Laura Simmich: Social Support in Social Context: Considerations for Building Resiliency and Social Equity
This paper will begin with findings about social support in relation to mental health in the Tamil community in Toronto based on the survey conducted. Using these data as a departure point, the presentation will expand the discussion of protective factors by presenting qualitative data from a follow-up study about how resiliency and related protective factors are perceived among Tamils in Toronto.
Biographical Statement:
Dr. Laura Simich is a Scientist in Social Equity and Health Research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto; Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto; and Health and Wellbeing Domain Leader at the Ontario Metropolis Centre. An anthropologist with expertise in qualitative methods and community-based research, her research focuses on sociocultural determinants of mental health among immigrants and refugees and aims to inform policy and promote community mental health.
