Pschology FIA4 - Topic 3

The Biopsychosocial Approach

What is the “Biopsychosocial approach”

a holistic model of mental health and illness that views health as the product of a complex cooperation between biological, psychological, and social factors.

However:

• specific factors may have more or less influence on an individual’s mental health → put the individual at more or less risk for having good mental health or developing a mental disorder.

What is the biological component associated with? Include examples

The biological part of the biopsychosocial model is often associated with relationship of internal bodily health.

Biological factors:

• Genes

• Sex

• Brain

• Chemistry

• Brain function

• Nervous system

• Immune system

• Physiological responses to stress

What is the psychological component associated with? Include examples

The psychological component focuses on the aspects of mental and emotional wellness that also relates to one’s behaviour.

Psychological factors:

• Beliefs and attitudes

• Personality traits

• Ways of thinking

• Learning and memory

• Perceptions '

• Emotions

• Coping skills

• Psychological responses to stress

What is the social component associated with? Include examples

The social component focuses on the interpersonal factors such as social interactions, access to healthcare/mental health facilities and community activities.

Social factors:

• Interpersonal relationships

• Social networks

• Lifestyle

• Access to healthcare

• Level of education

• Human rights violation

• Environmental conditions

• Cultural values or traditions

Activity:

Paul has recently experienced a breakup, whilst completing his final year of QCE. His ex claimed that he had too many mood swings, and too many negative beliefs and attitudes about himself, for them to be happy around him. To cope with the breakup, Paul has taken up smoking marijuana, stopped exercising and is avoiding social gatherings. His parents are worried about him as it is now a month after the break-up and he has not changed his ways. Identify the possible biological, psychological and social factors that may contribute to Paul developing a mood disorder such as depression.

Use of marijuana, negative attitudes/beliefs and avoiding social gatherings

Risk factors related to psychological disorder

What is a psychological disorder? 

A mental illness that causes significant stress and disruption to life and also involves thoughts, feelings, and behavior which impair the ability to function effectively everyday.

How does a psychological disorder differ from a mental health problem?

Mental health problems are mild and temporary; psychological disorders are chronic and impair daily functioning.

What are examples of psychological disorders?

Major depressive disorder, GAD, gambling disorder, schizophrenia, dissociative identity disorder.

What is a risk factor in psychology? 

Something that increases the likelihood of developing a psychological disorder
or make an existing mental health problem more severe or long-lasting.

What are the three categories of risk factors?

Biological, psychological, and social

🧬 Biological Risk Factors

How do genes contribute to psychological disorders?

Genetic inheritance may increase vulnerability to mental illness

How can genetics affect medication response?

Genetic variations influence how medications are absorbed, metabolized, and eliminated

How does poor sleep relate to psychological disorders?

Poor sleep may disrupt restorative NREM functions and is linked to various disorders

What is the relationship between substance use and psychological disorders?

It’s bi-directional—substance use can cause or result from psychological disorders.

🧠 Psychological Risk Factors

What is rumination?

Repeatedly focusing on negative thoughts without taking action to resolve them.

How does rumination affect mental health?

It increases:

• pessimism

• negative memory recall

• and risk of depression.

What are impaired reasoning and memory?

Cognitive issues that contribute to the onset and persistence of psychological disorders.

How does stress act as a risk factor?

Chronic stress increases:

• cortisol levels

• impairing memory and learning

• risk of disorders.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social Risk Factors

What is disorganised attachment?

An attachment style marked by inconsistent caregiver behavior, leading to adult relational issues.

What problems can arise from disorganised attachment?

• Fear of intimacy

• Emotional misinterpretation

• Viewing the world as unsafe.

How does loss of a significant relationship (e.g. parent, friend, partner) affect mental health?

It can trigger grief and increase risk of depression or anxiety.

Anxiety Disorders

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is a state of physiological arousal associated with feelings of worry or unease that something bad is going to happen.

How is anxiety different from stress?

Stress is a response to known stressors, while anxiety is often a response to unknown or vague threats and can persist without a clear cause.

What is an anxiety disorder?

An anxiety disorder is when anxiety becomes chronic and interferes with daily functioning, beyond what is considered normal.

characterised by: 

• persistent feelings of tension

• distress

• nervousness

• apprehension

Name three types of anxiety disorders.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, and Phobias.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

GAD involves persistent, excessive and unrealistic anxiety and worry. It is often difficult to control and affects daily life.

Physical Symptoms of GAD

• Muscle tension

• Fatigue

• Sleep disturbance

What is a Specific Phobia?

Specific phobia is an anxiety disorder, characterized by an extreme, unreasonable, and irrational fear associated with a specific object, situation, or concept.

Symptoms of Specific Phobia

• Active avoidance or enduring with distress

• Disruption to daily life

• Intense, disproportionate fear or anxiety about a specific object or situation

Stigma and help-seeking behaviours

What is stigma?

Stigma is a symbol of embarrassment and can be linked to disapproval within a community due to negative attitudes or beliefs about mental disorders.

How does stigma affect help-seeking behavior?

Fear of being stigmatized can prevent individuals from seeking help for mental health issues, acting as a barrier to treatment.

What are the two types of stigma?

• Social stigma – Negative societal attitudes toward mental illness, that motivate people to avoid and discriminate those who suffer with a mental disorder e.g. “if you have anxiety, just stop stressing 😝”

• Self-stigma – Internalized shame and guilt felt by individuals with mental health issues as a result of social stigma e.g. “I should be able to just stop having anxiety :(”

What are the common elements of stigma related to mental health?

• Perception of weakness: Mental illness seen as a personal flaw rather than a legitimate condition. E.g., “If you can’t cope, it’s a weakness of character.”

• Perceived dangerousness: Media portrayal leads to fear and stereotypes of people with mental illness as “crazy” or violent.

• Belief in personal control: Assumption that individuals can simply “snap out” of conditions like depression.

• Feelings of guilt and shame: Individuals may hide their condition due to embarrassment.

• Reluctance to disclose diagnosis: Fear of discrimination or harassment especially in professional settings such as applying for jobs.

• Desire for social distance: Friends or peers may avoid someone due to not knowing how to treat them or fear.

How does stigma affect help-seeking behavior?

Stigma can lead to embarrassment and shame, reducing help-seeking and increasing psychological distress, which may lessen the effectiveness of treatment.

What is internalized stigma?

Internalized stigma occurs when individuals adopt negative beliefs held by others about mental illness, leading to self-doubt and reduced help-seeking.

How do language barriers and stigma affect ethnic groups?

Ethnic groups may face challenges accessing healthcare due to language barriers, which are worsened by stigma and discrimination related to mental health.

What emotional effects can stigma have on individuals?

• Shame

• Self-doubt

• Poor self-esteem

• Low self-efficacy

• Hopelessness

• Isolation

What social consequences can result from stigma?

• Distress

• Lack of understanding from others

• Fewer opportunities for social interaction and employment

• Bullying, physical violence, or harassment