How to Create Societies for Human Wellbeing

How to Create Societies for Human Wellbeing - Through public policy and social change has now been published by Policy Press, and is available for purchase here.

This book takes an in depth look into:

The role of stress arousal in 'social intelligence'
What wellbeing is and how it is shaped by the everyday conditions of life
How contemporary societies undermine wellbeing and contribute to high levels of stress, mental ill-health and harmful social behavior
The political values needed to support wellbeing
The practical things governments and communities can to promote wellbeing for all
Individual wellbeing versus wellbeing at a community level

How to Create Societies for Human Wellbeing was published in October 2024.

Order your copy now.

Public health research

I have worked in public health research for around 15 years, and done research on a variety of topics. Most of my research and writing in public health has been focused on the question of how governments and societies can work more effectively to promote health and wellbeing, and overcome the major inequalities in health and wellbeing which exist in countries around the world. Much of this work focuses on 'social determinants of health', which refers to the many social, cultural and economic factors that - in one way or another - affect the health and wellbeing of individuals and populations.

Below are some examples of my research and writing, some written by me only, others with colleagues. I have been fortunate to work with several Aboriginal colleagues and friends, and learned from their knowledge and experience on health and wellbeing.

Full details on each publication can be found by clicking on the title.

Publications on wellbeing

A theory of public wellbeing - Fisher 2019

Multi-sectoral action to promote psychological wellbeing: Theorising the role of place-based policy - Fisher 2023

Moving social policy from mental illness to public wellbeing. Fisher 2021

Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Theories of Wellbeing and Their Suitability for Wellbeing Policy. Mackean, Shakespeare and Fisher 2022

Theories of Indigenous and non-Indigenous wellbeing in Australian health policies. Shakespeare, Fisher, Mackean and Wilson 2020

Selected publications on policy and social determinants of health

The social determinants of mental health: Implications for research & health promotion. Fisher and Baum 2010.

Why behavioural health promotion endures despite its failure to reduce health inequities. Baum and Fisher 2014.

Implementing universal and targeted policies for health equity: Lessons from Australia. Fisher et al. 2021

Reducing incarceration rates in Australia through primary, secondary and tertiary crime prevention. Battams, Delany-Crowe, Fisher, et al. 2021

Stakeholder perceptions of policy implementation for Indigenous health and cultural safety: A study of Australia’s ‘Closing the Gap’ policies. Fisher et al. 2021

Universal Health Coverage for non-communicable diseases and health equity: Lessons from Australian Primary Health Care, Fisher et al. 2020

Social and economic determinants (classism) and mental health’ Fisher 2021 - book chapter

Determinants of health: overview’ Fisher 2021 - book chapter