Biopsychosocial Model

of Human Behavior &

Health
Ms. Debbie Marie Bais, RN, MA(Psych)
Learning Objective:

◆To explain the biopsychosocial model of

behavior and health.
 1.
Overview of the
Biopsychosocial Model
 Bio-psycho-social
Model
is an interdisciplinary model that
looks at the interconnection
between biology, psychology,
and socio-environmental factors to
human behavior & disease.
Dr. George Engel

 -an American psychiatrist who

developed the Biopsychosocial
model.
 He famously argued that medicine
in general and psychiatry in
particular ought to shift from a bio-
medical perspective of disease to a
biopsychosocial (BPS) perspective
on health.
Biomedical Biopsychosocial
◆Focuses on purely ◆MULTIFACTORIAL MODEL:
BIOLOGICAL factors (e.g. Assumes that biological,
genetics) psychological & social factors
◆Looks for the cause of the must also be considered.
illness rather than the ◆People’s behavior influences
contributory factors health and people can change
behavior.
 “
“A state of complete physical, mental and social
well-being and not merely the absence of
disease or infirmity” .
-(WHO, 1948)
 2.
Components of
Biopsychosocial Model
 BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL MODEL
 The main argument behind this model is that body and mind,
although physically separate and different, are dependent on each
other, for the wellness of an individual.
Biopsychosocial Model Components
Example:

Depression (Major Depression)

◆is a common and serious medical illness that

negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and
how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness
and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Case Study:

◆Lynda reported depression for the past 2 years and

an obsession with death since 8th grade. She is an
obese female who appeared sad, making poor eye
contact and demonstrating poor social skills. Her
affect was flat and apathetic. Lynda reported
difficulty sleeping, decreased energy, irritable mood
and trouble with her appetite. She also reported
significant feelings of worthlessness, helplessness
and hopelessness.
History Taking:

Lynda related that her depression had worsened in the past 2

weeks because her sister was living at home again. Her sister is
abusive towards her (she started choking Lynda for using her
television), and Lynda believes her mother does not punish her
sister appropriately.
History Taking:

Lynda’s parents are divorced. Her mother is a victim of domestic

violence, and her father is an alcoholic. Also, her aunt is in an
institution, and her cousin has tried to commit suicide.
Depression (Major Depression):

Biological
 view depression as a consequence
of genetic vulnerability or
biological disturbances
(structural, neurochemical)
In Linda’s case…

Biological
 “Her mother is a victim of domestic violence, and
her father is an alcoholic. Also, her aunt is in an
institution, and her cousin has tried to commit
suicide.”
 Parents of depressed children also tend to have
higher rates of other psychiatric disorders such
as anxiety, substance use and personality
disorders There is a prevalence of 30-50% of
depression in first-degree relatives of depressed
children (3).
Depression (Major Depression):

Psychological
 examines psychological
components, things like thoughts,
emotions, or behaviors.
In Linda’s case…

Psychological
 “She also reported significant
feelings of worthlessness,
helplessness and hopelessness.”
Psychological Factors:
 Pessimism
-”those who are more pessimistic were
less likely to practice healthy behaviors”
(Milam et al.,2004)

 Avoidance Coping
-denying you are ill or are facing other
obvious stresses.
Depression (Major Depression):

Social
 examines social factors that might
influence the health of an individual,
things like our interactions with
others, our culture, or our economic
status.
In Linda’s case…

Social
 “Her sister is abusive towards her (she started
choking Lynda for using her television), and Lynda
believes her mother does not punish her sister
appropriately. Lynda’s parents are divorced.”
Biopsychosocial model on Depression
 “
“An important connection to make here is
that the elements of the BPS model are all
connected. Biology can affect psychology,
which can affect social well-being, which can
further affect biology, and so on.
 Applications
1. It helps health care 2. Furthermore this model is 3. It allows for an intersection
practitioners to better closely tied to health within the Nature versus
understand their whole psychology which examines Nurture debate. This model
patient. Considering not the reciprocal influences of allows developmental
only physiological & biology, psychology, psychologists a theoretical basis
medical aspects but also behavioral, & social factors for the interplay of
psychological & on health & illness. both hereditary & psychosocial
sociological well being factors on an individuals'
development.
.
 To summarize…

 The Biopsychosocial model is an

interdisciplinary model that looks at the
interconnection between biology, psychology,
and socio-environmental factors to human
behavior & disease.

 The elements of the BPS model are all

connected. Biology can affect psychology,
which can affect social well-being, which can
further affect biology, and so on.
Thank you very
much!
End of discussion.