Gaining Support for Child and Family Policies by Raising Awareness of the Link between Physical and Mental Health and the Impact of Social Determinants on Both

Results of a pilot study examining young adults’ beliefs about what factors contribute to physical and mental health are reported. Existing research and the results of the pilot study are used to argue for the need for improved education on the connection between physical and mental health, the impact of social determinants on physical and mental health, and the potential for social policies that better the lives of children and families to improve health outcomes. Benefits of and suggestions for increasing understanding of social determinants and social policies on physical and mental health are explored.