LSST Elephant and Castle Lecturer to Lead Global Dialogue on Race, Mental Health and Academic Success at International Sociological Association Conference
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 14 October 2024
LSST has secured a prestigious spot at the International Sociological Association (ISA) Conference in Morocco (6-11 July 2025). The session titled “Academic Achievement, Mental Health and Wellbeing: Racial and Ethnic Experiences of Students in Higher Education” will focus on psycho-social phenomena impacting students’ academic journeys and mental health.
Dr Dhaneswar Bhoi, Lecturer in Sociology and Social Psychology and Module Leader for Applied Social Research at LSST Elephant and Castle – and Honorary Fellow, University of Edinburgh, said: “Drawing on Goffman’s stigma theory and Perlin’s stress process model, LSST’s session explores how race, identity and social behaviour shape student experiences in higher education. There will be a focus on academic achievement and the mental health challenges that arise from stigma and humiliation within educational settings.”
“This is a landmark moment for LSST, allowing us to amplify our voice in crucial global conversations around mental health and education. The acceptance of this session enhances LSST’s reputation and commitment to academic research that transforms lives,” added Mr Ali Jafar Zaidi, LSST’s Deputy CEO.
Dr Bhoi’s session will focus on mental health challenges in education, drawing Goffman’s stigma theory and Perlin’s stress process model to provide a comprehensive framework. The session will engage sociologists and scholars around the world in a discussion that deepens our understanding of how race, identity and social behaviour influence academic performance and mental well-being.
By sharing real-world examples of stigma and humiliation in educational environments, the discourse will explore how these experiences shape student achievement and personal development. The aim is to promote inclusivity and offer actionable solutions that address these challenges to a diverse and engaged audience.
Research Significance
Dr Bhoi’s session will examine whether race and ethnic origin influence academic success or whether these factors instead intersect with mental health issues in higher education. It will explore how psycho-social stress impacts students, highlighting the distinctions between those from privileged and underprivileged backgrounds.
Dr Bhoi, explains: “Race, stigma and mental health in academia are factors that influence not only student wellbeing but also their academic outcomes. It’s crucial to understand the impact on disadvantaged groups and develop strategies for liberation from social stigmas.”
The conference provides a unique platform for participants to collaborate on creating inclusive and supportive environments in higher education, particularly through addressing mental health challenges linked to race and stigma.
For abstract submissions, please visit: https://isaconf.confex.com/isaconf/forum2025/webprogrampreliminary/Session19122.html
For further information on Dr Bhoi and his academic work, please visit: https://www.sps.ed.ac.uk/staff/dhaneswar-bhoi
To find out more about Dr Bhoi’s book ‘Caste in Everyday Life: Experience and Affect in Indian Society’ visit: https://www.lsst.ac/news/lsst-elephant-castle-lecturer-dr-dhaneswar-bhoi-presents-on-indian-caste-dynamics-at-oxford-university/
For additional information or to engage with Dr Bhoi in discussions related to this work, please direct inquiries to LSST’s Public Relations Manager via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.
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