Safety First: The Health Implications of Social Belonging Among Utah Women

For over three decades, health psychologists have documented disproportionately high mental and physical health problems among individuals who are socially marginalized due to their race/ethnicity, sexual identity, gender identity, or socioeconomic status. The prevailing explanation for these health disparities has been that individuals who are socially marginalized experience higher rates of “minority stress,” or everyday instances of discrimination. However, studies show that the link between stigma and health does not depend solely on the frequency and magnitude of overt stigma-related stressors. Social safety—or reliable social connections, belongingness, and inclusion—may be the missing piece. Without clear indicators of social belonging and inclusion, the human brain “defaults” to a state of chronic hypervigilance, constantly scanning the environment for threat and uncertainty. This takes a toll on a person’s mental and physical health over time. Thus, the lack of social safety may pose just as great a threat to human health as excess stress.  

Recently, the UWLP published a research and policy brief about social safety among Utah women, which is the focus of this episode. Dr. Susan Madsen, Founding Director of the UWLP, is joined by author Dr. Lisa Diamond, distinguished professor of psychology and gender studies in the Department of Psychology at the University of Utah.