2.2 Outline the key features of different models of mental health problems

This guide will help you answer 2.2 Outline the key features of different models of mental health problems.

People use different models to explain and work with mental health problems. These models shape how care is planned and delivered. Each model has its own features and ways of describing why people experience mental health issues. Understanding these helps care workers choose their approach, communicate with others, and support people effectively.

The Medical Model

The medical model is widely used in healthcare. It treats mental health problems like physical illnesses. Professionals view symptoms as signs of illness or disorder.

Key features include:

• Focus on biological or physical causes
• Diagnosis is based on symptoms and test results
• Treatments may include medication, hospital care, or physical therapies
• Aim is to lessen or remove symptoms

In this model, mental health problems are seen as arising from changes in the brain. These can result from genetics, chemical imbalances or physical injury. Doctors use labels (like depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders) to classify conditions.

Care workers following this model may:

• Encourage people to take prescribed medication
• Help clients attend medical appointments
• Monitor side effects of treatment

Some people find this approach helpful because it takes their problems seriously and focuses on cure or control. Others find it too focused on diagnosis and not personal enough.

The Social Model

The social model says mental health problems are shaped by society, not just biology. It points to how social conditions, relationships and environment affect wellbeing.

Key features include:

• Focus on social causes such as isolation, poverty, discrimination or trauma
• Less focus on diagnosis or medical treatment
• Main aim is to remove barriers and improve social conditions

Support may include:

• Helping the person access housing, work, and education
• Tackling bullying, prejudice, or stigma
• Supporting people to build strong social networks

This model values lived experience and service user input. It encourages workers to challenge unfair social structures. Support is about empowerment and removing obstacles.

Some people prefer this model, as it focuses on the whole person and their social world, rather than only treating symptoms.

The Psychological Model

The psychological model is based on how people think, feel, and behave. It is interested in thoughts, feelings and behaviour patterns.

Key features include:

• Mental health problems linked to negative thinking, trauma or learned behaviour
• Causes are seen as emotional or psychological, rather than just physical
• Focus on talk-based interventions

Support often involves:

• Counselling or therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Exploring early experiences and how they affect current wellbeing
• Teaching coping and problem-solving skills

This model encourages people to gain insight into their mental health. It supports people to learn new behaviours and challenge unhelpful thought patterns.

Care workers may:

• Encourage people to talk about thoughts and feelings
• Provide information about therapies
• Motivate people to attend support groups or therapy sessions

Some individuals find talking treatments helpful for understanding and managing mood or behaviour. Others may need more practical or medical support.

The Biopsychosocial Model

The biopsychosocial model combines features from the medical, psychological and social models. It says mental health problems result from a mix of physical, emotional, and social factors.

Key features include:

• Mental health is complex, and one cause is not enough to explain all problems
• Recognises links between body, mind, and environment
• Treatment plans draw on medical, psychological, and social support

Support using this model may cover:

• Medication, if there is a biological aspect
• Therapy or counselling, for emotional support
• Help with housing, work, or finances
• Support from family or peer networks

Workers using this approach look for a balance. They may use more than one type of support at the same time.

The biopsychosocial model is popular in modern health and social care. It helps professionals see the person as a whole, not just as an illness or diagnosis.

The Recovery Model

The recovery model focuses on the person’s own experience and views recovery as a personal journey, not an end point. It values hope, choice and participation.

Key features include:

• Mental health recovery is possible, even if symptoms return
• The person leads their recovery with support from others
• Recovery is individual and unique to each person

Support includes:

• Creating care plans with the individual, not just for them
• Encouraging independence and self-determination
• Building on strengths, not only fixing weaknesses
• Supporting access to community resources

Recovery does not always mean cure. It focuses on helping people find meaning, build relationships, and take control of their lives. Staff play a role as partners, not experts who ‘fix’ the individual.

The Holistic Model

The holistic model takes account of all parts of the person’s life—body, mind, environment, values and culture.

Key features include:

• Looks at physical health, mental wellbeing, social factors, and spirituality
• Recognises the importance of family, culture, and life events
• Seeks to balance all these influences for good mental health

Support in a holistic model might be:

• Support for physical health, such as healthy eating and exercise
• Mediation, spiritual support, or cultural activities
• Family involvement in care if the person wants it

Care staff may need to work with other professionals to meet different needs. The aim is to build overall wellbeing, not just remove symptoms.

The Psychodynamic Model

The psychodynamic model is based on ideas from early psychology, especially the work of Sigmund Freud. It focuses on unconscious thoughts and past experiences.

Key features include:

• Problems are linked to buried emotions, early childhood events, or family relationships
• These may shape adult feelings and behaviour in ways the person does not realise
• Uses talk therapy to uncover these hidden patterns

Support involves:

• Exploring early memories and childhood relationships
• Working through past trauma with a therapist
• Developing insight into unconscious feelings or fears

This model can take time. It is usually led by a skilled therapist. Some people find it helpful to understand deep-seated problems. Others may prefer practical or short-term support.

The Behavioural Model

The behavioural model says that behaviour (not thoughts or feelings) is the root of mental health issues. It is based on the science of learning.

Key features include:

• Problem behaviour has been learned, often by accident
• People can learn new behaviour patterns to replace unhelpful ones
• No need to look for unconscious reasons or deep meanings

Support focuses on:

• Teaching new skills through practice and repetition
• Using rewards or consequences to encourage healthy behaviour
• Often used to help with phobias, anxiety or some addictions

Care staff may support people to apply what they learn in therapy to real life. This can include graded exposure (facing fears step by step) or social skill training.

The Humanistic Model

The humanistic model puts personal growth and self-acceptance at the centre. It believes each person has the power to make positive changes.

Key features include:

• Focus on self-esteem, choice, and personal responsibility
• Sees people as capable of growth and self-knowledge
• Aims to help people reach their full potential

Support in this model may involve:

• Non-judgemental listening from staff
• Encouraging people to set their own goals
• Focusing on strengths and achievements

This model can help people who feel stuck or lack confidence. It relies on positive relationships between care workers and service users.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Each Model

Each model has value and limits. Some focus more on symptoms, others on life experiences. The most effective support often mixes ideas.

Strengths:

• Medical model gives access to quick treatment and helps when there is a biological issue
• Social model draws attention to discrimination and unfair treatment
• Psychological model helps people make sense of thoughts and feelings
• Biopsychosocial model combines all aspects and values the person as a whole
• Recovery model highlights hope and personal control
• Holistic model respects diversity, family, and culture
• Psychodynamic model uncovers hidden problems
• Behavioural model is practical for changing behaviour
• Humanistic model supports self-worth and empowerment

Weaknesses:

• Medical model may ignore personal, social, or emotional needs
• Social model can downplay biological or medical problems
• Psychological model may not suit those who dislike talking therapies
• Biopsychosocial model can be complex to plan and coordinate
• Recovery model requires a lot of personal commitment and can be hard with severe illness
• Holistic model may be too broad for some services
• Psychodynamic model can be slow and is not always practical
• Behavioural model does not look at underlying reasons for behaviour
• Humanistic model relies on motivation and may lack structure for those who need direction

Choosing a Model in Practice

Care workers often follow their employer or local policies, but they may also use their judgement and knowledge about the person. In real life, many services use a blended approach.

Important considerations:

• Individual preference
• Needs and goals
• Age and stage of life
• Culture and background
• Type and severity of mental health problem
• Available resources
• Family involvement

Being flexible is key. Workers must respect people’s choices and explain the models that are used.

Final Thoughts

By knowing the main models, you can support people more effectively and put their needs at the centre of your care. Each person’s mental health is shaped by many factors, and support must respect these differences.