Several influences on mental health
Consider biological, psychological and social factors as interacting parts of a fuller account.
The picture in words
- Biological
- Health, inherited variation and bodily processes.
- Psychological
- Experiences, interpretations and patterns of responding.
- Social
- Relationships, living conditions and access to resources.
Reading the illustration
The diagram is a framework for considering influences. A professional assessment examines which factors are relevant to the individual situation.
Try a question
How could these areas inform an account of persistent distress?
Show the explanation
A professional may consider relevant health factors, the person’s experiences and their circumstances together. Their importance and interaction vary across people.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/15-1-what-are-psychological-disordersSelected rendered passages: Clinical significance and distress/function/culture selected passages.
- Detail. (n.d.). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-responseSelected rendered passages: Risk/protective factors and community-care passages.