Question

Most of us attribute diseases to biological rather than social factors. Explain how and why social and psychological factors can also affect our physical and mental well-being.

Include in your answer the ways in which at least three of the following are related to physical and/or mental health

. a. Gains and losses of social support

b. Loss of, or lack of, control in one's life

c. Occupational roles

d. Gender roles e. Marital roles

Answer 1

Note: This response is in UK English, please paste the response to MS Word and you should be able to spot discrepancies easily. You may elaborate the answer based on personal views or your classwork if necessary.

(Answer) The biopsychological model is made up of three aspects of development, namely, biological, psychological and social. In other words, one’s quality of personal development depends on one’s physical health, mental health and social environment. For instance, John Doe is an 8-year-old boy who scores very well in his exams, plays on the football team, takes an art class and enjoys with his friends. These are signs of a happy child who is healthy because of a diet of good home food. John has good mental health because he comes from a loving and nurturing family and he, in turn, is a loving and friendly person who has a few good friends in his social environment. Good health helps him have better cognition and both together, keep him sociable.

1. Social support is pivotal to mental health in most cases. Once there is an uncertainty in social support, there might be a loss of appetite and become prone to sickness. As the biological and social aspects are hindered, the psychological health will also begin to deteriorate through stress and anxiety.
2. Lack of control might lead to frustration and anxiety which is clearly a psychological issue. Once the mental health begins to suffer, one might neglect the physical health too. In some cases, this might affect moods in social groups and even affect social relationships.
3. Occupational roles can be great stressors, especially in this economic climate. The loss of a job would result in an unwarranted stress of financial worries. This might lead to great anxiety in maintaining a healthy social life.