psykosiale

Psykososiale refers to the interrelationship between psychological processes and social factors. It describes how relationships, culture, socioeconomic status, community networks, and other social conditions influence an individual’s mental health, behavior, and overall wellbeing. The concept draws on ideas from psychology, sociology, and public health to understand how stress, coping, and resilience are shaped by the social environment.

The scope of psykososiale includes mental health, stress and coping at home and work, social support and networks, family dynamics, stigma and discrimination, trauma and caregiving, as well as access to resources such as housing and income. It emphasizes that individual outcomes cannot be understood without considering social context, including culture, gender, ethnicity, and policy environment.

In practice, psykososiale approaches are used in clinical, public health, and social sectors. Clinically, psychosocial assessment examines emotional wellbeing, social supports, and life circumstances, informing treatment plans and referrals. Interventions may include counseling, psychoeducation, strengthening social networks, and coordinating services. In public health and social policy, the psychosocial perspective supports programs addressing social determinants of health, aiming to reduce inequities. In workplaces, psychosocial factors inform policies and practices related to job stress, work-life balance, and worker wellbeing.

Assessment methods often combine interviews with questionnaires to evaluate stress, social support, coping skills, and risk factors. The concept remains broad and context-dependent, requiring culturally sensitive interpretation to avoid oversimplifying the effects of social conditions on mental health.