Psychological and Social Determinants of Health and Well-Being

Psychological and Social Determinants of Health and Well-Being Research

Laurier researchers across the university are investigating issues related to health and well-being. By exploring this foundational topic through scientific, cultural, educational, organizational and psychological lenses, researchers encourage positive physical, mental and emotional health.

The Sun Life Financial Centre for Physically Active Communities is a community outreach program that aims to improve activity levels and the overall health of youth within our community.

The Manfred and Penny Conrad Institute for Music Therapy Research and the Laurier Centre for Music in the Community focus on the healing effects of music at the individual and community levels.

The Manulife Centre for Community Health Research examines social determinants of health through a variety of community-based research projects.


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Current Research Strengths

Health and Well-Being Across the Lifespan

This field of research addresses achievement and engagement across the lifespan, from cognitive development to socio-emotional well-being in children, adolescents and adults, in order to improve quality of life for individuals and communities. It also includes theories of death and dying, well-being in schools and workplaces, and the challenges of aging in rural settings.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is the clinical use of music to address physical, emotional, cognitive and social needs. Through a variety of musical experiences, therapists can help clients improve their health and quality of life.

Well-Being and Resilience

Resiliency is the ability to maintain or quickly return to a state of well-being, even in the face of significant hardship, adversity or stress. Developing resiliency starts at infancy and continues through young adulthood. Resilience is reinforced by healthy schools, communities and workplaces.

Emerging Research Strengths

Community Impact through Innovative Physical Activity

Physical activity is a fundamental part of human nature and is essential for healthy development. It can be utilized in community settings to achieve social impact.

Human Performance in Complex Socio-Technical Environments

User experience design research in this theme focuses on the development of applications based on modeling human performance in complex socio-technical environments as well as understanding the psychological, social and health impacts of technology use by specific user groups including Northern Indigenous communities, children and seniors.

Innovative Partnerships for Social Work, Education, and Society

With their expertise in crisis management, mental health issues in the workplace and schools, workplace bullying, inclusion, equity, and diversity, and gendered and sexual violence, the social work and education fields could achieve long-term sustainability by creating meaningful partnerships in the business and not-for-profit sectors.

Supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals


no poverty zero hunger un-goal-03.jpg quality education gender equality decent work and economic growth reduced inequalities sustainable cities and communities life on land peace, justice and strong institutions