While health is commonly thought of in physiological terms, according to the biopsychosocial model, health is actually influenced by not only biological elements, but by psychological and social factors as well (Schneider, Gruman, and Coutts, 2012). In particular, the social implications upon health include a wide variety of factors.
Socioeconomic status, which considers financial and educational levels, has been shown to greatly impact health (Schneider et al., 2012). Research indicates that the higher the socioeconomic status of the household or individual, the healthier the family or individual will be (Schneider et al., 2012). It is easy to assume why this may be. Those with less financial constraints are able to purchase adequate food, and perhaps even healthier options, or more high-end food products. Those with higher education are typically more aware of health recommendations and risks. Individuals with low socioeconomic status may not have access to proper medical care, or also lack in social support. Essentially, higher socioeconomic statuses translates to more and better resources.
Those individuals we keep within our social circles also have the power to sway our health. For example, if your spouse, best friend, or children are active and athletic, you may be influenced to also be active (Schneider et al., 2012). Positive health influences equates to better health choices. Additionally, solid relationships also point to better health and healthier choices as these elements support a better mood and lessened stress (Schneider et al., 2012).
On the other hand, stressful social environments can impact health negatively (Schneider et al., 2012). Imagine an overworked manager. Suppose he is working well over 40 hours a week, and once he gets off work, he is too tired to visit the grocery store to shop for the necessary ingredients to prepare a healthy meal. Instead, he usually resorts to fast food, which does not always offer the healthiest options.
According to the World Health Organization, the majority of new major health concerns are tied directly to society, and basically how we operate within it (World Health Organization, 2010). It is not fully understood just how much social factors contribute to health, just that the relationship is firm and established (World Health Organization, 2010). Intervention strategies are currently being employed to combat social inequalities that, in part, fuel poor health among us (World Health Organization, 2010).
References
Schneider, Frank W., Gruman, Jamie A., & Coutts, Larry M. (2012). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. Second Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
World Health Organization. (2010). Equity, social determinants, and public health programmes. Retrieved from: http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/10665/44289/1/9789241563970_eng.pdf.
Tags: biopsychosocial model, health, social environment, social influence, socioeconomic status
Reference
Schneider, Frank W., Gruman, Jamie A., & Coutts, Larry M. (2012). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. Second Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
When I think of health I automatically think of factors in regards to the biomedical model which is defined by Schneider, Grumman, and Coutts (2012) as an ” illness can be completely explained by examining problems in an organism’s biological functioning” (p. 169). Though after reading chapter 8 on Applying Social Psychology to Health did I realize how much I’m also affected by social and psychological factors.
It is unfortunate that those who have a higher socioeconomic status will often live a healthier life. In agreement with your statement we can assume this is because of money allowing those to access healthier foods, doctors, and other opportunities which may benefit one’s health which may not be able to be afforded by all.
Aside from one’s socioeconomic status I believe that we are more greatly affected by those we surround ourselves with. If people in my close circle are very active I would find myself much more likely to engage in active activities with them regardless of my socioeconomic status. If I surround myself with people who are less active and eat fast food, by being around them on a daily basis their habits may rub off on me.
In regards to working hours I think this is something that affects more people than we can imagine. I see it in myself; I work part-time, take four academic classes, need to find time to study, and hopefully in the free minutes I have can make time to workout or maintain a social life. I can only imagine the stress on someone in a higher managerial position who works over 40 hours a week. Often times it comes down to, “do I want to go to the gym or go to bed?” and after a long day of work going to sleep often sounds better than the gym.
You had mentioned that intervention strategies are currently being employed to help combat such social inequalities. What interventions are they?