Causal beliefs about social determinants of depression, poverty, and mortality

Abstract

Social determinants influence multiple life outcomes including depression, poverty, and mortality. While causal beliefs shape public views on these issues, studies have remained siloed across disciplines. We surveyed 1000 UK adults on 43 social and non-social risk factors for these outcomes, using a broader set of social factors than previous work. We ask which social determinants are perceived to be causally important, how these are weighted relative to non-social causes, and whether this differs across outcomes. To explore psychological predictors of beliefs, we measured political orientation, subjective socioeconomic status, sense of control, and material deprivation. Respondents viewed social factors as more causal for poverty and depression than for mortality. Left-leaning views and lower perceived control were linked to stronger causal beliefs in social factors. These findings reveal that UK respondents perceive a causal role for social determinants that is comparable to that of non-social factors.