Deconstructing Health Inequity: A Perceptual Control Theory Perspective

This book offers a radically different perspective on the topic of health inequity. Carey, Tai, and Griffiths use Perceptual Control Theory (PCT) to deconstruct current approaches to understanding, investigating, and addressing problems of health inequity. In the book, the authors propose that health inequity is not a problem per se. Disrupted control, they argue, is the problem that needs to be addressed.

From this perspective, research, policy, and health practices directed at addressing health inequity in isolation will offer only partial solutions to the problems created by disrupted control. Addressing problems of disrupted control directly, however, has the potential to entirely resolve issues that are created by health inequity.

The authors have extensive clinical and research experience in a wide range of contexts, including: cross-cultural settings; rural, remote, and underserved communities; community mental health settings; prisons; schools; and psychiatric wards. Drawing on these diverse experiences, the authors describe how adopting a Perceptual Control Theory perspective might offer promising new directions for researchers and practitioners who have an interest in addressing issues of inequity and social justice. With a Foreword written by Professor Neil Gilbert this book will provide fresh insights for academics, practitioners, and policymakers in the fields of public health, psychology, social policy, and healthcare.

Timothy A. Carey is Professor and the inaugural Director of the Institute of Global Health Equity Research and the Andrew Weiss Chair of Research in Global Health at the University of Global Health Equity in Rwanda. He is a scientist-practitioner who has worked as a clinical psychologist in rural Scotland and remote Australia. A central focus of his work is the importance of control to health and wellbeing and recognition of conflict as an a-diagnostic explanation of psychological distress.

Sara J. Tai is Senior Lecturer in Clinical Psychology at the University of Manchester and Consultant Clinical Psychologist with Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK. She is a scientist practitioner, therapist, educator and researcher, working in a range of mental health settings. Her research focusses on the science and practice of psychological interventions and she provides consultancy, internationally, on developing accessible community andinpatient services for people experiencing serious and enduring problems affecting their mental health.

Robert Griffiths is Clinical Research Fellow in Mental Health Nursing and Director of the Mental Health Nursing Research Unit at Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, UK. He is also Teaching and Research Fellow at the University of Manchester. His research focuses on improving the effectiveness and efficiency of mental healthcare through the application of Perceptual Control Theory. He has worked clinically in a range of community mental health settings, including assertive outreach and early psychosis services.