Biomedical vs Biopsychosocial Models in Health Psychology

Flashcards focusing on the biomedical and biopsychosocial models, their roots, differences, and applications to disease (infectious vs chronic) and case examples from the lecture.

What two philosophical perspectives is the Biomedical model rooted in?

Mind-body dualism and reductionism.

What is the Biomedical model?

An illness framework that attributes disease to biological factors only, excluding psychological and social factors; health is achieved through treating the body; dominant in medicine.

What is the Biopsychosocial model?

A health model that includes biological, psychological, and social factors and their interactions; uses a systems approach; patient-centered.

What is mind-body dualism?

The belief that the mind and body are separate entities; the mind does not influence physical health.

What is reductionism?

Explaining complex phenomena with a single simple factor; in health, disease explained solely by biology.

What are infectious diseases?

Acute illnesses caused by pathogens (bacteria/viruses) with sudden onset (e.g., common cold, flu, TB, HIV, COVID).

What are chronic diseases?

Long-lasting, degenerative illnesses that persist and often worsen over time (e.g., cancer, heart disease, arthritis, stroke, diabetes).

Name four reasons chronic disease overtook infectious disease as the leading cause of death in the US.

Prevention measures (clean water and sanitation), vaccines, longer life expectancy, and industrialization (environmental stress and pollutants).

What is a food desert?

A community with limited access to fresh, affordable healthy foods, often with few supermarkets and many convenience stores; impacts diet and health.

Give examples of biological factors in the Biopsychosocial model.

Genetic predispositions (e.g., BRCA2), congenital abnormalities (e.g., malformed heart valve), sex and age.

Give examples of psychological factors.

Cognition, emotions, motivation; personality traits (e.g., conscientiousness); coping; attitudes toward illness; stress.

Give examples of social factors.

Family, friends, community; social environment; access to groceries; food deserts; peer pressure; societal values; environmental factors.

What is a systems approach in health?

Complex health outcomes arise from interactions among biological, psychological, and social factors, not a single cause.

In the John A. vs. John B example, what demonstrates the biopsychosocial model?

Identical genetic predisposition but different social/economic circumstances lead to different health outcomes.

What is a key goal of applying the biopsychosocial model to Jessica's case?

To consider biological, psychological, and social factors in diagnosis and treatment, not just biology.

List some diagnostic or treatment options mentioned for Jessica in a biopsychosocial framework.

Biopsy, imaging (MRI/ultrasound), referrals to specialists, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation; plus social/psychological supports, access considerations, and potential clinical trials.