biopsychoszocialis

Biopsychoszocialis, commonly called the biopsychosocial model, is an approach to understanding health and illness that integrates biological, psychological, and social factors in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Proposed by psychiatrist George L. Engel in 1977 as a departure from a strictly biomedical model, it emphasizes that illness cannot be fully understood by biology alone, and that psychological state and social context shape symptoms, outcomes, and care decisions.

The model identifies three interacting domains: biological factors such as genetics, neurochemistry, physiology; psychological factors including emotions, cognition, coping styles, behavior; and social factors such as family relationships, culture, socioeconomic status, access to care, and social support. Interactions among domains are dynamic and bidirectional, meaning that each factor can influence others and disease trajectories.

In practice, biopsychosozocialis informs holistic assessment and multidisciplinary treatment planning. It is used across medicine, psychiatry, pain management, rehabilitation, and primary care, guiding interventions that may combine medication, psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and social resource support. It also underpins patient-centered care and attention to social determinants of health.

Critiques note that the model can be vague or difficult to operationalize, risk of overcomplication, and challenges in balancing competing factors within limited clinical time. Proponents respond that a structured biopsychosozocial assessment, team-based care, and clear outcome measures can enhance relevance and effectiveness. Contemporary versions increasingly integrate cultural, spiritual, and structural determinants to reflect broader contexts of health.