psykososiale

Psykososiale is a term used primarily in Norwegian and other Scandinavian languages to describe the psychosocial dimension of health, development, and well‑being. It denotes the interaction between psychological factors (mental processes, emotions, behavior) and social factors (relationships, family, work, community, culture). The concept covers how social environments influence mental health and how individual psychological states affect social functioning.

The scope includes a range of contexts such as health care, social work, education, and public health. Key factors are social support, family dynamics, socioeconomic status, housing, employment, culture, and exposure to trauma. It also encompasses psychosocial risks like loneliness, discrimination, unemployment, and poverty, as well as protective factors such as supportive networks and stable routines.

Applications occur in clinical and welfare settings where psychosocial approaches address needs at both individual and community levels. Assessment tools may screen for psychosocial risk factors and resilience; interventions combine therapy, case management, and social support, with coordination among health professionals, social services, and families. From a policy perspective, the psychosocial view informs programs addressing social determinants of health and resilience after disasters or during migration.

Terminology and research: The term is used alongside related concepts such as psychosocial health, psychosocial stress, and social determinants of health. Research explores how social context shapes mental health outcomes and how psychological processes influence behavior within social networks, using qualitative interviews and standardized scales.