A Critical Review of Mental Health Inequalities from Socio-ecological Lens

Meijing Peng

doi:10.54254/2753-7048/2025.BO22610

Research Article

Open access

Published on 6 May 2025

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Peng,M. (2025). A Critical Review of Mental Health Inequalities from Socio-ecological Lens. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,87,7-14.

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A Critical Review of Mental Health Inequalities from Socio-ecological Lens

Meijing Peng *^,1,

¹ Wolfson Institute of Population Health (WIPH), Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom

* Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

https://doi.org/10.54254/2753-7048/2025.BO22610

Abstract

This article critically evaluates the factors contributing to mental health inequalities through the lens of the social-ecological framework. By exploring interactions across individual, interpersonal, community, societal, and environmental levels, this research highlights how marginalized groups are disproportionately affected by mental health disparities. The study analyzes contemporary issues and trends, emphasizing the complex interplay among factors such as gender, race, socioeconomic status, interpersonal relationships, community cohesion, structural discrimination, cultural contexts, and environmental stressors. A case study examining the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further demonstrates the significance of these interwoven factors. The study concludes by outlining implications for mental health research and practice, advocating for community-centered, culturally sensitive, strength-based approaches, and systemic transformations to dismantle underlying structures of inequality. Ultimately, the study aims to inform evidence-based interventions, policy changes, and equitable resource distribution, thus promoting both individual healing and broader social justice.

Keywords

Mental health inequalities, Social-ecological framework, Marginalized groups, Intersectionality, Systemic discrimination

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Cite this article

Peng,M. (2025). A Critical Review of Mental Health Inequalities from Socio-ecological Lens. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,87,7-14.

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Volume title: Proceedings of ICEIPI 2025 Symposium: Reimagining Society: AI's Role in Cultural Transformation and Learning Environments

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ISBN：978-1-80590-083-2(Print) / 978-1-80590-084-9(Online)

Conference date: 25 June 2025

Editor：Kurt Buhring, Rick Arrowood

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