Psykososial

Psykososial is a concept used to describe the interaction between psychological factors and the social environment in shaping health, development, and behavior. It acknowledges that mental processes, emotions, coping strategies, and social context are interdependent, and that well-being arises from their combined influence. The term is a core element of the biopsychosocial model, and it is applied across medicine, psychology, social work, and public health to understand how people relate to others, manage life events, and maintain or regain health.

Key components include individual mental states such as stress, anxiety, and mood; coping and resilience; and social contexts like family, friendships, work, culture, education, income, housing, and access to resources. Psychosocial factors can act as risk factors for mental and physical illness or as protective factors that promote recovery and well-being. They influence symptom presentation, health-seeking behavior, adherence to treatment, and overall outcomes.

Practices commonly associated with psykosocial work include psychosocial assessment, counseling, family therapy, and rehabilitation that address both psychological needs and social determinants. In health care and community settings, interventions may involve social support, skills training, therapy, and community-based services, as well as social prescribing to connect individuals with non-clinical supports.

In research and policy, the psychosocial perspective helps explain health disparities, stress pathways, and the effectiveness of interventions by examining how mind and social environment interact to shape health trajectories.