• The biopsychosocial model was brought by George Engel, a prominent
scholar engaged in psychosomatic medicine, who theorized that
physicians must simultaneously address the biological, psychological,
and social dimensions of an individual in relation to their illness. It is a
way of understanding the person’s suffering and subjective experience at
multiple levels of organization, taking into context how each dimension
affects another— starting from the contribution of each dimension in
the past, how each dimension is shaping the present, and how it can
ultimately impact the future. The model serves as a guide for the physician
to consider each dimension to provide a holistic treatment to the patient.
For us to have a better understanding of the model, we will discuss each
dimension accordingly:
Training Module on the Right to Mental Health for Faith-Based Organizations
Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model
o The biological dimension includes an individual’s family medical and
psychiatric history, extensive history of pregnancy and birth (such as
complications, illnesses, or exposure to toxins or medications during
the course of pregnancy of the mother), and previous illnesses. It also
includes the present health condition of an individual, current illnesses
that may impact their mental health, any current intake of medication,
or substance use (cigarette, alcohol, or illicit drugs).
o The psychological dimension includes an individual’s history of trauma,
resilience, coping mechanisms, and how past medical or psychiatric
problems impacted their development. This includes the quality
of relationships with parents, caregivers, family, friends, teachers,
classmates, and co-workers. It also includes recent life experiences,
current stressors, present coping, presence or absence of unhelpful
thoughts, and current demands or obligations of the individual.
o The social dimension includes an individual’s current support system,
their current status of relationships with significant others and other
important life figures, cultural influences that might impact the
person, which extends to occupational and financial status, housing
arrangements, and legal problems.
4