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1 Biopsychosocial vs. Biomedical Model Essay Deborah Rutikanga College of Humanities and Social Science, Grand Canyon University PSY-452 Health Psychology Professor Enriquez September 24, 2023

2 Biopsychosocial vs. Biomedical Model Health is a multifaceted concept and understanding it requires a holistic approach. Two prominent models used to conceptualize health and illness are the biomedical model and the biopsychosocial model. While the biomedical model focuses mainly on the biological aspects of health and disease, the biopsychosocial model considers biological, psychological, and social factors as interrelated elements. The purpose of this article is to distinguish between these models, identify factors associated with each model, describe their role in health and disease, examine the main causes of death in each model, and discuss how lifestyle and health behaviors can reduce disease incidence. Difference Between the Model The biomedical model of health is a reductionist perspective that views health and disease primarily through the lens of biology and physiology. It assumes that diseases have specific, identifiable causes and can often be explained by abnormalities at the cellular or molecular level (Smith, 2017). In this model, health is seen as the absence of disease, and treatment aims to eliminate or alleviate the physical symptoms of disease. It tends to favor medical procedures such as drugs and surgery as the primary means of restoring health. The biomedical model of health is a reductionist perspective that views health and disease primarily through the lens of biology and physiology. It assumes that diseases have specific, identifiable causes and can often be explained by abnormalities at the cellular or molecular level. In this model, health is seen as the absence of disease, and treatment aims to eliminate or alleviate the physical symptoms of disease. It tends to favor medical procedures such as drugs and surgery as the primary means of restoring health.

3 Factors of Each Model Biological factors: Biomedical model: biological factors are central. These factors include genetic predisposition, pathogens, physiological abnormalities, and biochemical imbalances. Biopsychosocial model: biological factors are considered together with psychological and social factors. These include genetics, physical health, nutrition, and the functioning of body systems. Psychological factors: Biomedical Model: Psychological factors are often marginalized and their impact on health is underestimated. In this model, mental health problems are primarily caused by biochemical imbalances. Biopsychosocial model: Psychological factors are considered influential. Emotional well-being, stress, coping mechanisms, and mental health conditions are integral to the understanding of health and illness (Stewart, 2010). Social factors: Biomedical Model: Social factors are usually ignored. This model focuses on the biology and medical care of the individual, largely ignoring the influence of socioeconomic status, education, and social support. Biopsychosocial model: Social factors are considered necessary. Socioeconomic status, cultural background, social support networks, access to health care, and environmental factors significantly affect health outcomes. Different Roles Biological factors: Biological factors are crucial to both models, but they are the primary focus of the biomedical model. These include genetic predisposition, exposure to pathogens, and physiological abnormalities that can cause disease or injury. Psychological factors: Psychological factors affect health through stress, coping mechanisms, and mental health. The biopsychosocial model recognizes that mental well-being can affect physical health and vice versa. Social factors: Social factors such as socioeconomic status and social support networks

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4 have a major impact on health. The biopsychosocial model recognizes that access to resources, education, and the quality of the social environment can significantly influence health. Leading Causes of Death Biomedical model: The main causes of death in the biomedical model are often associated with infectious diseases, chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer, and trauma from accidents or injuries (World Health Organization, 2020). Biopsychosocial model: The biopsychosocial model recognizes that the main causes of death are influenced not only by biological factors but also by psychological and social factors. These may include lifestyle- related diseases (eg, obesity, substance use), mental health problems, and social inequalities in access to health services. Reducing Illness Biomedical model: In the biomedical model, prevention focuses primarily on biomedical interventions such as vaccines and medications. Although lifestyle and healthy behaviors can reduce the risk of certain diseases, their promotion is often secondary (Biopsychosocial model: The biopsychosocial model significantly emphasizes lifestyle and health behaviors as central parts of health promotion and disease prevention. Encouraging people to adopt healthier lifestyles, managing stress, seeking social support, and accessing mental health services are important strategies. Conclusion In summary, the biomedical model and the biopsychosocial model represent two different approaches to understanding health and disease. The biomedical model emphasizes biological factors and medical interventions, while the biopsychosocial model takes a more holistic view, considering the interaction of biological, psychological, and social factors. Recognizing the

5 importance of all three dimensions and promoting healthy behaviors can lead to more holistic health care and better overall well-being. Ultimately, the biopsychosocial model provides a more comprehensive framework for addressing the complexities of human health.

6 References Adler, N. E., & Stewart, J. (2010). Health disparities across the lifespan: Meaning, methods, and mechanisms. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1186(1), 5-23 World Health Organization. (2020). The top 10 causes of death. https://www.who.int/news- room/fact-sheets/detail/the-top-10-causes-of-death Sarafino, E., & Smith, T. (2017). Health psychology: Biopsychosocial interactions (9th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. ISBN-13: 9781119299486. http://www.gcumedia.com/digital- resources/wiley-and-sons/2016/health-psychology_biopsychosocial-interactions_9e.php

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