System Map - Wider Social Determinants of Mental Health

A systems map visually represents the pathways through which the components of a system interact with and relate to one another. This systems map shows how the public’s mental health is shaped by wider social determinants.

The map is primarily based on two evidence reviews. SIPHER’s synthesis of Scottish qualitative research on this topic - The Wider Social Determinants of Mental Health in Scotland [PDF] and The social determinants of mental health both published in 2024.

The initial draft was created by translating key determinants and pathways from these two reviews. Researchers and stakeholders then collaborated to refine the map, identifying and filling in remaining gaps not covered by the chosen evidence reviews. 

It is not intended to be ‘objective’, comprehensive, or fully up-to-date - indeed, it is intended to prompt discussion about determinants and pathways, including those which may be missing from the map. 

Access Wider Social Determinants of Mental Health - System Map

This map was created using a custom-built tool designed specifically for visualising complex systems. SIPHER previously used this tool to create the SIPHER Layered Systems Map: experiences & evidence of housing and health.

For more details on the tool and methodology, see the Resources section. 

How to Read the Map

Blue lines indicate positive associations (when A increases, B increases; when A decreases, B decreases).

Green lines indicate inverse associations (when A increases, B decreases; when A decreases, B increases).

Purple nodes and lines represent determinants and pathways not found in the evidence reviews but suggested by stakeholders and agreed by map creators.

 

Resources

  • SIPHER Glossary For clarification of our terminology and use of acronyms.

Technical Information

Provides technical details of the characteristics including strengths and limitations of causal systems mapping. 

CharacteristicDetails
Purpose Concise visual representations of SIPHER’s policy areas of interest including inclusive economies, public mental health and housing, which captures the causal connections between parts of a system.
Strengths There are a range of causal system mapping approaches, with different strengths and limitations, and the choice of which systems mapping approach to use is determined by the problem. Different systems mapping approaches have been used in SIPHER, including participatory systems mapping and causal loop diagrams. Generally, the strengths of systems mapping are bringing together information from different sources, including documents and stakeholders’ tacit knowledge and presenting it visually, which better reflects the underlying complexity. The maps can bring together a range of perspectives on a topic and be used: to analyse the structure of the system; as tools for thinking and discussion; or developed into quantitative models to test scenarios.
Limitations Complex and comprehensive causal systems maps can be overwhelming and may not be easily useable in policy settings or for computational modelling. In contrast, simplified systems maps may appear more useable but may not capture all relevant variables. Systems maps developed in workshop settings are typically driven by the participants and their understanding of the system, therefore the maps developed reflect participants’ knowledge and experience.
Variables Multiple systems maps have been developed for different policy areas of interest and different policy partners; variables are dependent on the maps.
Examples / Link with Other Models and Data A causal loop diagram connecting the SIPHER Inclusive Economy indicators underlies the Inclusive Economy Dynamical Systems model.
Additional Resources

Explore more on SIPHER’s approach to Systems Mapping