Biopsychosocial approaches and evolutionary theory as aids to integration in clinical psychology and psychotherapy

Journal/Book: Clin Psychol Psychother. 1995; 2: Baffins Lane, Chichester, W Sussex, England PO19 1UD. John Wiley & Sons Ltd. 135-156.

Abstract: This paper explores the problem of fragmentation in clinical psychology. It is suggested that this is due to the nature of clinical psychology with its multitude of different concerns, ranging from the cultural to the physiological. To help us become more integrative we could more formally adopt the biopsychosocial approach which explicitly asks the clinician and theorist to focus on the interactions between various levels. This paper also argues that the biopsychosocial approach could be informed by evolutionary theory because this theory provides possible explanations of why certain developmental and social contexts can so powerfully impact on physiology. An evolutionary psychology relevant to clinical psychology can focus on the archetypal nature of human experience, be helpful in exploring therapeutic issues, and avoid some of the reductionist aspects of sociobiology.

Note: Review P Gilbert, Kingsway Hosp, Dept Clin Psychol, Derby, England

Keyword(s): BORDERLINE PERSONALITY-DISORDER; BEHAVIORAL-SCIENCES; WILD BABOONS; DEPRESSION; LIFE; PSYCHIATRY; ATTACHMENT; EMOTION; STRESS; BRAIN

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