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Mental Health and Wellbeing Across the Life Course

The Mental Health and Wellbeing group investigates bio-psycho-social causes and consequences linked to mental health and wellbeing across the lifecourse.

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Associate Professor Richard Burns

About

The Mental Health and Wellbeing group investigates bio-psycho-social causes and consequences linked to mental health and wellbeing across the lifecourse - with focus on resources and social contexts that matter for health equity (and inequities). Our research focuses on understanding risk/protective factors for mental health and wellbeing at the population-level - both in the broader community and in specific population groups (e.g. adolescents, parents, older adults). We collaborate together with and provide evidence for public policy, as well as community and health services.

Sub-groups

  • Cognitive Ageing & Dementia
  • Flourishing Across the Lifespan
  • NeuroImaging & Brain Lab
     

Projects

Research in the cognitive ageing within Department of Health Economics Wellbeing and Society (DHEWS) focuses on describing the course of cognitive development from young adulthood into old age, identifying factors that moderate the trajectory of cognitive development and decline and the impact of cognitive ageing on everyday functions.

The healthy ageing stream uses a life-span developmental approach to investigate and promote physical and mental wellbeing in older adulthood. We particularly focus on psychological processes and resources that affect health outcomes and influence positive ageing and adaptation.

The NeuroImaging & Brain Lab (NIMBL) is particularly interested in investigating the associations between the influence of health and environmental factors on brain ageing throughout the adult lifespan and to determine how difference and change in cerebral structure relate to behaviour and cognition.