MentalSEP

Duration

09/01/2025 - 10/03/2030

Coordinator

Oleguer Plana-Ripoll

Funded by

ERC

There is robust evidence that low socioeconomic position is associated with an elevated risk of subsequent mental disorders, but the validity of these findings is debated. This association could be causal or could be the result of failing to adjust for underlying risk factors that cause both a lower socioeconomic position and a higher risk of mental disorders. MentalSEP aims to develop a novel approach to estimate the association between childhood socioeconomic position and subsequent mental health through new measures of familial susceptibility and genetic underlying factors and measures of mental health symptoms beyond clinically diagnosed mental disorders.

The project has a strong methodological component trying to better capture genetic susceptibility and developing data-driven methods capable of combining data sources from non-overlapping sample populations. The broad guiding hypothesis of this project is that innovative methods bridging different disciplines will reveal more meaningful information on the potential effect of socioeconomic position on mental health. MentalSEP is ground-breaking both in relation to the methods it will develop and their application.

The project will deliver cutting-edge knowledge about social inequalities in mental health, helping us better guide policies aimed at reducing their impact. In addition, the project will explore pioneering methodological approaches that have the potential to be a major advancement in the field of epidemiology.

Total Funding

1,500,000 €