U.1: Biospsychosocial Model

Question 1

what is the biopsychosocial model?

Answer 1

A holistic framework for understanding the human experience in terms of the influence of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Question 2

what are the three factors of the biopsychosocial model?

Answer 2

• Biological factors
• Psychological factors
• Social factors

Question 3

what is the model’s approach?

Answer 3

To describe and explain psychological development and well-being through the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors.

Question 4

what does the model help recognise?

Answer 4

The importance of various biological, psychological, and social protective factors throughout the lifespan in reducing these risks.

Question 5

characteristics of the model?

Answer 5

• Best understood by considering specific factors from each area and how these factors combine and interact.
• Holistic view of mental health and well-being.
• Views each of the three domains as equally important for mental health.
• Recognises that specific factors may have more or less influence on an individuals’ mental health.
• Recognises that factors often combine and interact in a complex way which helps to account for the individual differences in mental health.

Question 6

define psychological factors.

Answer 6

Internal factors pertaining to an individual’s mental processes, including their cognition, affect, thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. In essence, psychological factors are everything that an individual experiences within their mind.

Question 7

five examples of psychological factors.

Answer 7

• The effect of prior experiences
• Memories and ways of thinking
• Ways of learning
• Ways of understanding and experiencing emotions
• Attitudes
• Beliefs
• Expectations and perceptions of oneself
• Others and personal external environment
• Resilience and skills for coping with stress and emotional challenges

Question 8

define social factors.

Answer 8

External factors relating to an individual’s interactions with others and their external environment, including their relationships and community involvement. This can include close personal relationships as well as an individual’s experience within a greater society.

Question 9

example of social factors.

Answer 9

• Cultural norms
• Socioeconomic status
• Education
• Physical Environment
• Level of social support.
• Schooling and other educational experiences
• The range and quality of our interpersonal relationships with family, friends, and others

Question 10

define biological factors.

Answer 10

Internal genetic and/or physiologically based factors (often not under our control). These factors can be innate, such as genetic predispositions passed down from one’s parents, or can come about later in life, such as through taking certain medications.

Question 11

five examples of biological factors.

Answer 11

• Genetic predispositions
• Nutrition
• Sleep
• Diseases and immune
• System functioning
• Hormones
• Sex and race
• Balance and imbalance in brain chemistry
• Brain and nervous system functioning
• Sleep patterns
• How the body respond to medications
• Bodily response to stress