Biopsychosocial Model

Biopsychosocial model is a model which results from a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors affecting an individual, to examine and identify how and why disorders occur.

Adapted from http://www.physio-pedia.com/Biopsychosocial_Model

The Biopsychosocial model not only used by psychologists; but in many applications in different fields because of how inclusive it is of different factors that influence human behaviour.

Biological Factors

The biological aspect of the biopsychosocial model refers to the body's physiological, adaptive    responses to fear. It also include an individual’s genetic traits and history of trauma.

The more extreme the traumatic event and the more the individual was made sensitive by previous traumata and/or the higher the genetic vulnerability, the easier it is for this mechanisms to become pathologically unbalanced (Tavel, 2016).

For example, let's say Joan grows in an abusive home that leaves her with scars and injury on her body. This biological change might influence how she feels about herself, which could lead to development of depression or anxiety.

Psychological Factors

The psychological component of biopsychosocial model examines thoughts, emotions, and perceptions about our experiences, our environment, or behaviours. These cognitive patterns affect our perceived sense of control over the environment and cause depression. Psychological factors influencing depression include low coping skills, negative patterns of thinking and judgement problems (Anon,2016).

                    

For instance, Joe experienced domestic violence during his childhood and being abused by his stepfather without the helping of his mother. As he engages in these behaviors, he starts to have a strong rejection towards women and have a negative feeling towards women that looks like his mother. He will suspect the target and torture them which causes the victim to suffer from complex PTSD.

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Social Factors

The social aspect of biopsychosocial model plays a role in examines factors that might influence the health of an individual. Social factors include socioeconomic status, culture and religion (Anon, 2016).

For instance, James taking revenge against the bullies who had made school miserable for him. He planned a school shooting and attack the target of his rage: students and faculty. The victims that experienced the school shooting may exhibits symptoms of complex PTSD.

References

Anon. (2016). Boundless. Retrieved from https://www.boundless.com/psychology/textbooks/boundless-psychology-textbook/stress-and-health-psychology-17/introduction-to-health-psychology-85/the-biopsychosocial-model-of-health-and-illness-326-12861/

Anon. (2016). Mentalhelp.net. Retrieved 12 October 2016, from https://www.mentalhelp.net/articles/current-understandings-of-major-depression-biopsychosocial-model/

Tavel, P. (2016). Rediviva.sav.sk. Retrieved 12 October 2016, from http://www.rediviva.sav.sk/55i4/185