Biological Influences

Section 1: Understanding Biological Influences

  • Biological influences refer to the impact of physical factors on health-related behaviours and conditions.
  • This approach is underpinned by biomedical model of health, which suggests that illnesses can be explained in terms of bodily systems or functions.
  • Biological factors can include genetics, neurochemistry, and physiology. Physical illnesses or disabilities can also play a big part in influencing health and well-being.

Section 2: Role of Genetics

  • Genetic predisposition for certain conditions, like diabetes, cancer or mental health disorders can have an impact on an individual’s health.
  • Heritability estimates indicate the proportion of variability in a trait across a population that is due to genetic factors.
  • It is important to remember, however, that just because there is a genetic predisposition for a certain condition does not mean that the condition will necessarily develop. Environment and lifestyle choices often play a significant role as well.

Section 3: Neurochemistry and Health

  • Neurochemicals or neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, can significantly impact mental health.
  • Imbalances in these neurochemical levels can lead to a range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia.
  • A lot of medication, e.g. antidepressants, look to balance these neurochemical levels in order to resolve or ease health issues.

Section 4: Biological Basis of Behaviour

  • The structure and function of brain is central to our understanding of biologically-driven behaviour.
  • For instance, the hypothalamus regulates many behaviours related to survival, such as eating and drinking.
  • Damage to certain areas of the brain can also affect behaviour and personality. This is seen with cases such as Phineas Gage, whose personality seemed to change after a brain injury.

Section 5: Physiology and Health

  • Biological rhythms like circadian rhythms (24-hour cycles) can influence our health, including our sleeping patterns and performance throughout the day.
  • The immune system is the body’s biological defence against infectious organisms and other invaders. Underactivity or overactivity of the immune system can lead to various health conditions.
  • Homeostasis, body’s ability to maintain a steady internal state, directly impacts an individual’s health. Disruptions in homeostasis can lead to health problems.