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Biopsychosocial vs. Biomedical Model Essay

Biopsychosocial versus Biomedical Essay complete with a Grade of an A

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Health Psychology (PSY-352)

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Grand Canyon University

Academic year: 2021/2022

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Katrina Knudson

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Biopsychosocial vs. Biomedical Model Essay

Katrina Knudson PSY- Professor Witherspoon December 12th, 2021

Introduction Understanding health and illness issues have changed immensely and has improved over time. In the 18th and 19th centuries knowledge of health grew rapidly. These advances caused theories towards health conditions to increase. The Biomedical model is one of those theories that came up. This model targets health and illness which has been used among physicians and providers within the medical community. “.. the biomedical model- proposes that all disease or physical disorders can be explained by disturbances in phycological processes”(Sarafino, 2017, Chapter 1). Even though this model has been around and used medically for years a newer model has been presented. This is looking at being the better approach towards modern medicine. This new model is the biopsychosocial model, which expands on the biomedical model (Sarafino, 2017). Even though it is expanding into the original model it is hard to switch the old medicine to this newer model.

Biomedical vs Biopsychosocial Models

The Biomedical model focuses on dualism and suggests that the mind cannot influence physical systems (Sovereign Health Group, 2015). The 19th century is when the biomedical model was established. Which claimed that the disease is initiated by psychological variables more than social. The mental state and social factors would have no role in the effects completely. The biomedical model has been helpful in achieving the medical field by discovering underlying illnesses that are from biological disorders. This model explains how biological factors can cause disease from genetic vulnerability, injury, chemical imbalance, and infections(Sarafino, 2017). Some of the key causes of death in the twentieth century have been diarrhea, pneumonia,

includes injury, b biochemical imbalance, or bacterial or viral infections(Sarafino, 2017). Someone who experiences an illness will be different than someone who has a weaker biological component. Those who have high components are expected to have health that is optimal. It is important that the biological systems understand how to communicate effectively with one another(Sarafino, 2017). The psychological factors include cognition, motivation, and emotion that can impact an individual's health. Cognition is how people acquire and interpret information mentally. If the individual believes and is determined about the health condition then it can change(Sarafino, 2017). Emotion is like a psychological role in this model which can play a strong role in how someone is able to perceive a disease. For example, if someone has positive thinking, they could have less chance of illness but if someone has a negative thinking it could worsen the illness. Motivation allows people the ability to do something with their health(Sarafino, 2017). Being able to motivate and stay motivated can allow someone to seek the best health and make sure specific practices are in their life. Then there is the Social Factor, which plays a key role when it comes to health. People have strong influences and interactions which impact the relationships around them. In the biopsychosocial model society is a huge part in this model. Values and influence around them have an impact on health. Through the community it will influence the behavior of people. Communities that have outdoor activities will influence their citizens so that they are more active. While on the other hand those communities without these lessen the activities of their citizens(Sarafino, 2017).

Leading Causes of Death

The leading causes of death in are heart disease, stroke, cancer, COPD, and accidents(Sarafino, 2017). In Biomedical disease it ignores factors except the ones that are biological. This model is suggesting that most of the death would occur from chemical imbalances, organ disease or

infections. On the other hand, the Biopsychosocial model shows factors like lifestyle, stress, ethnicity, and the economy. Which all can affect someone's health and how severe the cause of death may affect them. When we look at the unhealthy habits that are present today it shows within the psychological and social factors of the Biopsychosocial models.

Reducing Illness

Between the two models the biopsychosocial models changed how illness is being treated. Patient care becomes prioritized when you include social and psychological factors (Deacon, 2013). When we focus on a patient's well-being and mental health it has a positive influence on patient care. These parts of the model are now being incorporated into medical school. And that patient-provider care is important which helps with the adherence of patients. When we begin to include all factors of gender, hereditary, race, and psychological factors. The biopsychosocial model helps incorporate all those things while also reducing illness and showing the reasoning as to why we do this for illness and diseases.

Conclusion

When we look at the biomedical model and the biopsychosocial model, we see both advantages and disadvantages. We can no longer just focus on acute conditions, especially with people being able to live longer. Chronic conditions are more seen and more dominant compared to those that are acute. The biopsychosocial model is the model for the medical community that not only includes more factors to health but also includes more relevant information. This model will also help with patient care and the relationships with physicians. Understanding that the biological, social, and psychological factors can show better understanding of health issues that are more present now a days.

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