1.1. Summarise how social, biological and environmental factors influence behaviour

This guide will help you answer 1.1. Summarise how social, biological and environmental factors influence behaviour.

Human behaviour is complex and shaped by a variety of factors. These factors are often divided into social, biological, and environmental influences. Each plays a role and interacts with the others to impact how people think, feel, and act in different situations. Understanding these influences is important in health and social care, as it helps professionals provide effective support and care.

This guide will look at each factor and how it affects behaviour.

Biological Factors

Biological factors come from within the body. They include genetic inheritance, brain function, and hormonal activity. These factors can have significant effects on behaviour.

Genetics

Genes are passed from parents to children and carry information that influences traits such as eye colour, height, and, sometimes, behaviour. For example:

• People with a family history of mental health conditions like depression or schizophrenia may have a higher likelihood of developing these conditions themselves.
• Some individuals may inherit a predisposition to addictive behaviours, such as alcohol or drug use.

However, having a genetic predisposition does not guarantee a person will behave in a certain way. Environmental and social factors often interact with genetics to influence outcomes.

Brain Function

The brain is the control centre of the body and plays a major role in shaping behaviour. Damage to certain areas of the brain can lead to changes in how a person acts. For instance:

• Injuries to the frontal lobe, which controls decision-making and impulse control, may result in more reckless or aggressive behaviour.
• Neurodevelopmental conditions like autism or ADHD affect communication, focus, and social abilities.

Hormones and Neurotransmitters

Hormones are chemicals produced by glands in the body that regulate mood and behaviour. For example:

• High levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, can make a person feel anxious or on edge.
• Low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood, are associated with depression.

Neurochemical imbalances can also play a role in conditions like anxiety and bipolar disorder, influencing how people perceive and react to the world around them.

Social Factors

Social factors involve relationships, culture, and societal norms. They shape behaviour by influencing how people interact with others and view themselves within a community.

Family Influence

Family plays a key role in early development and behaviour.

• Positive family relationships can foster self-confidence and healthy coping mechanisms.
• On the other hand, childhood abuse, neglect, or inconsistent parenting can lead to behavioural problems later in life.

Children often model the behaviours they observe in their parents or siblings. For instance, if a parent is respectful and calm, children may adopt similar traits.

Peer Groups

As individuals grow older, friends and social groups become a larger influence.

• Peer pressure can lead to risky behaviours, such as smoking or trying drugs, especially among teenagers.
• However, having supportive friends can encourage healthy habits, like exercising or studying.

Social relationships provide a sense of belonging and influence decision-making. Positive relationships tend to boost self-esteem, while toxic ones may lead to negative behaviours.

Cultural Norms and Expectations

The culture in which someone lives strongly affects their behaviour.

• Cultural norms dictate what is acceptable or unacceptable in terms of dress, speech, and actions.
• For example, women may be discouraged from pursuing education or careers in some cultures, influencing their confidence and future opportunities.

Cultural differences in values and practices can lead to misunderstandings or conflict, affecting how individuals behave in diverse settings.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors relate to the world around a person. Both physical surroundings and socioeconomic circumstances fall into this category.

Physical Environment

The physical setting can have a direct impact on how people behave.

• Living in a noisy, overcrowded area might cause stress and irritability.
• Natural surroundings, like parks or beaches, can soothe and support relaxation.

Lack of access to clean water or adequate housing can lead to frustration, poor health, and risky behaviour like substance abuse. Similarly, extreme climates can discourage outdoor activities, affecting physical and mental well-being.

Socioeconomic Status (SES)

A person’s socioeconomic status refers to their level of wealth, education, and social standing. SES has a profound influence on opportunities and behaviours.

• Poverty often limits access to medical care, nutritious food, and good education. These challenges can lead to long-term health issues, low confidence, or even criminal behaviour.
• People with higher SES often have better coping mechanisms and are less exposed to stressful environments.

Money struggles can increase anxiety, which may influence unhealthy coping mechanisms, like overeating or smoking.

Education and Access to Resources

Education provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for decision-making.

• Lack of education can lead to poor choices, such as unsafe sexual practices or ignoring warnings about health risks.
• Access to helpful resources, like counsellors or fitness facilities, promotes proactive behaviours, such as seeking therapy or exercising.

Communities with limited resources often see higher rates of mental health issues and risky behaviour.

Interplay Between Factors

Social, biological, and environmental factors rarely act in isolation. They interact in complicated ways to shape behaviour. For instance:

• A person with a genetic predisposition to depression may live in poverty, which heightens stress and triggers the condition.
• An individual raised in a loving family with access to good schools may overcome biological vulnerabilities, such as ADHD, with effective support.

Understanding these interactions helps health and social care workers provide tailored support. For example, addressing both an individual’s environment and their biological needs can lead to better health outcomes.

Practical Applications in Health and Social Care

By understanding how these factors influence behaviour, workers can adapt their approaches to suit the needs of individuals they support.

• A child displaying challenging behaviour may need an assessment of both their home life and potential biological conditions, like ADHD.
• An adult dealing with addiction could benefit from strategies that address genetic predisposition, stress from their environment, and unhealthy relationships that sustain the habit.

Professionals need to take a person-centred approach. This means recognising the different factors affecting each individual and working collaboratively with them to find solutions that meet their unique needs.

Conclusion

Social, biological, and environmental factors all contribute to behaviour. While each plays a distinct role, their interactions are key to understanding why people behave the way they do. For those working in health and social care, grasping these factors allows for more effective and compassionate care.