Biopsychosocial model

Biopsychosocial models (BPSM) are a class of trans-disciplinary models which look at the interconnection between biology, psychology, and socio-environmental factors. These models specifically examine how these aspects play a role in a range of topics but mainly psychiatry, health and human development.

The term is generally used to describe a model advocated by George L. Engel in 1977. The model builds upon the idea that "illness and health are the result of an interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors".

The idea behind the model was to express mental distress as a triggered response of a disease that a person is genetically vulnerable to when stressful life events occur. In that sense, it is also known as vulnerability-stress model.

It then became referred to as a generalized model that interpreted similar aspects, and became an alternative to the biomedical and/or psychological dominance of many health care systems.

As of 2017 the BPSM had become generally accepted. It grew in interest for researchers in healthcare and active medical professionals in the decade to 2020.