Towards a Biopsychosocial–Spiritual Approach in Health Psychology: Exploring Theoretical Orientations and Future Directions

Abstract

The current status of the “biopsychosocial” model in health psychology is contested and arguably exists in a stage of infancy. Despite original goals, researchers have developed theoretical integrations across biopsychosocial domains only to a limited extent. In addition, the marginalization of “spirituality” in contemporary biopsychosocial health perspectives is questionable. This article addresses these issues by providing evidence that supports the inclusion of spirituality within current perspectives while at the same time discussing implications this inclusion bears on the concept of health. Overall, a biopsychosocial–spiritual or “holistic” perspective is advanced for use within health psychology, provided it can be approached from a multilevel integrative analysis. In the end, some clinical implications are discussed.

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