This approach examines health comprehensively. It connects the mind, the body, and social life. All three work together to shape health and illness. George Engel developed the model in the 1970s. It explains health through biological, psychological, and social factors. These are known as biopsychosocial factors.
According to this model, no single factor controls a person’s well-being. Health is not just about the body. Thoughts, emotions, and social environment also matter. Together, these factors create a holistic view of health. This approach helps guide treatment and research in the healthcare field. It encourages professionals to consider the whole person, not just the illness.
Three Basic Components of the Biopsychosocial Approach to Health and Illness
Biological Factors
Biological factors include genes, hereditary conditions, brain structures, IQ, neurotransmitters, hormones, and physical injuries. Genetic vulnerabilities can lead to biological issues and physical illnesses such as diabetes or cancer. In the same way, changes in brain structure and hormone levels can contribute to mental health conditions like depression and schizophrenia.
Psychological Factors
Psychological factors also play a strong role in health. Conditions like depression and anxiety can cause stomach problems, and physical discomfort can increase emotional distress. Social anxiety often leads to avoiding social gatherings. At the same time, fear of social stigma can trigger anxiety disorders. Chronic pain can create fear of movement, such as running or walking, and this fear can increase both emotional distress and the experience of pain.
Social Factors
Social and environmental factors strongly influence both physical and mental health. Twin studies show that the environment plays an important role in shaping health outcomes. Schools and social gatherings can affect self-confidence and self-esteem. Poor air quality can lead to respiratory problems, while poor nutrition can cause various physical health issues. Difficult financial conditions, poor parenting, and lack of social support can contribute to mental health problems, including depression and severe emotional distress.
Biopsychosocial Model of Mental Health
This model explains mental health problems by combining three main factors: biological, psychological, and social. These factors interact with each other and together shape a person’s overall mental well-being.
For example, it is now well established that schizophrenia has a genetic link. However, genetics alone does not fully explain the condition. Stressful or traumatic life experiences can also trigger it. Growing up in a chaotic family environment or experiencing the death of a loved one can increase the risk. This shows that schizophrenia is not caused by a single factor, but by several influences working together.
Similarly, poor financial conditions can increase the risk of suicide. Constant failure, lack of social support, and ongoing stress can lead to depression and substance use disorders. Biological factors also play a role. Changes in neurotransmitters are linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
In short, mental health is not the result of one factor alone. It is a holistic outcome shaped by the interplay of biological, psychological, and social influences.
Advantages of the Biopsychosocial Model
The biopsychosocial model views health in a broad and connected way. It explains that biological, psychological, and social factors all play an important role in health and illness. These factors do not act alone. They constantly interact with each other.
At the macro level, factors such as social support or experiences of depression can shape a person’s well-being. At the micro level, issues like cellular disorders or chemical imbalances also contribute. Together, these processes influence whether a person experiences health or illness.
This model emphasizes that the mind and body cannot be separated. Both are closely connected and affect an individual’s overall health. In this context, systems theory becomes relevant. Systems theory explains that all levels within a system are linked. A change in one level leads to changes in the others.
Therefore, achieving good physical and mental health requires addressing biological, psychological, and social needs together. This approach also helps health professionals develop more holistic assessments and effective management plans.
Related: 3 Aspects of Mental Health
