Social inequities in health within and between countries remain a persistent social injustice. Psychological insights hold great promise for addressing this global problem, yet psychology's engagement with health inequities has been limited. While specialist areas within psychology have contributed significantly to understanding the experiences of disadvantaged, stigmatized, and minoritized communities, mainstream psychological theory and research have been less involved. Engaging with health inequities offers psychology an important opportunity to demonstrate its relevance to societal issues.
Extensive research in social epidemiology and public health has shown large and enduring inequities in physical and mental health, quality of life, and longevity across social groups. These inequities stem from avoidable and unjust differences in the social conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. Such conditions shape health-related behaviors, stress experiences, and material circumstances that vary between social groups.
Psychology can play a vital role in explaining the behavioral and stress pathways underlying these inequities. However, its contribution remains constrained by a predominant focus on individual differences and a lack of theories addressing group-level disparities. Likewise, psychologically informed interventions often target individuals rather than the broader social structures that sustain inequality.
This presentation will outline several ways psychology can contribute to improving health and wellbeing for all. Addressing social inequities in health presents unique opportunities for psychology to develop and test theories linking societal factors to individual experiences. It also allows psychological insights to inform strategies for social change. A socio-ecological approach to psychology—integrating individual, community, and structural levels—can enhance understanding of health inequities and strengthen the field's impact on social policy, contributing to solutions for major contemporary challenges.