Psychosocial refers to relationship between social life from the point of view of psychology. It consists of a field of study that covers aspects of social life together with clinical psychology.
According to the grammar of the Portuguese language, the correct spelling of this word is psychosocial, while "psycho-social" is incorrect.
The psychosocial formation of the individual, as the name suggests, is based on the relationships he maintains with society for the development of his psyche. Social psychology limits itself to studying the individual's psyche when he presents himself as part of a group.
Learn more about meaning of the psyche.
They exist psychosocial assessments which are useful for examining the psychological structure of individuals. These exams are commonly done in professional selection processes, for example. According to the Ministry of Labor, by law all employees who perform long-term activities periods of time in closed or isolated spaces, must undergo psychosocial evaluations periodically.
Biopsychosocial Model
It consists of a method for diagnosing some diseases based on the analysis of biological, psychological and social factors. For this, the physician must work together with professionals linked to psychology and sociology, in order to study the cause and development of certain pathologies.
Learn more about psychology.
Psychosocial Development Theory
According to this theory presented by the psychoanalyst Erik Erikson (1902 - 1994), the individual's psychological development depends on the interaction they maintain with other people in a social environment.
Throughout life, human beings go through stages that will train their behavior, characterized by by the so-called "psychosocial crises", remarkable episodes that will influence the decisions that this person will take towards the life.
Stages of Psychosocial Development
1st Stage: trust and distrust
During the first year of a human being's life, he begins to develop confidence about his own body and the world around him. It is at this stage that the feeling of hope is developed.
2nd Stage: autonomy, doubt and shame
Between 1 and 3 years of age, the contradiction between the child's wishes and the norms imposed by society (in the figure of parents or educators) begins to emerge. The result of this phase is the development of desire.
3rd Stage: initiative and guilt
Between the ages of 3 and 6, when the child realizes what is right and wrong to do, what is good and what is bad.
4th Stage: productivity and inferiority
Between 6 and 12 years of age, a period in which the child realizes their ability to produce and create. Competence is the main developed social characteristic.
5th Stage: identity and identity confusion
Early adolescence, when the person seeks to understand their "role in the world". At this stage, the ideas of fidelity and loyalty are developed, as well as socialization.
6th Stage: intimacy and isolation
Between 21 and 40 years of age, when the individual's stable and lasting love relationships emerge. Love is the trait developed as a social virtue.
7th Stage: generativity and stagnation
Between 35 and 60 years old, causing the social need to take care of others.
8th Stage: productivity and despair
It occurs after the age of 60, when wisdom is developed.
psychosocial illnesses
Psychosocial illnesses are those caused by the influence of the social context and that directly affect the individual's psychological condition, reflecting on the functioning of their biological organism.
O stress in the work environment it is one of the main reasons for the emergence of psychosocial illnesses, also known as occupational illnesses.
Mental and physical exhaustion, characteristic of Burnout Syndrome, is an example of a pathology psychosocial, which can even lead to changes in the person's behavior, making them more aggressive and anxious.
psychosocial treatments
Among some treatments used by professionals to deal with psychosocial illnesses are occupational therapy, social groups, vocational support, among others.
It is worth remembering that medical-psychiatric follow-up is essential, as treatment should be directed according to the level and type of disease that the individual has, as well as other factors, such as family, housing and etc.