Sabah is in a unique position to foster quality research which will be of great benefit to Malaysia. Such research may not only assist government policies, but can contribute greatly to the discipline of psychology generally. In the field of psychology and social health, research in the Sabahan context has much to offer of both practical and theoretical significance. Psychological services in the community are very few, and research is needed into many psychological issues affecting the community.

The country is grapple with social ills such as substance abuse, rape and violence, bad morals, depression and suicides, stress and family breakdowns. Looking at world trends, we are concerned over the price we are paying for progress. Development without positive mental health, good character and relationships is meaningless.

Realising this importance, Universiti Malaysia Sabah established the Psychology and Social Health Research Unit (PSHRU) in 1998 to undertake a wholistic research which focus on stress, depression and anxiety and cross-cultural family psychology which includes children, adolescent and ageing population.