Social Connectedness through a Gender Equity Lens: Experiences of Global Mental Health Researchers and Postpartum Women in Nepal
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To achieve better mental health and wellbeing, governments, international organizations, and other entities are prioritizing social connection as a global health priority given increasing rates of loneliness and social isolation. A recent Commission on Social Connection was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023 in order to measure progress and scale up proven solutions. This dissertation qualitatively examines interpersonal dimensions of two different settings in Nepal, the first being what matters most to researchers doing global mental and behavioral health research, and the second being social connection among mothers in the postpartum period, in order to help elucidate concrete strategies about social relationships to improve mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, this dissertation explores the role of gender across these two case studies. In Chapter 2 (Paper 1), among 28 key-informant interviews (KIIs) with those conducting mental and behavioral research in Nepal, it was crucial to navigate and discuss balancing work, life, and family, regardless of gender. However, there are limited formal career development outlets that help researchers navigate these conversations. The present research culture in Nepal also does not foster an atmosphere in which people generally feel comfortable to ask questions that would help them improve their skills, even within potential spaces for collaboration. Chapter 3 (Paper 2) looks at different dimensions of social connectedness through the lens of a five-dimensional conceptual framework: Closeness, Identity and common bond, Valued relationships, Involvement, and Cared for and accepted (CIVIC framework). Through 12 KIIs with mothers and 8 focus group discussions with mothers, husbands, counselors, mothers-in-law, and other key stakeholders, there is a gap in preparedness by women and their support systems in terms of the birth, the postpartum period, childrearing, and changes in family dynamics. Further importance should be placed on women’s emotional feelings of social connectedness during the postpartum period. To cultivate social connectedness, mothers should take time to do what makes them feel like themselves through self-care, which includes activities alone or with others, and communicate their needs. What these studies in Nepal illustrate are the gendered dimensions of social connection and how women and men face different expectations, which either promote or hinder their feelings of social connection. Additionally, across both studies, we find the importance of reflection on values and the development of the self, amidst cultural practices, which promote more group, relational, and collectivist behaviors. Carving out time for the self in both these populations will better promote mental well-being. We suggest also that key stakeholders in both populations buy into supporting this process among the research workforce and mothers in the postpartum period. We therefore recommend that opportunities be provided by organizations and health care systems to openly discuss gender and cultural dynamics as they relate to social connection, which would, in turn, change the norms of how we communicate and connect with one another, and reduce fear of asking questions and asking for help from others.
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