What model integrates biological, psychological, and social approaches to mental health and disorders?

• A. Behavioral perspective
• B. Biological perspective
• C. Biopsychosocial model
• D. Sociocultural model

Answer: (C)

Mental health is best understood through a framework that integrates biology, psychology, and social context. This biopsychosocial approach sees disorders as the result of interactions among genetic and neurobiological factors, individual thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and the surrounding social environment—family, culture, and socioeconomic conditions. By looking at all three areas together, it explains why symptoms may emerge, persist, or change based on how these factors influence one another. For example, depression can involve biological factors like neurotransmitter changes, psychological aspects such as negative thought patterns, and social elements like stressful life events or weak support networks. Treatment then can combine biological interventions (when needed), psychotherapy to address thinking and behavior, and social or environmental supports to reduce stress and improve functioning. In contrast, the other models focus more narrowly on a single domain, such as biology alone, psychology/behavior, or cultural and societal influences, without fully accounting for how these areas interact. The biopsychosocial model integrates all three for a comprehensive understanding and approach to care.