The International Conference on Social Identity and Health is a biennial meeting that brings together researchers from multiple disciplines, along with community health practitioners and policy makers, to consider how aspects of social identity and social relationships can promote positive mental and physical health outcomes.
There are now numerous demonstrations that having strong social connections reduces the risk of mortality (related to numerous causes) by almost 50%; an effect that is comparable to well-established protective factors such as quitting smoking, reducing BMI, and exercising more. In this way, social identities can serve as a ‘social cure’ that enhances a person’s ability to deal with a range of illnesses, injuries, and stressors.
The 2nd International Conference on Social Identity will take place in Ottawa, Canada on June 2 – June 4, 2014. It is comprised of three forums:
- Symposium on Aboriginal Identity and Health: Rooting Aboriginal Health and Wellness in the Rich Soil of Culture (June 2) See Poster.
