Our behavior and mental processes have biological, psychological, and social-cultural influences. Biological influences can be based on our hormonal influences and brain mechanisms. Psychological is due to our conscious thinking, our experiences we went through as children, and even our cognition. Lastly, social-cultural is heavily influenced by the presence of others. Additionally, our culture influences our behaviors too. The bio psycho-social model can be observed through our everyday lives. As a human, your next move is the outcome of such a model. However, this concept can be disrupted if an individual has certain disorders. An incorporation of one’s way of growth in the womb childhood, trauma, and critical thinking plays a significant role in how this model pertains to them. This can be analyzed through many certified professionals in the psychology field.
Genetically, an individual is influenced by genetic traits they have no control over. Our behavior and mental process are based on one’s prenatal development, as well. A pregnant woman tends to be restricted from a lot of things, to ensure their baby is in good health condition. However, nobody’s perfect and some women refuse to live this lifestyle. In doing so instead, they indulge in smoking, drinking, or anything else they are forbidden from. Especially alcohol. If a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, this can cause fetal alcohol syndrome. For example, “The fetal damage may occur because alcohol has an epigenetic effect: It leaves chemical marks on DNA that switch genes abnormally on or off”. This leads to a serious consequence of prenatal alcohol exposure. A baby has no say in the womb and with a mother’s actions it can affect them in the long run, both mentally and physically.
There are many types of psychologists that study psychology. They analyze specific characteristics of the brain. Developmental Psychologists professionally study why people act the way they act. These professionals learn about the changing abilities that happen from the “womb to tomb.” A convincing theory mentioned was by Sigmund Freud. This theory proposes that childhood sexuality and unconscious motivations influence personality. As time has continued, while much of Freud’s original theory remains debated, studies have reinforced the significant impact of early life experiences and unconscious thought processes on an individual’s long-term behavior and emotional development.
In addition, the bio-psycho-social model develops beyond the womb. Environmental conditioning is crucial. This can be seen through the social-cultural lens, within behaviorism. After psychologists dug for a deeper definition of psychology, famous behaviorists John B. Watson, then later B.F. Skinner came to the conclusion that the elements of the mind are observable behavior. Both behaviorists reflected how an individual may react to a certain situation. In their realization, both noticed people’s actions are due to how they are conditioned. This means many people will respond differently, while the majority of the studies were based on how an environment influences one’s actions.However, this model is especially relevant with psychological disorders,as an individual’s behavior can be the result of a complexity in between biological, cognitive processes, and social pressures.
In practice, this model is an insightful way to characterize human interactions and behaviors. Yet, the complexity shows many different aspects. With the studies that follow along, it is seen from the womb there is not as much as we can do, but as we get older, we start to learn right from wrong. Which entails using critical thinking and associating ourselves with those who elevate us. Our environments play a gigantic role in shaping who we are as an individual. In addition, analyzing the resources provided, as well as the studies done by professionals in the psychological world can help vividly understand how the brain function
Written By: Anais Lopez
