On the GRID: How dangerous is loneliness?

About this episode

This episode explores how social identities and relationships shape our health and wellbeing, featuring insights from Associate Professor Mhairi Bowe.

In this episode of On the GRID, we sit down with Associate Professor Mhairi Bowe to explore how our social identities, relationships, and communities profoundly shape our health and wellbeing. From the role of national and family identities to the impact of belonging, inclusion, and marginalisation, we delve into how our social worlds influence us in powerful ways. Mhairi Bowe is an Associate Professor in Social Psychology and Deputy Director for the Centre for Applied Behavioural Research Methods within the Department of Psychology and the School of Social Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. Her research spans applied social psychology, including prosocial behaviour and volunteering, the effects of stigma in food aid provision, social prescribing, loneliness, and community belonging. Her work has informed policy and practice across local and national government, food aid organisations, and international bodies such as the UN. Sit back, relax, and let's learn something new together.

People in this episode

Guest: Mhairi Bowe

Topics covered

• loneliness
• social identity
• health and wellbeing
• community belonging
• inclusion
• marginalisation

Keywords

• loneliness
• social psychology
• health
• community
• inclusion
• marginalisation
• wellbeing

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Heriot-Watt University