The Biopsychosocial Model and Research in Mental Health

1009 Words3 Pages

It is generally accepted within healthcare that to understand mental health we must adopt the biopsychosocial model. This model assumes that an interdependent relationship exists between biological, psychological and social factors which are involved in all aspects of mental health (Toates, 2010, p. 14). To be true to the model research must be holistic and not investigate the factors in isolation. Key terms will be defined and a review of the research in the literature will be performed to assess the extent to which it adheres to the biopsychosocial model. The conclusion will take an overview of these findings and determine that most research is not truly biopsychosocial and attempt to explain why. Mental health can be seen as a continuum where illnesses are defined as patterns of behaviour that cause psychological suffering, distress and disability preventing adequate functioning with the potential of risk of harm to the self or others (Martins-Mourao, 2010, p. 92). Research is defined as systematic investigation in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions (OUP, 2014). The biopsychosocial model has already been described. Research can be quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative research is objective and involves measuring the phenomena under investigation. Qualitative research is subjective, explores experiences and feelings, and involves the recording of phenomena that cannot easily be quantified (Toates, 2010, pp. 5-6). Both are empirical since they involve data collection (OU, n.d.). Most of the research in the literature is quantitative, a significant amount of which is biomedical. A common approach is animal studies which are limited in what they can tell us about the human condition. Rat models a... ... middle of paper ... ...ontent/1/Identifying%20Scientific%20Articles_250913.pdf (Accessed on 9th May 2014). Oxford University Press (2014) Oxford Dictionaries [online]. Available at http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/research (accessed 8th May 2014). Toates, F. (2010) ‘Explanations in mental health’ in SDK228 The science of the mind: investigating mental health, Book 1, Core concepts in mental health, Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 1-28. Toates, F. (2010) ‘Brains, bodies, behaviour and minds’ in SDK228 The science of the mind: investigating mental health, Book 1, Core concepts in mental health, Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 29-90. Toates, F. (2010) ‘The nature of addictions: scientific evidence and personal accounts’ in SDK228 The science of the mind: investigating mental health, Book 3, Addictions, Milton Keynes, The Open University, pp. 1-30.

More about The Biopsychosocial Model and Research in Mental Health

Open Document