Q What is psychosocial approach?
The psychosocial approach involves understanding a persons internal psychological processes as well as how these processes interact with ones current social and physical conditions (relationships, support system, employment, living situation, health). The psychosocial approach aims to remove obstacles that are getting in the way of self-fulfillment and to help one realize their potential and aspirations. In context of health, several chronic/terminal illnesses influence not only the physical body but also the psyche, social interactions etc and may sometimes give rise to feelings of depression, shame, guilt, social stigma etc. Example: cancer, incontinence in adults, AIDS. In such cases, apart from medication, a multidisciplinary approach is essential which can also involve counsellors, NGOs, support groups etc. All these modalities form the psychosocial approach to in the context of health.