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This track will encompass a broad spectrum of topics related to the mental health among young people (0-24 years old). This includes research on the epidemiology of child and adolescent mental conditions and substance use, insights into child development, novel strategies to engage young people, and the implementation and evaluation of interventions in a range of different settings. Presentations in this track could include the development, piloting and/or evaluation of early identification strategies or intervention programmes for neurocognitive problems, behavioural and emotional conditions, self-harm and suicidal behaviour among young people. Work aimed at advising on the strengthening of health systems and robust reviews of policies related to infants, children and adolescent mental health and parenting are welcome.
This track explores the dynamic relationship between mental and physical health, recognising that health and illness are shaped by biological, psychological, social, cultural, and environmental factors. It welcomes research examining psychological processes, health behaviours, illness experiences, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and health promotion across diverse populations and health conditions. Contributions may address chronic illness, mental health, stress, wellbeing, health communication, patient experiences, healthcare engagement, and interventions that promote healthier lives. The track encourages interdisciplinary and culturally responsive perspectives that advance understanding of how people experience, manage, and adapt to health and illness across the lifespan and within diverse contexts.
This track explores mental health within South Africa’s diverse cultural, social, and community contexts. It examines how culture, language, identity, inequality, historical and contemporary social realities, and community environments shape mental health. Contributions may address culturally responsive mental health services, indigenous and community-based approaches, help-seeking, stigma, resilience, social support, youth mental health, and mental health inequalities. The track welcomes research that centres South African experiences and perspectives, including African knowledge systems and locally relevant approaches to prevention and intervention. It encourages critical and interdisciplinary perspectives that strengthen culturally appropriate, accessible, and community-informed mental health research and practice.
This track explores emerging and evolving issues shaping mental health in South Africa and their implications for research, practice, policy, and communities. It welcomes research on
contemporary and future mental health challenges, including the psychological impacts of pandemics, climate change and environmental degradation, artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies, social media, and changing social and economic contexts. Contributions may examine youth mental health, mental health inequalities, access to care, disaster and trauma, resilience, digital mental health interventions, and the ethical opportunities and challenges presented by technological innovation. The track encourages forward-thinking, interdisciplinary perspectives that strengthen responsive, equitable, ethical, and contextually relevant mental health research and practice.
