Abstract for: Exploring the dynamic relationship between population mental health and the UK labour market through a gendered lens

Poor mental health is a growing global concern with significant individual and societal consequences. In the UK, the prevalence of poor mental health is increasing, with persisting gender disparities, and the labour market is a key contributing factor. Despite evidence of a bidirectional relationship between mental health and the labour market, the complex dynamics of this interplay at the population level remain limited.   A causal loop diagram (CLD) was developed through an iterative literature review to synthesise evidence, identify and map feedback mechanisms between the labour market, gender and mental health at the population level. The study identified key factors and feedback loops between population mental health and the labour market, highlighting the reinforcing role of poor mental health in unemployment, precarious employment, and wage stagnation. Gender dynamics, particularly the impact of the modified male breadwinner model and unpaid work, were also integrated into the CLD. The causal loop diagram illustrates the complex interplay between population mental health and the labour market, highlighting how the prevalence of poor mental health both responds to and shapes labour market conditions. Furthermore, the model underscores the importance of considering gender dynamics. Societal gender norms, such as the modified male breadwinner model, interact with labour market factors to create differential experiences and outcomes, including variations in mental health.