This article was originally published in the International Encyclopedia of Public Health, published by Elsevier, and the attached copy is provided by Elsevier for the author's benefit and for the benefit of the author's institution, for non- commercial research and educational use including without limitation use in instruction at your institution, sending it to specific colleagues who you know, and providing a copy to your institution’s administrator. All other uses, reproduction and distribution, including without limitation commercial reprints, selling or licensing copies or access, or posting on open internet sites, your personal or institution’s website or repository, are prohibited. For exceptions, permission may be sought for such use through Elsevier's permissions site at: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/permissionusematerial Cohen A and Minas H Mental Health Etiology: Social Determinants. In: Kris Heggenhougen and Stella Quah, editors International Encyclopedia of Public Health, Vol 4. San Diego: Academic Press; 2008. pp. 350-353.