psicosocial

Psicosocial is a term used in psychology, psychiatry, sociology, and health sciences to describe the interconnection between psychological processes and social factors. The word combines psyche and social, and in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking contexts it is widely used to refer to this intersection; in English-language literature the term psychosocial is common. It refers to how mental processes, emotions, and behaviors are shaped by social environments such as family, peers, workplaces, culture, and socioeconomic conditions.

In practice, psicosocial concepts are used across clinical, research, and public health settings. In clinical psychology and psychiatry, a psicosocial assessment evaluates psychological symptoms alongside social circumstances (support networks, housing, employment, stressors). In occupational health, psychosocial risks include high job demands, low control, poor support, role ambiguity, job insecurity, and harassment, all affecting mental health and productivity. In public health and social medicine, the approach aligns with the biopsychosocial model and the social determinants of health, recognizing how poverty, education, discrimination, and social cohesion influence health outcomes.

Key related concepts include social support, coping strategies, resilience, stigma, and access to care. Interventions may target individual coping and therapy, family or community-based programs, and workplace policies to improve social conditions and reduce stressors.

The term is descriptive rather than a diagnosis; it signals the need to consider psychological and social factors together in assessment, treatment, and policy. Usage varies by country and discipline, but the core idea is consistent: mental health is shaped by social context.