Biopsychosocial Approach To Health

Biopsychosocial Approach to Health 1-7 – ALL ACCESSED 21/10/16

Biopsychosocial Approach to Health 8-9 – ALL ACCESSED 24/10/16

1.1

1. In order to evaluate, firstly explain the biomedical model of health.

The biomedical model of health has four core elements in which modern medicine is practiced. Haralombos et al, 2013 claim that in the 17th Century a philosopher, Rene Descartes believed in Mind-body dualism which he identified the mind as the controlling force of the body. Research discovered that our minds were not controlling our bodies and disease was recognised leading to body malfunctions. In the 19th Century Pasteur and Koch discovered that Specific aetiology can target diseases and cure them by narrowing down the cause. According

to Banyard (1996) The biomedical model perceives humans as biological machines. If a person is experiencing any problems that are abnormal the biomedical model believes we need to fix the problem, this is supported by the Mechanical Metaphor to repair complex body malfunctions. In order to collect truthful evidence by following correct methods this will reveal an objective reality which is the belief of the biomedical model of health and this argument is supported by the objective science approach.

2. Evaluate the biomedical model of health by identifying one positive aspect of this model.

Slide share (2013) states that advances in technology and research enable us to treat and diagnose illnesses efficiently.

Our understanding of causes, helps us prevent further illnesses, improve quality of life and life expectancy. Our research has been fundamental for patients with Psychological disorders, drug therapies have been discovered to help control factors of psychological health which can help them feel better knowing there is a solution available. Measuring and manipulating medication until a desired strength is achieved can help reach a stable state for patients suffering with Psychological difficulties. The biomedical model states that mental health is a medical condition and reassures patients that help is available.

3. Evaluate the biomedical model of health by identifying one negative aspect of this model.

Slide share (2013) argues that even though we have made huge medical advances with the use of technology, not all conditions can be prevented. An example of this could be Cancer and Tubercle Bacillus. TB is widely preventable in the western world with the access to vaccines to prevent the disease, however with cancer it is not that straight forward. Certain types of Cancer if caught early enough can be managed and hopefully cured but it doesn’t always work that way, many people die each year from cancer and sadly technological advances are unable to save them.

4. In order to evaluate, firstly explain the sociological model of

health.

According to Yuril et al, 2010 the sociological model offers a unique understanding of health that goes beyond limitations associated to the biomedical model of health. The sociological model of health is not solely related to the medical profession nor are findings of medical science. Sociological health is related to environmental factors, social class and choices. The sociological model attempts to address exterior influences of health rather than focus on disease and illness. Social class allows socially located individuals access to resources that will be of use to inform them on the right and wrong choices that will affect their health. Health is determined by everyday environment and systems must be put into place to ensure health support, promote healthy life styles and prevent disease. During the 1970-1980’s social change was needed in order to promote healthy education to the communities due to lack of understanding.

5. Evaluate the sociological model of health by identifying one positive aspect of this model.

Slide share (2013) argues that education is a positive aspect of the sociological model due to its ability to guide individuals and assist their choice selections.

Education encourages individuals to take their own responsibilities and help prevent diseases by informed choices. Education can improve a countries economic development if the population lead production and healthy lives. Locally Healthy (2010) has supported the Change for Life campaign which aims to inspire a movement to prevent obesity and encourage others to eat better and move more. Change for Life educates individuals using online resources, community based services that utilises technology, thus having a positive impact on an

individual.

6. Evaluate the sociological model of health by identifying one negative aspect of this model.

Social class can have a negative impact on the sociological model as not all individuals will get the right guidance and support needed to lead a healthy lifestyle. Slide share (2013) claims an individual’s choice will affect how healthy they are, smoking and obesity are dangerous and can cause death, even though the majority of the western world understand these implications, many people choose to ignore the advice and make no change because it is hard to change lifestyles whether it is for the good or bad. On the other hand, civilisation excluding the westernised countries may not have the technological advances to lead healthy lifestyles and access support.

7. In order to evaluate, firstly explain the holistic model of health.

Banyard (1996) claims that the holistic model of health focuses on the biological, psychological and social factors of health. The holistic model looks at the micro and macro level body changes for instance changes in body chemicals and cultural difference within society for example different ethnic groups. The holistic model concentrates on connections between mental events and biological changes which are often generic traits formed from genetic conditions. Boundless (2016) believe that the psychological side of the holistic model strives to find a particular symptom such as stress which will hinder an individual’s life and that social and cultural factors are considered which may trigger mental health issues. Not all the health advice is down to the professionals, an individual is ultimately responsible for their own life and the choices made influence their overall health and wellbeing.

Overall health is determined by the balance of Biological, psychological and sociological factors.

8. Evaluate the holistic model of health by identifying one positive aspect of this model.

The holistic model of health considers all aspects of health and wellbeing of an individual. According to Buzzle (2014) Psychological problems can be influenced by social factors and psychological disorders, that is why prevention is beneficial to an individual’s mental health as they are able to control their own minds as well as the influential effects society has. Prevention over cure helps us remain cost effective, this is in order to spend funding money elsewhere because if an individual is able to control their mental thoughts and emotions, funding money can be budgeted for other sectors which in turn will have a positive effect of health.