Javon suffers from chronic, severe headaches. Compare and contrast the biomedical and biopsychosocial models of health by illustrating how each model might inform the understanding and treatment of Javon’s headaches.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Both the biomedical and biopsychosocial models consider the physiological causes of health complaints or illness. For example, both models might consider muscular tension or eye strain as potential sources of Javon’s headaches. The biopsychosocial model, however, goes further than the biomedical model in considering the psychological and sociocultural factors that might contribute to Javon’s experience of headaches. Anxiety, stress, cultural disapproval of expressing negative emotions are examples of factors that the biopsychosocial model might explore when a client complains of headaches.
The distinction between the model extends to treatment. Both models suggest that anti-inflammatory medicine, exercise to reduce muscular tension, and the correction of myopia and other visual problems are important elements in treating headaches. However, the biopsychosocial model would also suggest the potential utility of relaxation training, meditation, and appropriate ways to express conflict and negative emotions in treating headaches.