Which statement best reflects the biopsychosocial model of mental health?

• A. Mental health is determined by genetics alone.
• B. Mental health is determined by social factors alone.
• C. Mental health is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
• D. Mental health is unrelated to biology.

Answer: (C)

The biopsychosocial model sees mental health as the result of the interaction of three overlapping factors: biological, psychological, and social. Biological aspects include genes, brain chemistry, and physical health. Psychological aspects involve thoughts, emotions, coping strategies, and personality. Social aspects cover relationships, culture, environment, and life circumstances. Because these domains influence each other, mental health cannot be explained by genetics alone or by any single factor in isolation. For instance, a person with a genetic predisposition to anxiety might experience more or less distress depending on their thought patterns and the support they have from friends or work. The best statement reflects that mental health is shaped by all three areas working together, not by biology alone, social factors alone, or by biology being irrelevant.