Impact of Globalisation on Mental Health in Low- and Middle-income Countries

The paper presents a critical review of core social and psychological determinants of mental health from a life-course perspective which operate at micro (individual) and macro (societal-structural) levels in the context of globalisation using the World Health Organization-Commission on Social Determinants of Health conceptual framework. It analyses how globalisation-induced changes implicate social and psychological variables that impact upon inequities in mental health and well-being. Mental health outcomes relating to four core determinants-deepening poverty and inequalities, migrations, rapid and uncontrollable socio-cultural value change and identity diffusion-are focused on. The overall evidence shows that these core determinants have pernicious effects on mental health and well-being often leading to common mental disorders (CMDs). Mental health protection and promotion efforts necessitate multisectoral, holistic, culturally responsible actions that equip people and communities to cope better with stressors created by the globalised world.