![Sample our Health and Social Care journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5938/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Health-Social-Care.jpg"})
Abstract
This article discusses a biopsychosocial model that explains health as the interactions of the person's genetic and psychological make-up with the environment. Along the lines of a multi-focused theory, the psychological influences of the mind on the body are treated with a multidisciplinary approach including medicine, psychology, sociology, social work and religion. An introduction to the history of the mind/body connection is presented based on an empirical literature review. Neuropeptide network, neurotransmitters and psychoneuroim-munology are discussed in relation to health, mental health, healing and implications for social work practice. A biopsychosocial perspective is presented as the model of choice for researching and addressing health related illness conjunctive to social work practice. This article discusses cognitive outlook and healthy lifestyle, those who “get better” versus those who do not, perception of health outcomes (placebo effect, illusions of control and positive mental imagery). Also presented are physical and mental health connections to health such as stress, anxiety, high blood pressure, and coronary heart disease. Spiritual component to health and healing is discussed relative to the ethical responsibilities of health social workers.