Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 67, Issue 6 , Pages 607-611, December 2009

Engel's biopsychosocial model is still relevant today

  • Rolf H. Adler

      Affiliations

    • Corresponding Author InformationLeiserenweg 4, 3122 Kehrsatz, Switzerland. Tel.: +41 31 961 54 96.

Medical School, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland

Received 6 March 2009; received in revised form 18 August 2009; accepted 18 August 2009.

Abstract 

In 1977, Engel published the seminal paper, “The Need for a New Medical Model: A Challenge for Biomedicine” [Science 196 (1977) 129–136]. He featured a biopsychosocial (BPS) model based on systems theory and on the hierarchical organization of organisms. In this essay, the model is extended by the introduction of semiotics and constructivism. Semiotics provides the language which allows to describe the relationships between the individual and his environment. Constructivism explains how an organism perceives his environment. The impact of the BPS model on research, medical education, and application in the practice of medicine is discussed.

Keywords: Biopsychosocial, Systems theory, Hierarchy, Semiotics, Constructivism

 

PII: S0022-3999(09)00331-6

doi:10.1016/j.jpsychores.2009.08.008

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
Volume 67, Issue 6 , Pages 607-611, December 2009

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution