Biopsychosocial perspective on Health

Question 1

Define Health

Answer 1

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity

Question 2

Describe the biomedical approach

Answer 2

Pathogen stimulus - (prevention?)-physiological/biochemical mechanism- disease state (treatment) - recovery/chronic state/death

Question 3

list 3 Limitations of the biomedical approach

Answer 3

1. Only focuses on physical aspect of health, does not take mental health into consideration
2. Does not consider the role of a person’s mind/society into cause of disease
3. Prevention of disease is overlooked. Many disease as a result of peoples action

Question 4

Describe the biopsychosocial approach

Answer 4

BIOlogical - PSYCHOlogical-SOCIAL

Holistic approach- is an illness-wellness model

All interlinked. All affect each other.
For example. Serotonin (Bio) affects the mood (psycho)/ placebo effect/ mood effect on immune function
Reduction in lead fume (social) leads to a population suffering from less biological defects as a result (bio)/ social support -> +ve mood

Question 5

Strengths of the biopsychosocial approach

Answer 5

1. Treats whole person
2. Acknowledges psychological factors
3. Recognises social context

Question 6

Limitations of the biopsychosocial approach

Answer 6

1. Macro level factors such as legislations and service provision are often ignored.
2. Cultural factors are often overlooked

Question 7

Limitations of the biopsychosocial approach

Answer 7

1. Macro level factors such as legislations and service provision are often ignored.
2. Cultural factors are often overlooked
3. Focus on individual discourages social responsibility on health

Question 8

Discuss the influence of psychological factors on health

Answer 8

The mind

• Placebo effect
• Chronic pain
• Distractions

Question 9

Discuss the influence of social factors on health

Answer 9

• Legislations
• Infrastructure
• Social support
• Service provision