2.2 the biopsychosocial model

• biopsychosocial model 


  proposes that health and illness outcomes are determined by

  • biological factors
  • psychological factors
  • social factors
• biopsychosocial model


  challenged dominant understanding that health and illness relied on biological factors only
• biological factors

  • functioning of body and its systems
  • influenced by genetics, physiological activity, nervous system
• biological factors examples


  genetic factors may place individuals at a higher risk of developing certain disorders
• psychological factor

  • patterns of cognitive and emotional functioning
  • includes though processes, memory formation and emotions
• psychological factor examples


  tendency to keep thinking about negative experiences will compromise your ability to move on
• social context factors

  • individuals interactions with external environmental
  • behaviour that we see, expectations that society has on us, and its impacts on thought, feelings and behaviours
• social context factors examples


  continuous negative social interactions can put individuals into a state of distress
• biopsychosocial model

  • a holistic model that aims to explain interaction of factors across the lifespan of an individuals
• biopsychosocial model

  • each factor on its own is not enough to lead to health or illness - all factors contribute
• biopsychosocial model risk and protective factors

  risk factors: increase the likelihood of developing mental health disorders

  protective factors: decrease the likelihood of developing mental health disorders
• biological risk factors

  • genetic vulnerability
  • poor response to medication
  • physiological response to stress
• biological protective factors

  • adequate diet
  • adequate sleep
• psychological risk factors

  • rumination - overthinking
  • impaired memory
  • psychological response to stress
• psychological protective factors

  • cognitive behavioural strategies
• social risk factors

  • disorganised attachment
  • loss of a significant relationship
  • stigma associated with seeking treatment
• social protective factors

  • support from friends, family and community