4P’s
The 4ps psychology model is an all-encompassing method that analyzes the intricate connections
between biological, psychological and social elements that affect health and overall well-being. It
comprises of four main components: predisposing factors, precipitating factors, perpetuating factors,
and protective factors.Understanding these components is crucial for improving overall health and well-
being.
4ps psychology model
The biopsychosocial model is a perspective that describes how biological, psychological and social factors
interact to impact health and illness. The “4 P’s” of the biopsychosocial model refer to the four domains
that contribute to the model:
1.Predisposing factors:
Predisposing factors of the4ps psychology are those that make an individual more susceptible to
developing a certain condition or disease. Some examples of predisposing factors include:
Genetics: Certain genetic variations may increase the risk of certain diseases or disorders. For example,
Certain genetic variations or changes can raise the likelihood of developing breast cancer.
Family history: Having a family member with a certain condition or disease may increase the risk of
developing it oneself. For example, having a parent with diabetes increases the risk of developing
diabetes.
Early life experiences: 4ps psychology research shows Adverse experiences during childhood or
adolescence, such as abuse or neglect, may increase the risk of certain conditions or diseases later in life.
For example, childhood trauma increases the risk of developing depression.
Psychological factors: Certain psychological characteristics, such as personality traits, may increase the
risk of certain conditions or diseases. For example, high levels of stress or anxiety increase the risk of
cardiovascular disease.
2. Precipitating factors:
Precipitating factors are those that trigger the onset or exacerbation of a condition or disease. Some
examples of precipitating factors include:
Stress: Exposure to stressful events or situations can trigger the onset or worsen the symptoms of
certain conditions or diseases. For example, stress can trigger a migraine headache or worsen symptoms
of depression.
Trauma: Traumatic events, such as physical or emotional abuse, can trigger the onset or worsen the
symptoms of certain conditions or diseases. For example, raumatic events can lead to the development
of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Infection: Certain infections can trigger the onset or worsen the
symptoms of certain conditions or diseases. For example, a viral infection can trigger an asthma attack
Substance use: The use of drugs or alcohol can trigger the onset or worsen the symptoms of certain
conditions or diseases. For example, alcohol consumption can worsen symptoms of depression.
Life events: Certain conditions or diseases can be triggered or have their symptoms exacerbated by
significant life events, such as the death of a loved one or a significant change in life circumstances. For
example, the death of a loved one can worsen symptoms of depression.
3.Perpetuating factors:
Perpetuating factors are those that maintain or prolong the symptoms of a condition or disease. Some
examples of perpetuating factors include:
Maladaptive coping strategies: Using4ps psychology maladaptive coping strategies, such as avoidance or
substance abuse, can perpetuate the symptoms of certain conditions or diseases. For example, if
someone uses alcohol to cope with stress, it may worsen their symptoms of depression or anxiety over
time.
Negative thoughts and beliefs: Negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself or one’s condition can
perpetuate the symptoms of certain conditions or diseases. For example, if someone has a negative self-
image or believes their condition is incurable, it can worsen the symptoms of depression or anxiety.
Lack of social support: Lack of social support can perpetuate the symptoms of certain conditions or
diseases. For example, if someone feels isolated and unsupported, it can worsen the symptoms of
depression or anxiety.
Chronic stress: Chronic stress is another issue 4ps psychology research shows can perpetuate the
symptoms of certain conditions or diseases. For example, if someone is under chronic stress, it can
worsen symptoms of conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
4.Protective factors:
Social support: Having a strong network of social support can protect against the development or worsen
of certain conditions or diseases. For example, having a supportive family or friends can improve
symptoms of conditions like depression or anxiety.
Positive thoughts and beliefs: Having positive thoughts and beliefs about oneself or one’s condition can
protect against the development or worsen of certain conditions or diseases. For example, having a
positive self-image or believing in the effectiveness of treatment can improve symptoms of conditions
like depression or anxiety.
Healthy lifestyle choices: Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet,
can protect against the development or worsen of certain conditions or diseases. 4ps psychology
research shows maintaining a healthy weight and getting regular exercise can protect against the
development of conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Stress management: Effective stress management can protect against the development or worsen of
certain conditions or diseases. For example, practicing stress-reducing techniques such as mindfulness or
yoga can protect against the development of conditions like high blood pressure or heart disease.
THE CAUSES OF ABNORMALITY
1)Biological factors:
a. Genetic vulnerabilities
Genes are the carriers of the information that we inherit from our parents. Genes don’t fully determine
whether a person develops a mental disorder; however, there is substantial evidence that most mental
disorders show at least some genetic influence.Some of these genetic influences, such as broad
temperamental features, are first apparent in newborns and children. For example, some children are
just naturally more shy or anxious, whereas others are more outgoing. However, some genetic sources of
vulnerability do not manifest themselves until adolescence or adulthood, when most mental disorders
appear for the first time.
Research in developmental genetics has shown that abnormalities in the structure or number of
chromosomes can be associated with major defects or disorders.
Example:Down syndrome[intellectual disability]
Research in developmental genetics has shown that abnormalities in the structure or number of
chromosomes can be associated with major defects or disorders.
b. Brain Dysfunction and Neural Plasticity
Specific brain lesions with observable defects in brain tissue are rarely a primary cause of psychiatric
disorders.
There is considerable neural plasticity—flexibility of the brain in making changes in organization and
function in response to pre- and postnatal experiences, stress, diet,disease, drugs, maturation, and so
forth. Existing neural circuits can be modified, or new neural circuits can be generated. The effects can
be either beneficial or detrimental to the individual, depending on the circumstances.
c. Imbalances of Neurotransmitters and Hormones
In order for the brain to function adequately, neurons, or nerve cells, must communicate effectively with
one another. This communication is done through the transmission of electrical nerve impulses.
Sometimes psychological stress can bring on neurotransmitter imbalances.
These imbalances can be created in a variety of ways:
1.There may be excessive production and release of the neurotransmitter substance into the synapses,
causing a functional excess in levels of that neurotransmitter.
2. There may be dysfunctions in the normal processes by which neurotransmitters, once released into
the synapse, are deactivated.
3. there may be problems with the receptors in the postsynaptic neuron, which may be either
abnormally sensitive or abnormally insensitive.
Example:Depression-low levels of serotonin
2)Psychological factors:
The psychological causes of abnormality refer to mental and emotional factors that can lead to atypical
behavior or mental health issues.
Cognitive Factors:
• Maladaptive Thought Patterns: Dysfunctional thinking, such as negative self-beliefs,
overgeneralization, and catastrophizing, can contribute to disorders like depression and anxiety.
• Cognitive Distortions: Errors in thinking that lead to emotional distress, such as all-or-nothing
thinking and personalization.
Behavioral Factors:
• Learned Behaviors: Abnormal behaviors can be learned through conditioning (classical or
operant) and maintained through reinforcement.
• Modeling: Observing and imitating dysfunctional behavior seen in others, particularly during
childhood.
Emotional Factors:
• Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty managing emotions can lead to disorders such as borderline
personality disorder and mood disorders.
• Trauma and Stress: Experiencing significant stress or trauma can lead to post-traumatic stress
disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety-related disorders.
Developmental Factors:
• Attachment Issues: Insecure or disorganized attachment styles in early childhood can lead to
difficulties in relationships and emotional regulation later in life.
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Experiencing neglect, abuse, or household dysfunction
can impact mental health development.
3)Socio-cultural factors:
Socioeconomic Status (SES):
• Poverty and Economic Stress: Low socioeconomic status can lead to stress, lack of access to
resources, and increased risk of mental health problems.
Example:Antisocial personality disorder
• Access to Healthcare: SES affects access to mental health care, with those in lower SES brackets
often facing barriers to treatment.
Maladaptive Peer Relationships
Learning how to navigate the world as a child can be a difficult and confusing task. Learning how to
successfully navigate relationships with your peers can be even harder. Many children and
adolescents are able to develop healthy and adaptive peer relationships with no major disruptions.
However, some will experience different types of problems, such as becoming a bully or the victim of
some form of intentional exclusion or aggression. Unfortunately, such problems in peer relationships
are associated with an increased risk of psychological disorders.
Marital Discord and Divorce
Disturbed parent–child patterns such as parental rejection are rarely found in severe form unless the
total familial context is also abnormal. Thus, disturbed family structure is an overarching risk factor
that increases an individual’s vulnerability to particular stressors.
Effects of Divorce on Parents- Unhappy marriages are difficult, but ending a marital relationship can
also be enormously stressful for the adults, both mentally and physically. The negative effects are
often temporary, with most people being able to adapt constructively within 2 to 3 years, but some
adults never fully recover.
Effects of Divorce on Children-Divorce can have traumatic effects on children, too. Feelings of
insecurity and rejection may be aggravated by conflicting loyalties. Delinquency and a wide range of
other psychological problems such as anxiety and depression are much more frequent among
children and adolescents from divorced families than among those from intact families.
Social Support Systems:
• Family Dynamics: Supportive family environments can protect against mental health issues,
while dysfunctional family relationships can contribute to them.
• Community Support: The presence or absence of community networks and social connections
can influence mental health, affecting feelings of isolation or belonging.
Cultural Norms and Values:
• Definition of Normalcy: Different cultures have varying beliefs about what constitutes normal or
abnormal behavior, which can influence how mental health issues are perceived and treated.
• Stigma and Taboos: Cultural attitudes toward mental illness can lead to stigma, affecting
individuals' willingness to seek help and the availability of support.
