Interaction between Bio-Psycho-Social Dimensions
The biophysical, psychological and social dimensions of development are all linked with human behavior because each one is significant to provide strong foundation of human development in the social environment. These dimensions of development constitute a system of bio-psycho-social functioning in which each system interacts with other systems constantly for assessing the human behavior. Along with this, biophysical, psychological and social dimensions of human development are also connected with a multidimensional framework that is generally used by the social workers to integrate knowledge and theories of human development (Waddell & Burton, 2004). But, each of the dimensions provides different outlook on problems related to social functioning because of their different and unique characteristics. Biophysical dimension or perspective is used to assess physical functioning concerns, while social dimension is used to social functioning concerns in human development (Ashford, LeCroy & Lortie, 2009).
All these dimensions of development are used jointly to develop a bio-psycho-social model in order to provide a holistic approach to healthcare for improving treatment. It is known that each dimension is distinct, operates independently and requires different inventions, but there is no clear separation among them (Palmer, Brown & Hobson, 2013). It indicates that these dimensions of development are closely connected or interacted with each other in a multidimensional model to assess human behavior. Additionally, biophysical, psychological and social dimensions also interact with each other to examine mental illness, sickens and disability as well as interaction between person and their social context for assessing the human behavior (Hatala, 2012).
The following figure shows the interrelationship and interaction between bio-psycho-social dimensions of human behavior and development:
(Source: Waddell & Burton, 2004).
Human Diversity
Human diversity is referred as a difference among people that makes a significant effect on society. The concept of human diversity describes that people are different from each other in terms of biological, social and cultural factors. It is also defined as the ranges of differences between people in terms of age, gender, race, religion, values, geographic, social class, ethnicity, nationality etc. (Ashman, 2010). Human diversity covers an important issue that plays significant role in social environment due to its impact on human development. Along with this, the concept of human diversity encompasses acceptance and respect dimensions of different biological, social and cultural factors (Elizabeth, 2011).
Cultural Competence
The concept of cultural competence represents a set of congruent behaviors, policies, practices and attitudes that come together to form a system in which cross-cultural groups work effectively. It is the process of developing proficiency among individuals or groups in order to effectively respond in a cross-cultural situation. Cultural competence is also termed as awareness of unique and important characteristics of different culture by valuing the cultural diversity, conducting a cultural self-assessment, managing dynamics of difference and acquiring cultural knowledge (Brach, 2000).
The main aim of cultural competence is to promote constructive interaction between individuals of different cultures, who are working in a group. It is an ongoing process that is helpful for an individual to understand values, attitudes, beliefs, principals and language of other cultures. It means, it is ability to serve a multicultural population in an organization or group (Dreachslin, Gilbert & Malone, 2012).
Connection between General Systems Theory and Social Order
There is a connection between general systems theory and social order because both are important elements of social science. Social order refers to a set of connected social structure and practices that keeps and enforces way of behaving in social environment. On the other hand, general systems theory is a conceptual tool or approach that can help to study, explain and understanding complex phenomenon and problems (Boulding, 2004). This theory is mainly focuses on system’s structure rather than system’s functions which are covered under social order. It means elements of social order are utilized in general systems theory for influencing the social work practices by employing systems approach to understand complex phenomenon of human behavior (Greene, 2011).
At the same time, the principles of general systems theory are also used to understand the social order of people within the society. It is because this theory is helpful to understand how individuals relate to each other in social structure and practices for their development. Along with this, general systems theory is also utilized to explore implications of social order on human social systems (Amagoh, 2008). All these things indicate connections between social order and general system theory, which are effective to understand complex social systems as well as to perform social work effectively.
Hatala, A.R. (2012). The Status of the “Biopsychosocial” Model in Health Psychology: Towards an Integrated Approach and a Critique of Cultural Conceptions. Open Journal of Medical Psychology, 1, 51-62.
Palmer, K.T., Brown, I & Hobson, J. (2013). Fitness for Work: The Medical Aspects (5th ed.). London: Oxford University Press.
Waddell, G & Burton, A.K. (2004). Concepts of Rehabilitation for the Management of Common Health Problems. USA: The Stationery Office