Biopsychosocial framework

Question 1

Biopsychosocial model

Answer 1

an approach to describing and explaining how biological, psychological and social factors combine and interact to influence physical and mental health.

· The model was first developed by George L. Engel in 1977.

· Unlike the more traditional biomedical approach which focused only on the physiological causes behind illnesses (thus separating the body and the mind), the biopsychosocial framework reflects a ‘holistic view of health’, focusing on within the individual (both physically and mentally) and outside the individual (wider social context/circumstances).

· The individual is seen as a ‘whole person’ functioning in their unique environment.

Question 2

BPS - biological factors

Answer 2

involve physiologically based or determined influences, often not under our control, such as the genes we inherit and our neurochemistry.

· Genetic predisposition

· Neurochemistry

· Effect of medications

· Immune response

· HPA axis ·

Fight-flight response

· Physiological responses

Type of assessments/ treatment include:

· Neuroimaging

· Medication

· Neuropsychological testing (questionnaires, IQ tests, etc.) · Medical procedures

Question 3

BPS - psychological factors

Answer 3

involve all those influences associated with mental processes such as: how we think, learn, make decisions, solve problems, perceive our internal and external environments, manage stress, reconstruct memories., and perceive, understand and experience emotions.

· Personality · Behaviour · Perception · Beliefs · Cognition · Attention · Motivation · Learning · Emotions · Attitudes · Memory · Stress management strategies Coping skills

Question 4

BPS - social factors

Answer 4

include factors such as our skills in interacting with others, the range and quality of our relationships with others, the amount and type of support available from others when needed, cultural values and traditions, family upbringing, exposure to trauma and stressors, educational and employment history, income level and access to medical care.

· School/work environment or pressures · Social support · Family background · Interpersonal relationships · Cultural traditions · Availability and access to appropriate medical and support facilities · Level of education · Socio-economic status · Physical exercise Biofeedback

Question 5

BPS example

Answer 5

xample: A personality disorder might best be explained by the combined influence of the following:

§ Biological factors: an individuals’ inheritance of certain genes and impaired functioning of a part of the brain that controls impulsive behaviour.

§ Psychological factors: poor self-image and an intense fear of abandonment.

§ Social factors: their strict upbringing and lack of skills required to develop and maintain social relationships.