Application of the Biopsychosocial Model to Understand the Biological Influence on Health and Life
The biological influences on health and illness are varied, and include genetics, infections, physical trauma, nutrition, hormones, and toxins. Many disorders have a biological basis in the form of an inherited genetic vulnerability or disposition. In schizophrenia, for example, if one monozygotic twin develops schizophrenia, there is at least a 60% chance the co-twin will also develop that disorder. When we consider that the prevalence of schizophrenia in the population is about 1%, it is clear that genetic factors are important in this disorder. At the same time, when one twin develops schizophrenia, 40% of co-twins do not develop the disorder. Thus, in addition to the genetic factors, other factors (presumably environmental) also play a part.
The psychological component of the biopsychosocial model looks for potential psychological causes for a health problem such as lack of self-control, emotional turmoil, and negative thinking. Psychosocial factors can cause a biological effect by predisposing the patient to risk factors. An example is that depression by itself may not cause liver problems, but a depressed person may be more likely to have alcohol problems, and therefore liver damage. Perhaps it is this increased risk-taking that leads to an increased likelihood of disease.
The social part of the biopsychosocial model investigates how different social factors such as socioeconomic status, culture, poverty, technology, and religion can influence health. For instance, losing one's job or ending a romantic relationship may place one at risk of stress and illness. The impact of social factors is highly recognized in anorexia nervosa (a disorder characterized by excessive and purposeful weight loss): the fashion industry, the media, and our culture at large promotes thinness in women, encouraging undue attention on body image. Also included in the social domain are cultural factors. For instance, the circumstances, expectations, and belief systems of
The psychological component of the biopsychosocial model looks for potential psychological causes for a health problem such as lack of self-control, emotional turmoil, and negative thinking. Psychosocial factors can cause a biological effect by predisposing the patient to risk factors. An example is that depression by itself may not cause liver problems, but a depressed person may be more likely to have alcohol problems, and therefore liver damage. Perhaps it is this increased risk-taking that leads to an increased likelihood of disease.
The social part of the biopsychosocial model investigates how different social factors such as socioeconomic status, culture, poverty, technology, and religion can influence health. For instance, losing one's job or ending a romantic relationship may place one at risk of stress and illness. The impact of social factors is highly recognized in anorexia nervosa (a disorder characterized by excessive and purposeful weight loss): the fashion industry, the media, and our culture at large promotes thinness in women, encouraging undue attention on body image. Also included in the social domain are cultural factors. For instance, the circumstances, expectations, and belief systems of