{"id":352,"date":"2023-01-13T12:32:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-13T17:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research-dev.utk.edu\/humanhealth\/?page_id=352"},"modified":"2026-05-20T08:26:59","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T12:26:59","slug":"behavioral-social-and-mental-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.utk.edu\/health-wellness\/research-areas\/behavioral-social-and-mental-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Behavioral, Social and Mental Health"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Behavioral, social and mental health<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Empowering growth, resilience, and healing<\/em>  <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>

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An individual\u2019s well-being and behaviors affect their family, and vice versa. On a larger scale, individuals and families influence a community\u2019s ability to thrive\u2014and a safe, resilient community provides more opportunities for its members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT faculty collaborate with partners in labs, clinics, schools, and community centers to address real needs. They seek to empower individuals, families, and populations to manage stress and mental disorders, prevent addiction, heal after trauma, and cultivate healthy relationships.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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UT’s Approach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

UT research spans the translational spectrum. Faculty study underlying factors influencing mental, behavioral, and social health and development, from molecular mechanisms outward and prenatal influences onward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Together, faculty and students develop innovative ways to diagnose and treat conditions, evaluate interventions to promote wellness, and prevent disorders. Interventions take many forms, from exercise programs<\/a> to text-delivered peer network counseling. Researchers seek to understand the most effective ways to help patients, families, and caregivers across socioeconomic and geographical contexts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT researchers deliver evidence-based practices through Extension programming and partnerships with community organizations to improve family relationships, boost emotional wellness, support child and youth development, and promote healing following trauma and disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

UT also manages the East Tennessee Rural Health Consortium. Working with faith-based organizations, schools, medical providers, pharmacists, and other consortium members, UT faculty develop and implement resources for youth education, professional development, mentoring, and other initiatives to prevent opioid use disorder, improve patient care, and train community leaders.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThrough UT Extension, we translate science and strategies we know work into programs adapted for local communities. Specifically, I work with rural communities to address the root causes of stress. I think about all the different pieces of the puzzle: How does the resilience of an individual affect their family, workplace, even their community\u2019s economy, and vice versa?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014 Heather Sedges, Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences, UT Extension<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Community Partnerships Address Health Issues in Rural Counties and Underserved Groups<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UT and community partners are applying research findings and evidence-based practices to tackle opioid use disorder from multiple angles, including working directly with patients; training community leaders, caregivers, and educators; and educating students about substance use.

Read about the impacts of these partnerships.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Research Seeks Noninvasive Study of Brain Chemicals<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Researchers in the Department of Chemistry are developing advanced spectroscopy methods to monitor neurochemicals in the brain. Their research is supported by the Wellcome Leap Multi-Channel Psych program to enable faster, more effective treatment of severe depression.

Learn more about this research.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Examining the Indirect Effect of Dementia Caregiving Status on Mental Health Through Coping Resources<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Caregivers of older adults with dementia generally report poorer mental health than those caring for people with other chronic conditions. Fei Wang\u2019s latest study uncovers the role resilience plays in shaping mental health outcomes among caregivers supporting patients with dementia.

Read about Wang’s research.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Social Work Faculty Present at UT Grand Challenges Summit<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the UT Grand Challenges Summit, held in February 2025, experts from the College of Social Work and the Social Work Office of Research and Public Service shared data and insights related to reducing opioid overdoses, enhancing parenting practices and child well-being, and supporting students\u2019 mental health.

Start learning from these experts.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Facilities & Initiatives<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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These facilities and initiatives reflect the translational spectrum of our work, from basic research to clinical studies to outreach every day in communities across Tennessee.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n