possible increasing exposure to differential health outcomes based on marital status across these groups. To assess my cohort change hypothesis, I pool and compare cross-sectional survey data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the U.S. (MIDUS). The study was developed to investigate social factors and age-related variations in health and well-being in a representative national probability sample of adults in midlife. 3,487 eligible participants ("cohort 1") between the ages of 25 and 74 completed the initial survey in 1994. A comparable "refresher" cohort ("cohort 2") was asked the same survey questions in 2011. I assess inter- and intra-cohort change in the effects of marriage, common-law unions, divorce, separation, and singlehood, between those aged 25-42 at the time of the first wave, and two age sub-groups in cohort 2, those aged 25-42, as well as to those aged 42-60 in 2011 (i.e., the same age-period cohort as the cohort 1 group) by testing interactions between marital status and cohort. The dependent variables map associations between mental distress (depression, a key mental health indicator for women), anti-social behaviours (alcohol use, a key indicator of mental distress for men), and self-reported mental health. Preliminary analysis suggests that the negative association between separated/divorced status and mental health outcomes such as depression has diminished between these two time points, while cohabitation suggests a strengthened positive association with mental well-being in the refresher cohort, though more analysis of intra-cohort effects is underway.
Aida Parnia, University of Toronto
Inequalities in the health of queer and trans people: Cis-heteropatriarchy as a theoretical approach
The higher rates of adverse mental health outcomes have been consistently documented in queer and trans people compared to cisgender and heterosexual groups. Much of the literature in the sociology of health explains these inequalities in mental health using the minority stress theory, which describes how the stress resulting from the stigma associated with being a minority group impacts mental health. This theory has been expanded to describe differences by gender identity or sexual orientation and has been used in explaining worse health outcomes in those with multiple marginalized identities. The main contribution of minority stress theory is in how stressors and sources of resilience are experienced and contribute to one’s mental health. However, it fails to explain how and why specific stressors are distributed in the population. Being a minority in a society does not explain why certain groups are oppressed and how this oppression impacts them. In other words, there is a need for theories that describe the social conditions of queer and trans people in order to understand the distribution of health outcomes in this population. This paper proposes using cis-heteropatriarchy as a framework to understand the structures that shape oppression, expropriation, and exploitation on the basis of sex, gender, and sexuality. Cis-heteropatriarchy refers to all of the ways that our lives are impacted by our relationship to our sex, gender, and sexuality. The binary understanding of gender and sex, as fixed and undifferentiated, is central to defining social roles and the conditions associated with them, including harms and privileges. Heterosexuality represents the institutionalization of these gender relations in several dimensions of life, including intimacy, family, work, and religion. The role of the nuclear family is critical in this structure as it forms the primary unit of social reproduction in capitalist societies, with severe material effects for those excluded from it. Experiences of queerness and gender transition describe deviations from the norms of cis-heteropatriarchy and lead to varying degrees of consequences for the individuals. Explaining the health of queer and trans people within the structures of cis-heteropatriarchy provides several benefits to empirical research, particularly quantitative studies. First, in interpreting the health inequalities, this framework provides a language to describe what is unjust about the disparities observed beyond being associated with minority groups. Furthermore, it allows for interpreting health inequalities within queer and trans communities, which are often homogenized in the analyses. Second, this framework is consequential in how sex, gender, and sexuality are conceptualized and measured. The changes to the measurements of these variables have been discussed in the literature concerning the need for inclusion. However, using this framework would require researchers to consider how to measure the social location of individuals within the structures of cis-heteropatriarchy. Third, cis-heteropatriarchy represents structural forces and suggests the need for indicators to measure these forces. Measurement of structural oppression on race and gender has been a growing body of literature on social inequalities in health. While some of these indicators are also consequential in understanding the health of queer and trans people, there is a need to conceptualize indicators particular to the social conditions of this group. Lastly, this framework allows us to understand queer and trans health in a changing world. The increasing hostility toward trans people at the same time as greater acceptance of same-sex marriage is a piece of evidence that there is not a linear path toward greater acceptance and better social positions. There is a need to understand how structures of cis-heteropatriarchy are changing as a result of different social movements.
Sahar Fazeli, McGill University
Mental health deeply affects how we think, feel, and act every day. For people facing mental illness, life can be tough, making it hard to work, socialize, and find happiness. Sadly, many feel alone and ashamed, which stops them from getting the help they need. In response to this social challenge and stigma, mental health campaigns have evolved over time. Early initiatives like the "Defeat Depression" campaign and more recent endeavors such as Bell Lets Talk have been instrumental in raising awareness and challenging societal perceptions, attempting to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health. In recent years, mental health video testimonials have emerged as a complementary tool, conveying personal narratives through short videos. Their blend of visual and verbal content, coupled with the widespread popularity and accessibility of videos in our era, makes them impactful resources for reaching greater and more diverse audiences. So, this study aims to gain a thorough understanding of how mental health campaigns in Canada have used video testimonials to portray mental illnesses by offering a unique perspective on this topic. This study employs a rigorous and comprehensive content analysis, examining both visual and verbal components of video testimonials created by Canadian social marketing and fundraising campaigns focusing on mental health. Following specific eligibility criteria (first-person video testimonials, 1-5 minutes in duration, produced in English or French), 117 video testimonials published between 2010 and 2023 were selected and retained for analysis. Utilizing a multi-level coding process known as the VVVA (Visual-Verbal Video Analysis) method, this research explores video characteristics, individual perspectives, emotions, and the conveyed messages in the most multimodal manner possible. The outcomes of this content analysis underscore the capacity of video testimonials to offer insights into individuals mental health journeys, illuminating various aspects of mental illness including challenges, needs, emotions, and messages. Despite the evolution of campaign themes over time, the fundamental objectives of these testimonials, raising awareness, fighting the stigma surrounding mental health, and enhancing access to care, as stated in their intended goals have remained consistent. Our findings also expose certain gaps within these video narratives. It was noted that a majority of participants did not disclose their demographics or positionality, aspects that could potentially enhance the impact of reducing stigma and promoting help-seeking attitudes. Additionally, a significant absence of ethnic, racial and sexual diversity representation within these testimonials raises pertinent questions regarding inclusivity and the comprehensive representation of diverse mental health experiences. This highlights the urgent necessity for candid discussions about mental health and underscores the importance of addressing disparities in representation. Drawing from our findings, the depiction of mental illness in these video testimonials appears to vary depending on the individuals perspective or the goals of the producers (i.e., campaign purposes). This prompts contemplation about alternative approaches for sharing such narratives in a more genuine and authentic manner. Digital storytelling, characterized by its non-professional nature and reduced influence of campaign agendas, emerges as a potential avenue for future research. Exploring the efficacy of different types of videos in combating stigma and disseminating knowledge about mental health could be invaluable. Overall, as we strive for a more inclusive and stigma-free world, it seems imperative for further research to integrate digital narratives as they shift the discourse to the visual realm, humanizing discussions and offering deeper understanding and insights into mental health topics.
Non-presenting authors: Judith Sabetti, Douglas Mental Health University Institute; Srividya Iyer, McGill University; Jai Shah, McGill University; Claudia Mitchell, McGill University; Manuela Ferrari, McGill University
Nabeela Farah, Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan
In the wake of the post-COVID era, the rapid advancement of technology, particularly in the realms of the Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile communication, has ushered in a new era of interconnectedness. However, this digital transformation, seemingly poised to enhance social and interpersonal relations, has raised concerns about its unintended consequences on human behavior, mental health, and societal stability. This research study delves into the multifaceted impacts of digital transformation, shedding light on the alarming trends that threaten the fabric of human connections and well-being. The paradoxical nature of digital transformation becomes apparent as it ostensibly connects individuals globally, yet its impact on interpersonal relationships is far from benign. The research aims were to comprehensively investigate the detrimental impact of digital transformation on human behavior and mental health, exploring its role in contributing to social instability. The study sought to understand, quantify, and analyze the complex dynamics of this multifaceted phenomenon. The research study on the adverse impact of digital transformation on human behavior, mental health, and social stability employed a comprehensive mixed-methods approach drawing on insights from psychology, sociology, and technology studies to provide a comprehensive analysis of the implications of digital transformation. It started with an extensive literature review to understand existing theories and findings and then Qualitative methods, such as focus group discussions gathered firsthand experiences and case studies offered in depth analysis. Statistical and qualitative analyses were applied to derive insights, with a focus on triangulation for result validation. The study incorporated an interdisciplinary approach, considering ethical considerations thorough examination of the complex relationship between digital transformation and human well-being. The study explored how the increased reliance on digital communication platforms has diminished face-to-face interactions, leading to a decline in intimacy and the widening of gaps among individuals as well as in the society as a whole. Consequently, the erosion of genuine human connections contributes to rising levels of loneliness and exacerbates mental health issues. One of the focal points of this research was the examination of how digital transformation is reshaping individual states of mind, family dynamics and social fabric. The study investigated the decline in family bonding attributed to the pervasive influence of technology, identifying the subtle yet profound ways in which digital devices infiltrate domestic spaces. As families become immersed in the digital realm, the traditional foundations of familial relationships are compromised, potentially leading to familial breakdowns and an erosion of the social fabric. Beyond individual and familial repercussions, the study also addressed the broader societal impact of digital transformation. The erosion of privacy, transparency, fairness, reproducibility, and accountability in the digital age poses a significant threat to the stability of societies. The interconnected nature of technology brings about new challenges in preserving personal privacy, ensuring fair and transparent governance, and maintaining accountability in an increasingly complex digital landscape. By exploring the nexus between technological advancement and human behavior, the study aimed to uncover the intricate mechanisms through which digital transformation contributes to mental health challenges and social instability. In conclusion, this research study serves as a timely exploration into the adverse effects of digital transformation on human behavior, mental health, and societal stability. It unveils the paradoxical consequences of a hyper-connected world, where technological advancements intended to bring people closer together may inadvertently drive them apart. The findings of this study not only contribute to our understanding of the complex interplay between technology and human well-being but also offer insights that can inform policy decisions and interventions aimed at mitigating the negative repercussions of digital transformation in terms of human behavior and mental health, family dynamics and societal stability.