MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit

Families, intimate and sexual relationships are fundamental to health and wellbeing. The family environment, and in particular the role of parents, is fundamental in shaping the adjustment, development, future health and wellbeing of children. Intimate relationships can provide mutual support for maintenance of physical and emotional health, and are particularly protective of men’s health. Conversely, they can also be a source of aggression and violence.

Our work measures and explains mechanisms of family and intimate relationships with potential to influence health outcomes. We investigate how best to modify and intervene. Our ultimate aim is to promote wellbeing and to reduce health-related risks and adverse outcomes across the life course.

Our projects span a wide range of topics, ranging from healthy relationship initiatives to the impact of bereavement on intimate partnerships.