Which statement best describes the biopsychosocial model?

• A. It emphasizes biological factors only
• B. It emphasizes biological, psychological, and social factors
• C. It emphasizes social factors only
• D. It emphasizes psychological factors only

Answer: (B)

The biopsychosocial model views health and illness as the result of how biological, psychological, and social factors interact. This means not only biology like genetics or brain chemistry, but also thoughts, emotions, coping skills, and behaviors, plus relationships, culture, and social environment all shape health outcomes—and can influence each other. That’s why the best description is the one that explicitly includes all three domains rather than focusing on just one. In practice, this approach guides comprehensive assessment and treatment: medications or medical care (biological), therapy and skill-building (psychological), and support systems, housing, employment, and community resources (social). For addiction counseling, it helps explain why genetics and neurobiology matter, why stress and beliefs affect use and recovery, and how family, peers, and access to services influence treatment success.