Biopsychosocial Approach – Mr. Taylor 2025

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the lecture on the Biopsychosocial Approach, spanning biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

Biopsychosocial Approach

An explanatory framework that examines behaviour through interacting biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors.

Biological Lens

The viewpoint that focuses on physical processes such as genetics, neurochemistry, and brain structures when analysing behaviour.

Psychological Lens

The viewpoint that emphasises mental processes—thoughts, emotions, learning, and memory—to explain behaviour.

Social Lens

The viewpoint that considers cultural norms, social roles, and environmental context in shaping behaviour.

Hormones

Chemical messengers (e.g., cortisol, testosterone) released by endocrine glands that influence physiology and behaviour.

Neurotransmitters

Brain chemicals (e.g., dopamine, serotonin) that transmit signals between neurons and affect mood and actions.

Brain Structures

Anatomical regions (e.g., amygdala, prefrontal cortex) whose integrity and activity contribute to behaviour.

Genetic Inheritance

Transmission of DNA-based traits that predispose individuals to certain behaviours or disorders.

Head Injuries

Physical trauma to the brain that can alter cognition, emotion, and impulse control.

Perception

The process of organising and interpreting sensory information to make sense of the environment.

Cognition

Mental activities involved in thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Emotion

Complex subjective experiences that involve physiological arousal, expressive behaviours, and conscious feelings.

Memory

The encoding, storage, and retrieval of information over time.

Learning

A relatively permanent change in behaviour or knowledge due to experience.

Intelligence

The capacity to learn from experience, solve problems, and adapt to new situations.

Personality

An individual’s characteristic patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

Attitudes/Beliefs

Enduring evaluations and convictions that influence behaviour and perception.

Self-Esteem

One’s overall evaluation of personal worth or value.

Coping Skills

Strategies used to manage stress and emotional conflict.

Social Norms

Shared expectations about acceptable behaviour within a group or society.

Cultural Customs

Practised traditions and rituals that guide community behaviour.

Religious Beliefs

Faith-based principles that influence moral decision-making and lifestyle.

Upbringing

Early life experiences and parenting styles that shape development.

Presence of Others

The social factor wherein mere observation or participation of people alters behaviour (social facilitation/inhibition).

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

Combined measure of income, education, and occupation affecting resources and opportunities.

Family Background

The structure, culture, and dynamics of one’s family of origin influencing development.

Education

Formal learning experiences that contribute to knowledge, skills, and worldview.

Social Support

Perceived or actual assistance received from social networks.

Gender (Biological Factor)

Chromosomal and hormonal differences that can affect health and behaviour.

Physical Health

The condition of the body that can enable or constrain psychological functioning.

Immune Function

The body’s defence system, which can interact bidirectionally with psychological stress.

Substance Abuse

Maladaptive pattern of drug or alcohol use impacting biological and social functioning.

Trauma

Deeply distressing experiences that can shape psychological and social outcomes.

Aggressive Behaviour

Actions intended to harm; can be analysed via hormones (bio), anger (psycho), and peer influence (social).

One-Punch Assault

A single blow causing fatal injury, used as a case study for biopsychosocial analysis of aggression.