Advanced Research on Mental Health & Society Spotlight: Community-Engaged Research on Frontline Care Workers' Emotional Labour and Mental Health

McMaster University’s recently launched interdisciplinary Centre for Advanced Research on Mental Health & Society (ARMS) aims to highlight research endeavours that underscore structural and societal aspects of mental health rather than psychological-driven approaches.

In this presentation, Dr. Marisa Young (Director of ARMS) will provide a brief overview of ARMS’ initiatives and ongoing pillar research projects, including the Family-Friendly Community Resources Study for Better Balance, Health & Well-Being, the University Student E-Mental Health Survey, and the COVID-19 & Faculty Mental Health Study.

Dr. Diana Singh (Executive Director) will then talk in depth about one of ARMS’ community-engaged projects on emotional labour and mental health, which addresses the need for evidence-based research to inform supportive workplace strategies to promote emotional resiliency among community care professionals. She will share the benefits and challenges of community-engaged research, as well as discuss the importance of workplace social support in reducing the mental health consequences of emotional labour for frontline workers.