The Status of the “Biopsychosocial” Model in Health Psychology: Towards an Integrated Approach and a Critique of Cultural Conceptions

Abstract

The current status of the "Biopsychosocial" Model in health psychology is contested and arguably exists in a stage of infancy. Despite original goals, medical researchers have developed theoretical and empirical integrations across bio-psycho-social domains only to a limited extent. This review article addresses this issue by making connections across research findings in health psychology and related medical fields in order to strengthen the associations across bio-psycho-social domains. In particular, research in sociosomatics, neuroplasticity and psychosocial genomics are introduced and explored. The role of "culture" as conceived of within the Biopsychosocial Model is also ambiguous and somewhat problematic. Arthur Klienman's conceptions of culture as what is at stake for individuals in their local social and moral worlds is adopted to offer a critique of previous perspectives of culture and question its role amidst bio-psycho-social domains. Overall, a multilevel integrative or "holistic" perspective is advanced to strengthen the Biopsychosocial Model for use within health psychology and biomedical research. In the end, some clinical implications are discussed.

Internet use among university students: A reason for concern?

“…From a BPS perspective, Hatala (2012) and Engel (1997) emphasise that all levels of intervention must pay attention to the biological, psychological, social and cultural domains on an equal basis. Such an approach implies that university policies and services for PIU should be holistic and mandate both preventative and treatment services.…”

“…This perspective was developed by George Engel to incorporate the patients' biological, psychological and socio-cultural context to understanding the impact of disease and illness, as opposed to a narrow medical focus (Hatala, 2012;Carrio et al, 2004). The BPS perspective allowed the researchers to consider the interrelatedness of the biological, emotional, and social impact of PIU on students as young adults (between 18 and 25 years).…”

Role of Biopsychosocial Factors on the Risk of Pneumonia in Children Under-Five Years Old at Dr. Moewardi Hospital, Surakarta

“…Konsep biopsikososial dalam pendekatan suatu penyakit dapat memberikan suatu gambaran yang menyeluruh tentang munculnya suatu kondisi sakit yang dihubungkan dengan faktor individu, lingkungan dan psikologi yang terkait di dalamnya (Hatala, 2012). Kasus pneumonia, secara biologis pneumonia berkaitan dengan agen penyakit seperti virus dan bakteri, dari faktor individu antara lain usia, jenis kelamin, imunisasi, pemberian ASI eksklusif, BBLR (Berat Bayi Lahir Rendah), dan status gizi (Rudan et al, 2008).…”

“…Ketiga faktor tersebut akan berkontribusi secara sinergis dalam terjadinya gangguan kesehatan seseorang. Penatalaksanaan pneumonia balita dapat lebih komprehensif karena melibatkan faktor biopsikososial (Hatala, 2012;Jackson et al, 2013).…”

Factors associated with Intermittent and Light Smoking among Korean High School Students: Intermittent and Light Smoking among Korean Adolescents

“…As smoking is a chronic behavioral disease associated with genetic, psychological, environmental, and sociocultural characteristics [4,9], the biopsychosocial model provides a framework for incorporating diverse factors associated with health-related behaviors linking health and sociocultural environment [12]. In previous studies using the biopsychosocial model, factors associated with smoking intention and smoking behaviors have been identified in adolescents and adults [13,14].…”